When working with art in coaching, I find that most of the images created by coachees are abstract pieces of work where the colour, textures, mediums and marks made become the language that allows the hidden to come through. It is therefore important for us to feel confident and comfortable using the language of the image making process. This is the language of art. It is being able to ask questions about the marks being made, the energy behind them, the choice of colour and mediums made. The explorations that these sorts of questions allow gives space for the deeper more hidden meanings to emerge.
In this example, the use of the dark charcoal in contrast to watercolour paint enabled this person to start talking safely about differences and conflicts they were feeling, but not fully conscious of, in a particular situation.
