5 Mould it
13
Who does not like the feeling of moulding and forming clay? That lovely pressure and tension of application and release. Working with clay is one of the most satisfying processes: squeezing, shaping, rolling and shaping. A good quality plasticine will have a similar effect and travels easily. It is also a bit like the never-ending gobstopper in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – it won’t dry up, it’s the sensation that just keeps giving. Stage 1: Begin by warming the clay/plasticine up, just gently rolling it between your palms. Keep the motion even, gentle and repetitive. The word gentle is implicit here, if you smack the plasticine around or are too aggressive with it you will destroy its elasticity and defeat the purpose. If this is all you have time for that is enough! The action itself will be calming and help you concentrate and focus.
If you have more time begin to make things you can recall frommemory or even your drawings from the previous two tasks. These should be familiar shapes, some literal and some more abstract. Below is a list of starting points but these are interchangeable and completely flexible. Take shapes, line and forms from your ‘Map my mind’ • Cat/mouse/dog/elephant • Lion/sheep/cow
• Coiled snake • Snowperson
• Pinecone • Fat baby
Stage 2: Once you have made the shapes you can use a pen, toothpick or another useful everyday tool to add detail, in particular patterns. Repeat patterns can be calming and help focus the mind. Alternatively, you can apply colour and texture with tissue paper and PVA glue watered down or a little wallpaper paste. Use a soft paint brush to apply the glue and gently apply each piece, build the layers up gradually.
Being creative keeps you well
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