Jena's Drawing Lab
Drawing Beyond the Words
In the past ten years, due to my long-term depression, the deterioration of my language ability and the loss of memory have become the most troubling among many difficulties. In addition to seeking professional help, I kept a diary (drawings and simple words) to help me enhance my awareness and memory of small things in life. It was this incident that made me realize the great healing that simple painting can contain. In November 2023, I tried for the first time to invite the public to participate in the form of a workshop and experience my way of painting.
These workshops offer an opportunity to express emotions and remember life experiences by experimenting with a diverse range of artistic mediums. Through this exploration, participants can gain a deeper understanding of the various avenues of expression available to them, notably choosing painting as a powerful alternative to verbal communication.
In my early works of painting, I consciously favored visual language over text to convey profound family memories and intense emotions. This approach allowed me to deeply explore the power of visual language and highlight its unique ability to express complex and heartfelt personal narratives.
I sincerely invite people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in my workshops. In these sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to experiment with various artistic mediums to express their emotions, memories, and life experiences. Through this exploration, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the numerous expressive options available to them, particularly using painting as a powerful alternative to verbal communication.
Those who attend these workshops will be able to connect with their own emotions and personal stories, discovering new and transformative ways to express and share their unique narratives, and reinforcing ideas that sometimes cannot be fully expressed through words.
01
Drawing or writing
Using visual communication instead of verbal language reduces barriers between different languages across diverse cultural backgrounds. It also benefits those who are adept at expressing their intentions through visual language.
02
Focus on simple elements
For example, in semiotics, a simple image or word can carry a wealth of connotations. Therefore, we should create art using basic lines and blocks of color to make it more accessible and comprehensible to a wider audience, instead of unnecessarily shrouding it in mystery. (Referencing the House-Tree-Person test)
03
Art as therapy
This plays a crucial role in the artist's exploration of art therapy—her personal diary. By maintaining a simple log of her daily experiences, this helps her gain a deeper understanding of life and enhances her memory.
Gallery
