I’m Ruby. In my art practice, I have recently begun creating pieces in response to specific emotions I was experiencing, specialising in mediums such as clay and texture paste. Physical handling and manipulation provide an opportunity to respond through movement

and release feelings. The hand and arm movements can express and expel moods and inner thoughts. The work is expressive, whilst creating the piece also. I believe physical involvement connects the artist with their body, fostering a sense of embodied creativity. this connection is an essential part of the art-making process, allowing the artist to connect their emotions to a release of healthy expression. The creation complimented by the physical

connection of the artist, goes beyond intellectual and verbal communication. I will never forget the experience and will cherish the universal understanding of art having such a positive impact on so many different people. This has particularly resonated with me, as it has been incredible to listen to discussions about how shocking, yet amazing the profound impact art has had on peoples’ lives. Through its expressive language, art speaks directly to the soul, bypassing the constraints of verbal communication, to help us to discover the deepest parts of ourselves. Throughout the sessions, we decided as a group to turn our values into poems and mantras. One line that particularly resonated with me from the poem was “where minds dance in a like-minded maze.” This beautiful line has stayed with me, as it talks about us as individuals connecting with a bond we have created, over the universal impact of art. It implies a creative space where people who think alike, come together, navigating through the twists and turns of their collective thoughts and experiences of recovery. It has touched on the ideas and curiosities that have blossomed through these sessions; this has been a truly beautiful discovery.