Written by artists Tammy Machmali and Mazarine Memon
Creating art is a wonderful tool that not only can be fun and relaxing but can also guide us to figure out what is truly going on with us. Art gives us an outlet to express our inner feelings and helps us integrate them into our life story, offering meaning and some sense of release or letting go. Through this source of creativity, we can unite with the essence and fullness of who we really are. This is where the magic of healing lives.
I was going through photo albums this weekend and it occurred to me that as young children we draw, paint, sing and dance without worrying about our abilities. Or what others will think about us. But as an adult, we judge and criticize ourselves to a point that we feel overwhelmed and paralyzed to lift a finger. There is a freedom and joy which is lost as we grow and begin to self-consciously evaluate the quality of our work.
The Healing Power of Art
In the last few months, I met Mazarine Memon, a Neo-Impressionist painter living in Toronto, Ontario and fell in love with her and her wonderful work. I felt a magnetic pull towards her as if I already knew her. When we spoke I learned that we have similar backgrounds and are both multicultural. Mazarian was born in Bombay (Mumbai) to an eccentric, fun-loving, Zoroastrian (Parsee) family, and that she is of Iranian ancestry, Indian by birth, Italian at heart, and Canadian by choice.
I also enjoyed learning that she works out of The Art Brewery, her studio where she is constantly embarking on new ventures and projects. I wanted to tell you about her book Mysteries In Colour ™ which is the first adult coloring book that has no lines to color within. This art workbook is about creativity and mindfulness, not artistry. It guarantees a unique experience to each person, no matter your artistic skill. It engages your inner child and helps you practice mindfulness through creativity.
Looking at Mazarin’s book made me think that I wish we all could remember how awesome we are, the benefits, and the potential healing that we all can find in creating and enjoying art. To create for the fun of it and teach others to do the same. It helped so many people to heal and find their voice and I hope you do it too.
How it works
It took me years to understand that painting has the potential to fuel imagination and offer endless possibilities for learning and creating yourself. Each art piece opens the heart and mind to see the bigger picture of life, which includes spirituality, symbolism, storytelling, joy, beauty, and so much more.
AND the best part is that with the help of art, you can stop time and immerse yourself in a certain moment for as long as you want.
Before you go out and spend your time and money on other methods tring to heal yourself and find life’s meaning. It is important to know that Integrating art into your life has many of the same health benefits as regular exercise, with the added benefit that it adds meaning and beauty into your day-to-day routine. So, if you want to reap some of these benefits, bring some art into your life and into your space!
So check out Mazarine’s book Mysteries in Colour, the book https://www.mazarinememon.com/book/ You will find there are 24 gorgeous abstract inkblots for you to bring to life and make your own. It’s a perfect self-care, mindfulness or wellness gift for yourself or anyone in your life who needs relaxation and stress relief without the extra rules. Don’t color by numbers or within the lines, be free. Unleash your creativity, reconnect with your inner child and surprise yourself.
Here is my friend Yasmin in my studio painting with me. We used the pages from Mazarine Memon book, Mysteries in Colour. We had so much fun going through the pages and enjoying every minute. In the last few months Yasmin was diagnosed with cancer and since then she started a healing process that changed her life. We took the time to paint, laugh and be present. I chose this book, which is easy to use and has no rules so you can basically do whatever you like and before we knew it two hours passed by. We had our artwork done feeling full and happy with the results. No judgment, just pure love.
Mysteries in Colour, the book
How to use the book
Pick an inkblot , study it and discover familiar forms like faces, animals, flowers or objects visible only to you. Find a hint of something familiar and use an art tool of choice to define it the way you see fit. Finally start enjoying your self-care, mindfulness or creativity practice and begin to actually look forward to the sessions.
A powerful mindfulness tool, this unique concept of a book combines creativity with observation and personal interpretation and is a perfect gift for women, men, grandparents, children, work colleagues, friends and anyone who has ever felt a jolt of joy upon recognizing a familiar image in a shapeless cloud in the sky.
We hope you enjoyed the blog. Mazarin’s book is available on Amazon https://www.mazarinememon.com/book/
We encourage you to paint or start any creative process that you feel is calling you to try and when you make something PLEASE share your art, tag us on instagram @mazarinememon or @mysteriesincolour and @Tammymachmali
