Pittwater Life July 2024 Issue

wer of art
“I used to be in the corporate
world and then studied art at
around 40,” explains Philippa.
“I then did a Masters degree in
Art Therapy.
“When I was studying art I
began to look at my own experience
and things I’ve been
through, including post-natal
depression. As I looked at
recovering through the lens of
art, it gave me a new perspective.
“Art is a way that people can
express themselves and externalise
their experience without
using words. By putting their
thoughts and feelings into art
it’s really helpful and supportive.”
Philippa has worked with art
therapy in hospitals as well as
working with individuals from
all walks of life.
She now offers sessions at
Avalon Creative Space once a
week, as well as a session once
a month at Bassett Street in
Mona Vale.
“We have small groups at
Avalon of between two and
10 people,” says Philippa. “It’s
then more of a contained experience
and better to connect
with each other.
“It’s different to an art class,”
says Philippa. “It’s more a process
of exploring the materials
and space to make art for it’s
own sake. Anything from paint
to collage, to drawing to fabric
to clay. It’s up to people what
they want to do on the day.
“Everyone has creativity in
them – where you’re making
something that didn’t exist before.
It’s really just being open
to it and having the world open
up as a result.”
The two-hour class costs
$40 and includes refreshments.
– Rob Pegley
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2024 49