Branches and Crosses

I developed my Branches and Crosses series as a mindful art technique to be used in my art therapy groups. It begins with an ink structure of branches and crosses, with random watercolor washes over the top.

Mindfulness-based art practices seem to either be too structured to allow creativity to flourish (e.g., coloring a pre-made pattern) or so unstructured that it creates paralysis in people who do not consider themselves creative (e.g., “draw whatever you feel”). Branches and Crosses provides just enough structure so that a person knows what to do, but allows an infinite number of variations.

I do my own abstract paintings as part of my own mindfulness practice and I sell them at lower prices relative to my other work.