Permission to receive sensory experiences with soft pastels
Aug 20, 2024
Do you remember playing with chalk as a child?
It wasn’t just played, though, was it? We had real blackboards with real chalk for classroom learning back then.
When was the last time you held chalk and experienced its unique sensory offering? Soft pastels are similar to the chalk we used in those young years.
I have dabbled with this material over the years and most often use it to add texture to acrylic backgrounds.
It goes on rough, heavy and dirty, but you can blend and layer easily with pastels. This week I had a sudden urge to play with pastels and give myself permission to experience their chalky, messy delicate pigment, just because I can.
Pastels are not my favourite medium; I find them clumsy and stubborn, but nonetheless, a beautiful reminder that our senses and sensory preferences play a huge part in our creative experience.
Take care, Sam x
Sam Horton is a professional artist, passionate about the links between art, creativity and well-being.
Learn more about Holistic art practices for well-being
Sam's Art Studio and Studio Shop are based in Australia on the Sunshine Coast.
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