Featured Artist: Lucas
By Cassandra Lacroix, AMFT, ATR-P Sumana Dugar, PCC Trainee
When Lucas looks back at his artwork he talks about how he can see growth, resilience, and his artistic capabilities evolve throughout the five months of his hospital stay. Thinking back, he realized, “at first I created a little art, but as my artistic interests grew, I became ignited and productive.” Further adding, “Listening to classical music every time I created art, allowed me to focus, and art therapy gave me motivation to be stronger.” Lucas describes his art making experience as “an exhilarating, activity that brightened my days at the hospital!” When recalling collaborative sessions with both his occupational and art therapists, Lucas remembers “art therapy increased my self-awareness during rehab sessions, giving me strength and motivation to participate more actively.”
Continue reading for more direct quotes from our featured artist!
“ Comfortably Looking at the Sun ’’
(Sand Mandala)
“Looking at the piece I am reminded of finger movement and spreading. When we did the Sand Mandala, that was my lowest point, it helped me relax. This piece reminds me of how far I have come. It drives me to be better than yesterday. My artwork is inspired by mom’s philosophy—”Don’t compete with other people, just compete with yesterday’s self."
“ Hypnotized, Mix of Color Exploration ’’
(Marble Painting)
“It was interesting to see all the colors mix together. It was relaxing to swirl the paint and dip paper in water. Having the colors float and twirl was hypnotic! When I dipped the paper in the water it allowed me to take a break from making choices and made me excited to see the outcomes. It was so fun to be able to make multiple pieces because they all had different results. When doing these pieces, I learned to JUST BE WHO I AM!!”
“ Full of water, texture, circles, and squares ’’
(Drip painting)
“I enjoyed covering the shapes with tissue and did some problem solving when the paper would rip: I think this is similar to what can happen in life—you just have to go on.” He concludes, “I enjoyed the process of making this art piece, it was relaxing and calming to create.
“ Two and a half months of fun, relaxed, and exhilarating Art Therapy sessions! ”
