Art in Therapy

Zen Buddhism
has a long history of using painting to cultivate attention and awareness. In my own work as an artist, I have found that art making can be used to foster insight. I have developed many exercises with this in mind and sometimes hold retreats using art as a medium of self-inquiry.

I am pleased to offer my students and clients the opportunity to work with their hands in my studio with this in mind. I invite you to inquire if you are interested.

If you would like to be notified about upcoming open studio days, please add your name to my newsletter list on my art website which can be found here: leslieihde.com

Types of Clay Work

I encourage hand building. This includes making pinch pots, sculpting, creating planters and sculptural wall tiles. Sometimes people are interested in working on the wheel but I find that this detracts from the main purpose of the session. Although I have taught pottery in the past, these sessions are not thinly veiled pottery lessons. Our effort is self discovery and the work with our hands is another way to discover ourselves. In this way our art work resembles our dreams. We seek what is revealed in the process, the imagery and the associations our art work suggests.

Expenses

A $25 surcharge per session is required for materials and associated tasks. This fee also helps maintain the studio. Like your co-pay, when you have one, it will be paid at the time of the session.

Objects and Space

In our work clarity of physical space supports clarity of mind. With that in mind, I am requesting that you transport your work home with you at all times unless it is ready to be fired. Please bring a simple plastic tub with a lid (and a handle if you prefer) so that you can store and transport your work. This will also be the place where you can keep your personal tools, or any found items that you would like to use to texturize your work.

Resources

Paul Berensohn's classic book, Finding One's Way With Clay, Pinched Pottery and the Color of Clay has been an inspiration to my work. I recommend it to everyone interested in integrating clay and self-seeing.

hand formed pottery

raku fired inch pot
with glass frit

raku hand built pot
with glass base

wall tile

unfired clay form