“Since art therapy activates the imagination and allows it to materialise .. therapy by means of the arts must take precedence over all other kinds… Only imagination can release us from obsession..” James Hillman
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct..” C G Jung
Imagination and Inspiration
With a basic knowledge of Jung, Hillman and others, we explore various theories of creativity and consciousness, the development of imagination, the construction of memory and the evolution of identity.
The emphasis is on applying these ideas to creative activity. The journey is to explore, find and give expression to our images, especially as these arrive in our field of awareness as thoughts, insights and understandings and in our bodies in the form of emotions. Applying specific techniques to graphic design and painting, we might also utilise sculpture, sound, bodywork. dance and poetry as we deepen our experience of the movement of images from the unconscious to the conscious.
In this way, we are able to unlock and carefully observe the entire creative process – from initial inspiration, through its flow through numerous channels within us, to final physical manifestation.
There is direct value to paying attention to the images of the soul. ”Self forgiveness, self-acceptance, self-love.. The inner world not only begins more and more to take care of itself, producing crises and resolving them within its own transformation, but also takes care of you”. (Hillman) Through the work of imagination we come to know what it means to live a life of soul.
5 days. Knysna. Residential. Entry Requirements. Preparation. Homework.