Introduction of Sensory Emotion Sculpture Project:
Discover the transformative potential of the Sensory Emotion Sculpture project—a groundbreaking therapeutic approach that merges the realms of art therapy and occupational therapy. By harnessing the power of artistic expression and sensory exploration, this innovative project invites participants to create three-dimensional representations of their emotions and feelings using beeswax as a sculpting medium. Join us as we delve deeper into the intersection of art therapy and occupational therapy, exploring how this unique blend of practices offers a pathway for personal growth and healing.
Art Therapy and Occupational Therapy (OT):
As a young graduate student, I had never thought much of OT, especially the overlap with art therapy until I met my girlfriend, now my fiancee, who was studying to become an OT. Now as we both work professionally, myself as an art therapist and Erica as a school occupational therapist I see the intersection of the fields firsthand. Art therapy and occupational therapy intersect in their focus on facilitating self-expression and enhancing fine motor skills, particularly evident in clinicians working with children where activities like painting or sculpting can serve both therapeutic and developmental purposes. By incorporating creative mediums into occupational therapy sessions, clinicians can address psychological needs while also promoting functional independence and sensory integration in young clients. Using beeswax as a modeling tool is unique in the way that it holds its shape when cool and warm by touch, providing a tactile experience that engages both sensory and motor skills simultaneously. Moreover, the collaborative approach between art therapy and occupational therapy allows for holistic treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of each child, fostering a supportive environment where creativity becomes a powerful tool for growth and healing
As an art therapist, I am always searching for new activities to use with my clients. While scrolling on TikTok as we all do, I found a Waldorf teacher (@ms.r0sy on Tiktok) who shared their student's beeswax sculptures. Now I had no idea what a Waldorf teacher was or the history of this but I saw a tool that was eco-friendly, new, and unique so I began my research on this new material to broaden my horizons and possibly add this new material to my therapeutic toolbox. I asked myself, how do Waldorf teachers use beeswax in their classrooms? I'll share the poem and story that I found during my research. Please cite the authors appropriately if you use these as well.
A Beeswax Story by Louise deForest - a co-founder of a waldorf school in Vermont
The wind sweeps all throughout the world, over deserts and mountains, jungles and oceans. As it travels, it gathers stories from all the different lands. The leaves of the trees catch these stories as the wind rustles through the leaves and drops them down to the flowers, who save those stories for the bees because bees love stories.
When the bees come to gather the pollen, they also gather up the stories brought by the wind, held by the leaves of the trees and dropped into the flowers' open cups. As the bees make the walls of their babies' rooms out of beeswax, they put the stories into the walls, as well so their babies will know something about the world. The bees know that all human beings like stories too. So in your beeswax, you will find a story that has been put there just for you. But you will only find the story if you let the good sun shine through.
(Cited from https://www.cedarwoodschool.org/buttercup/modeling)
A poem by Susan Bruck - a waldorf teacher and artist
When golden summer sun shines bright,
The stripey honeybee takes flight
Through field and forest, flower to home,
Gathering nectar for honeycomb.
As in our hands the wax we warm,
We give thanks to the honeybee swarm,
To the warm summer sun, to flower and grove,
As we shape this wax with strength and love.
Sensory Emotion Sculpture Project:
To incorporate this new material into your therapy sessions, into your classroom, or just use it to be creative or destress for yourself start by gathering the materials listed below and utilize the script I created for this project.
Materials Needed:
Waldorf beeswax (assorted colors)
I found mine on Amazon here
Work surface or disposable table cover
Self or client
Facilitator Script:
Begin by exploring the essence of the Sensory Emotion Sculpture project with a grounding exercise. Close your eyes, find a comfortable position, and take a deep breath in through your nose, counting to five, then hold for five, and exhale slowly through your mouth, also counting to five. Do this one more time, focusing on centering yourself and setting your intentions for today.
Now, as you open your eyes, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the beeswax you're holding. This Stockmar modeling beeswax, crafted from pure beeswax in Germany, serves as a versatile tool in various settings, including classrooms, therapeutic offices, and even personal spaces for fidgeting. Notice its firm texture, which softens and becomes malleable as you warm it with your hands. You might also catch a hint of honey scent as you engage with it.
As we embark on our creative journey, I invite you to tune into your emotions and let them guide your sculpting process. There's no right or wrong way to express yourself with the beeswax. For inspiration, I created two examples (image at the blog's beginning): one depicting a heart symbolizing love and support in personal relationships, and the other portraying a sailboat evoking cherished memories with family.
Perhaps today, you're drawn to create something fluid and gentle, reflecting feelings of comfort, or maybe you're inclined to sculpt something with sharp edges, representing inner turmoil or anxiety. Whatever you choose, allow your intuition to lead the way as we explore the therapeutic potential of beeswax sculpting.
While you immerse yourself in this tactile experience, read through the story and poem shared above and think about the profound impact of using beeswax as a therapeutic tool, illustrating its ability to facilitate emotional expression and healing.
Questions to inspire discussion:
How do you think the tactile experience of sculpting with beeswax can enhance emotional expression compared to other mediums?
Have you ever incorporated creative activities like sculpting into your therapy sessions or daily routine? If so, what benefits did you observe?
Can you share any personal experiences or insights related to the themes of self-expression and sensory integration discussed in the blog post?
What are your thoughts on the collaborative approach between art therapy and occupational therapy in addressing the diverse needs of clients, particularly children?
How do you believe the use of beeswax as a sculpting medium aligns with principles of eco-friendliness and sustainability in therapeutic practices?
Have you encountered any challenges or limitations when implementing creative interventions like the Sensory Emotion Sculpture project in therapy or educational settings?
In what ways do you think the stories and poems shared in the blog post contribute to the therapeutic process of working with beeswax sculptures?
Can you envision any variations or adaptations of the Sensory Emotion Sculpture project that could cater to specific populations or therapeutic goals?
How do you prioritize self-care and creativity in your own life, and do you see potential benefits in incorporating activities like beeswax sculpting for stress relief and relaxation?
What are your hopes or aspirations for the future of integrating art therapy and occupational therapy practices, particularly in promoting holistic well-being and healing for individuals of all ages?
The Sensory Emotion Sculpture project, enhanced by beeswax, provides a distinctive and sensory-rich way to merge art therapy and occupational therapy goals. Through the unique tactile experience of beeswax sculpting, clients can gain valuable insights into their emotions and develop practical strategies for emotional well-being in their daily lives. I encourage you to embark on your own sensory journey with the Sensory Emotion Sculpture project. Whether you're a therapist looking to enrich your practice, an educator seeking innovative ways to engage students, or simply someone curious about exploring emotions through art, give it a try and share your experiences with us. Feel free to repost this blog or leave a comment below to let us know how the activity resonated with you. Together, let's continue to explore the transformative power of creativity and self-expression in our lives.
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