Artist & Art Therapist- Alice Tidd
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your work as an art therapist.
As an art therapist I have been supporting children and their families in the reflection, expression of experiences and relational repair for more than 8 years. Working through a lens of trauma-informed and attachment theories, high importance is placed on safe relationships as the foundation for therapeutic change. I share passion about the role that art and the body play in healing and wellbeing. My work has predominantly has involved individual counselling with children under 13 years and facilitating art-based wellbeing groups for children and their families.
2. When did you get into painting? What does art making do for your own mental health?
Before my interest in painting sparked, I loved drawing. My first memory of drawing was copying pictures from my birthday cards- I would sit in my bedroom for hours and just draw- it was my safe place. I then moved onto jewellery making in my early teens, appreciating the element of intracity and control. As I explored more mediums in my early 20s I realised acrylic paint was where I felt the best to explore and create with bold colours and naïve shapes. Art is still my safe place- I oscillate between creating pieces for others, my commissions are more often landscapes, and I love capturing nature for others in a playful way. Being able to create is a lifeforce for me; it brings me passion, joy, freedom and challenge. I tend to be more expressive and less focused on ‘form’ when I make art for myself- I lean more into capturing somatic sensations on paper to increase my awareness and externalisation of my feelings. It is the most useful after a stressful day at work to release and contain. It has become a huge part of my self-care practice as a therapist. I am grateful to be able to use art in both ways- to connect with others, and myself.
3. I’ve noticed a theme of nature in your artwork. Do you often paint from reality or places in your imagination?
My paintings intersect abstraction, portrait, landscape and still life. I use acrylic paint to play with robust shapes, bold colours and clean lines, preferring to emit an almost 'child-like' and 'fictitious' quality.
I take inspiration from the children I work with and nature around me. My paintings are more ‘tapestry’ like- having a more abstract, unrealistic finish, I like to capture the feel and simplicity of surroundings through bright colours and bold lines, rather than a realistic portrayal.
4. What are some of the values you hold for your work as an art therapist?
As a person-centred and trauma-informed art therapist, the values I hold for my approach are deeply rooted in creating a safe and empowering therapeutic space, embedded in fostering autonomy, safety and trust, and self-expression.
5. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to try using paint as a medium?
Watch lots of videos, collect books to learn basic techniques, play, have fun and don’t fear mistakes!
6. How does your art therapy knowledge and practice influence your art making process?
Much like I encourage through counselling, I use art as a container; to hold internal experiences, to connect and bridge the inner and outer worlds. I feel most creative when I am painting instinctually, allowing the shapes and colours to take place and leaving a little room for curiosity. My knowledge of art materials and their therapeutic qualities often drive how I want to work with materials depending on what I need in that moment.
7. Are you planning to exhibit your artwork any time soon?
I am planning on exhibiting a series inspired by my recent visit to Italy earlier in the year. This will be exhibited in Wagga Wagga January 2024
8. Where can we find more images of your artwork? (social media )
You can find me on Instagram- @a_line_and_paper