Monsoon Journal

Popular south Indian film actress Ramhba today entered into wedlock with a Canada- based businessman in nearby Tirumala temple. Rambha (33), who has acted in over 100 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kanada and Hindi, tied the knot with Indra Kumar at a private mar- riage hall. The couple offered prayers at the hill shrine.

Rambha had offered worship at the temple last evening also. They got engaged in January in Chennai, they said. Immediately after the worship the newly wed couple and their family members left for Chennai. [PTI]

She has played a mystic, a con woman and a demure Bengali beauty in the past but Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who plays a mod- ern day Sita in ‘Raavan’, says that it is the most challenging role of her career. The 36-year-old actress stars opposite her husband Abhishek Bachchan in ‘Raavan’, director Mani Ratnam’s upcoming film. “This is the most challenging role of my career. What is unique about Mani is that he draws you in his world through the narra- tion.

Ragini is a unique woman and a strong character which I personally can relate to,” said Aishwarya. Draped in a cream colour saree with red embroidery, the actress was the host to in- troduce the film at it’s music launch here on Saturday which also saw spirited perfor- mances by Abhishek Bachchan and A. R. Rahman among others. The former beauty queen admitted that as Mani narrated the film to her, she was hooked on to play the role which she says is not that of a typical heroine.

“We shot with snakes, rabbits, leeches moving around us. This has been the best adventure experience,” Aishwarya said. Recalling her experiences working on the film, Aishwarya said Mani Ratnam had given her a fair idea of his ‘Raavan’ concept while shooting for ‘Guru’ three years ago. “For the song Nanna re, I was dancing in full abandon in the rain. Little did I know that Mani was in the process of making a decision, that I will be his new character Ra- gini for Raavan,” she said. Talking about shooting in two different languages back to back, Aishwarya said that dealing with languages is a challenging task and keeps one’s faculties charged up. [PTI]

A painting made by yesteryear actress Sridevi would be sold at Christie`s, one of the world`s big- gest auction houses, for charity. The proceeds for the work of art entitled `Thoughts` would benefit Christie`s `Green Auc- tion: A Bid to Save the Earth`, which also has sup- port from global personalities like Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey.

The auction for her painting, due on May 6, will open at 25,000 USD and is expected to fetch anything in between 40,000 USD to 50,000 USD, Sridevi`s husband Boney Kapoor said. “She has been into painting since her very early days. Whenever she finds time she paints. She has made many paintings since the last few years and some of them have been gifted to her sister, and even our family friend Salman Khan,” Kapoor told reporters. The family also plans to hold an exhibition of her paintings in the city within the next few months.

“Its her passion and an exhibition will give her a good platform. We will select 25-30 paintings for an exhibition very soon,” he said. After establishing herself as one of the leading ac- tresses of her time, Sridevi left the industry in 1997 to raise her children and spend time with her hus- band and successful film producer Boney Kapoor. [PTI]

BAILA BASICS Baila music is Sri Lanka’s signature sound. In truth, it was born of an international music col- laboration that took place in an atmosphere of informality many centuries ago. It is traced down to ‘kaffir’, a mixed community influenced by the Portuguese, African and Sinhalese ethos; the buoyant dance music of this community was known as ‘kaffirhina’.

While it existed in the island for many centuries, kaffirhina gained prominence only in the mid-Twentieth century. After a large number of Sinhalese songs was set to racy kaffirhina, a new name was coined for the genre — Baila, which drawn from the Portuguese verb for dancing. ‘Chinna Mami- ye’ and “kallu kadai pak- kam pokathe’: These Tamil pop songs bring so many memories to many, and still has its place among Tamils all around the world ‘Chinna Mamiye’ and “kallu kadai pakkam po- kathe’: These Tamil pop songs bring so many memo- ries to many, and still has its place among Tamils all around the world, par- ticularly of those from Sri Lanka. Recently Prince Freder- ick featured Nithi Kana- garatnam in the columns of Indian daily The Hindu, as follows, introducing the pio- neer Tamil Pop Music Artist to a wider audience: Remember ‘Chinna Maamiye’ — that hugely popular song among genera- tions of college students in Tamil Nadu? But, not many Tamil music listeners have heard of Nithi Kanagarat- nam, who composed and sang it. Tamil Baila music is his forte, however, Nithi has not received recognition in proportion to his talent. Not surprising, since his contri- butions to Tamil music came mostly while he was living in Sri Lanka and Australia, and at a time when he was balancing music and aca- demics. Nithi composed ‘Chinna Maamiye’ in the mid-1960s, and put it to the test during a cricket match in Jaffna.

As this Tamil song set to racy Baila music was greeted with enthusiasm, Nithi felt encouraged to concentrate on the genre. Nithi started off with English bands in Colombo as a singer who could also play the drums and the guitar. He spe- cialised in singing cover versions of Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck. Following ‘Chinna Maami- ye’s resounding success in Tamil Nadu as well as in Sri Lanka, Nithi began to focus on Tamil pop.

While studying agricul- ture at Allahabad University in the late 1960s and early 1970s, he composed music prodigiously. “I put together six solo albums,” says Nithi. Colleges in Tamil Nadu were a testing field for his songs, but he did not totally ignore the North. He displayed his music skillsat singing com- petitions up North, and won several trophies.

Music took a backseat after Nithi finished his Mas- ters in Plant Pathology, and immersed himself in re- search work. Responsible and prestigious positions such as the Head of the De- partment of Agriculture at the Eastern University of Sri Lanka meant Nithi had to constantly squeeze out time for music. As he believed social reformation could be effected through music, Nithi wrote, composed, ar- ranged and sang songs de- spite a hectic academic ca- reer. Nithi discovered that the peppy Baila was a reli- able vehicle to reach social messages to people. Nithi’s song ‘Kallukada Pakkam Pogatha’ is a Baila classic against alcoholism.

“M.G. Ramachandran, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, used this song in the campaign against alcohol consumption,” recalls Nithi. In the 1980s, Nithi mi- grated to Australia, and at present, teaches pharmaceu- tics at Victoria University. He continues to compose songs in English and Tamil, and translate from Sinhalese to Tamil.

He is credited with writing the Tamil version of the Australian national an- them. His Tamil Baila songs have been broadcast on Mu- sic Deli, a programme on Australian national radio, on Songs In Language (BBC) and Songs Of The World (Voice of America). Sixty-five-year old, Nithi now devotes much of his leisure to an etymological and philological research of the Tamil language and to visit Chennai. During a re- cent visit, he spent most of his time expounding Tamil Baila at various forums.

The first song in the raga kannada signified the Indo-Canadian cultural relationship giving the value of Unity in Cultural Diversity of this Nation. Songs with various ragas and taalas viz., Nera nammithi - Kaanada - . Gajanana yutham - Chakravagam - Amba Kamakshi - Bhairavi - Sadha cha- lae Boopalam - . Sajana jeevanaa - Kamas - Kaa vaa vaa - Varali - . Chetha sri Bala krishnan - Sahana – Rupakam, Jagajanani, Tillana and Vante madaram were like the showers of honeydews drenched the whole audience with immense ecstasy. Similarly the Thani avarthanam also was excellent in one word. The third day music concert on 18th evening by famous vocal- ist and South Indian Film play back singer Sri P. Unnikrishnan (Vocal), Sri Embar Kannan (Violin) Sri Arjunkumar (Mridhangam) was also wonderful.

The selective songs and Ragam Thanam Pallavi from the beginning with Hamswatwani ragam followed with many sahits as well the Thani Avarthanam etc were really great since all the kritis, raga ala- banai etc were beautiful, for near- ly 3 hours the whole audience were in tranquil of musical Yangjam, as such each and every composition of carnatic magnets attracted all. Thus this year Music festival concluded with great suc- cess. On 24th as a special fund rais- ing program for the newly con- structed Sri Saradhambal Temple Mandolin Music concert by Padma shri U. Srinivas & U. Rajesh with Sri Madrimangalam S. Swaminathan (Mridangam), Sri S.V. Ramani (Ghatam) on 18th April sponsored by SVBF held on 24th April with full packed audi- ence was also beyond words of appreciation. Padma shri Gowri Sankar, CEO & Trustee of Shringeri Mutt, India Mr & Mrs Preeti Charan and Mr Venketesan, Indian consul, Dr Azhagananda of Sambiradhya Dance Academy, The President of State Bank of India Mr Arunkumar, and Presidents of various cultural associations (Kannada, Telegu) were the important participants.

The whole auditorium with full of Kannada speaking people and dedicated volunteers was really great as such the volunteers from entrance to main hall did all the best by receiving the music fans. Media representatives with cheer- fulness and respect. Dr Latchmanan welcomed all and introduced the program fol- lowed with three times of divine Beejam Mantra sung by the vol- unteers group followed with felic- itation address by the Indian con- sul Mrs Preeticharan. Who lighted the Holy Lamp auspiciously thanked all and expressed with great admiration manram’s this year music festival for its richness to unite the strength the inter relationship between India and Canada, particularly promoting the Indian Cultural Heritage of Arts and Music.

Padma shri Gowri Sankar, CEO & Trustee of Shringeri Mutt, India in his special address praised the high credits of the musicians as well highlighted the SVBF and Sri Sharadambal Temple Maha Kumbabishekam. When he mentioned that the Indian consul General represents as the Indian Prime Minister of Canada to bring unity in strength among Indo Canada relationship which impressed all. Mrs Akhila Bavaani introduced the musicians and then U. Srinivas thanked everybody with Tamil New Year Good wishes. The main program of Mandolin Maestro Srinivas & Rajesh and percussion players team really thrilled the whole audience from beginning to end with pin drop silence and clapping of hands for every song, which echoed the roof like thunder.

The program started with var- nam in the raga Bairavi, followed selected melodious songs com- posed by music stalwarts like Sri Thiyagarajar, Purandaradoss, Suppraya Sastri, Patrnam Subramanya Iyer, Oothukadu Venkatasubramanyam, etc in var- ious ragas. The Raagam, Thanam, Pallavi set with Raagamaliga inspired everybody as such the fingers were playing soccer game. Similarly the instru- mental players of mirdhangam and chatam also proved their whole talents to an extreme mount of incomparable words in Thani Aavarthanam like travelling in GT Express (Madras to New Delhi) and above all in conclusion as Deepavali 1000 wallah crackers their performance was great. Songs like Thulasithala, tatv- mariatharama, Alayipayuthe, Enthro Mahanubavulu, venkat- achala nilayam.

Raghuvam- sasudha, Kurayondrumillai, sayee bajan and at the end Ragupathi Ragava Rajaram will remain for- ever in the memory of audience. Dr Alakananda, in her felicita- tion address appreciated the musicians at length and stressed the need of preserving our Indian Traditional Art & Music through- out the world since India is the Holy Land, from where the Hindu Religion flourished with admiring heritage of our culture, which admires the western countries to great extent. As Prof. Dr Krishnan pointed out as the curtain raising event for the Maha Kumbabi- shekam of Sri Saradambal Temple, the wonderful music con- cert of Mandolin Srinivas Brothers has raised the curtain with Nadha Homam in the presence of sages of audience.

Mr Daddu Ramanathan pro- posed a vote of thanks. In short this year Music festival and spe- cial music concerts of BKM will be remembered by the music lovers forever. For further details of VKM please contact 905 696 0768 – website: www.manram.org. Monsoon Journal congratu- lates Bharathi Kala Mandram and SVBF for their great success in cultural and spiritual services and extend good wishes to the Indian Artists who made this year music festival to an another record of victory to BKM. Let our younger generation get involved to incul- cate their talents and skills in Arts and Fine Arts in the same way.

Art as a therapy/counselling has become very popular and is gradually gaining a formal recog- nition in all over the world with Counsellors, therapists and psy- chologists. Mental health thera- pists are beginning to employ drawings done by children to understand their subconscious mind at work. Children are by nature expressive people and viewing drawings as mystifying is probably more helpful to children in the long run, since at least one is looking at children’s work with an open mind. Children’s draw- ings interpreting, it is important to remember that patterns of draw- ing, horizontal line scribbles; diagonal zigzag scribbles are the key.

Around 18 months to 2½ years of age, children mostly feel the world through body move- ments, and they can share these feelings with others through play, drawings and other simple cre- ative works. There are often more comfort- able describing their drawings. This gives them a sense of accomplishment and success in the artwork that they have taken pride to complete. According to psychologist observation and interpretation of graphic symbols observed in children’s drawings can tell many things that the chil- dren themselves may not want to tell us directly. Exceptionally big ears without earrings may sug- gest verbal abuse, big hands sug- gest aggressiveness or physical abuse, mouth with a long slit sug- gests an anxious, uncomfortable child, empty eyes without pupils suggest that the child has difficul- ty relating to the reality around, absence of a mouth may be a sign of a child’s inability to communi- cate, jagged teeth often indicate a tendency towards aggressive behavior and often coupled with other serrated graphic symbols such as, spiked fingers, feet and hair and absence of arms or arms are tucked behind the body sug- gests a sense of helpless or pow- erlessness. Some children have worries and bad memories from cata- strophic disasters that gradually disappear over time with emo- tional support of caregivers and communities.

Other may experi- ence more long-term problems, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional reactions, physical complaints or symptoms with no medical basis, fear, depression, withdrawal and anger, can occur immediately or appear weeks and months after the trau- matic disaster (2004 dec TSUNA- MI). But some children who have experienced previous traumas or who already have a mental health disorder may be more susceptible than others to problems following traumatic events and who wit- nessed or directly experienced the disaster are believed to be more at risk than others who are less directly affected. In all cases, children who have experienced a catastrophic disaster, such as the recent Haiti earth quick and TSUNAMI 2004 need support from others to avoid long-term emotional problems. The recent tsunami disaster 2004 December in Southeast Asia, art expression has proven to be a very important part of the recovery process for children who have survived. Drawing offers a way for children to express their feelings, thoughts, and memories about tsunami disaster. Art can help traumatized children to make sense of their experiences, com- municate grief and loss, and become active participants in their own process of healing, beginning the process of seeing themselves as “survivors” rather than as “victims” with guidance and support.

The following guidelines may also be helpful to you use of cre- ative expression with your child. Encourage him/her to express whatever they would like to express in their art. Sometimes they also like to express them- selves in other ways by songs, stories, play, drama, or writing. It is important for children to be given choices, because culture influences self-expression, some children may feel more comfort- able with one way of expressing over another. Age, ability, person- ality, interest, and skill influence their creations.

As a parent/caregiver you need to provide a safe and struc- tured environment for creative expression to take place. Be empathetic, listen, encourage sto- rytelling about art produced, and accept whatever is communicated about art created. Engaging in a dialogue by simply asking a child to describe the elements in a pic- ture can be helpful and supportive and refrain from trying to inter- pret art and simply accept and encourage participation and self- expression. Provide opportunities for experimentation with simple art materials, learning new art skills, and making decisions about what to draw, paint, or make dur- ing an art session and use art activities to promote self-reliance and problem solving in children. Preferring to use art activities to soothe and reduce stress very scientifically because they may use art expression in a variety of ways after experiencing a trau- matic event.

Sometimes they will repeat images of the event in their drawings, paintings, or play activities; others may resist mem- ories of the actual event. If your child expressed trauma stories, remain calm, listen, and respond without judgment or interpretation because it is partic- ularly important for you to nor- malize any feelings expressed by letting children know that what they are experiencing is being experienced by many other chil- dren. dr. Fonseka clinician fricanada@gmail.com

Toronto, ON - March 31, 2010; First time contenders from University of Waterloo; Waterloo Warriors take the gold home at KALAIKAL 2010 held at the Queen Elizabeth Theater on the CNE Grounds. KCA launched itself as a not for profit arts organization determined to take Tamil Arts main- stream in December of 2004, and now almost 5 years later has estab- lished itself as full fledge arts organ- ization successfully executing KALAIKAL 2009, and 2010; a dance competition and KCA Productions which is a platform for vocal artists. Through the years KCA has been gaining support from vast majority of the youth, media outlets, com- munity professionals and organiza- tions in driving towards the primary goal; building a greater channel for the arts. Proceeds generated from KCA events are reinvested back into the arts fulfilling the mission of Unity, Identity and Charity; bridging the gap between the arts and commu- nity. Currently KCA is building other arts projects that require resources additional to proceeds from events such as the dance competition.

Supporters are encouraged to invest and donate to these worthy causes being carried out by KCA. KALAIKAL 2010 included 450 plus dancers, and vocal artists who participated in the event with a full house of enthusiast. Amongst the highly energetic audience were chief guests George Smitherman, Menaka Thakkar, and Neethan Shan. Soulful pop singer Roveena opened up the awards ceremony with the song “Believe” by Suzie McNeil, as coordinators and KCA Board of Directors assembled on stage to announce the winners of KALAIKAL 2010. The night was filled to the brim with positive ener- gy arraying from all ages as the community embraced the signifi- cance of UNITY and sustaining Tamil Culture through the Arts. On that note 2010 teams; MAC FLOW MARAUDERS, OSHAWA TITANS, RYERSON ROYALTY, UTM STAL- LIONS, UTSC ASSASSINS, UTSG PHOENIX, and YORK HUSKIES who placed second all walked away as prideful contenders who are making a difference not just in the academ- ic field but also in the community.

The event’s success is owed to the teams, participants, volunteers, sponsors, media sponsors, atten- dees, community members, partici- pating TSA’s and the KCA Team who coordinate year long to execute the event. KALAIKAL 2011 has been officially launched; please contact Director of Performing Arts for more information on the event guidelines for 2011. KCA is definitely looking forward to the summer making sure to reach the international audience as People’s Choice for Best Fashion was swept up Casipillai by Miss Subee from United Kingdom, Best Photographer; Drew Haran, Best Vocal English; “Want You On Me” by Andre Thillai, Produced by John Lalithas, Best VocalTamil; “Aathadi Vadi by Praba, Nirjaanny, Mozhinayaa, Nishan”, Best DJ; RLE, Best Dance Team; Waterloo Warriors. More awards are still to be presented so look out for the next big KCA event. [FOR MORE INFO POST EVENT VISIT www.KALAIKAL.com] MEDIA QUERIES: Shyanthy Thevarajah Director Public Relations, Kalaikal Creative Arts 1-800-971-3656 Ext. 4 publicrelations@kalaikal.com, info@kalaikal.com, www.KALAIKAL.com KCA “Propel Tamil Arts to the Forefront of the World Stage by Unifying & Sustaining Diverse Community Initiatives Through Visionary Leadership”

Blue is the most tranquilizing color. It calms tense subjects and increases feelings of well-being and Blue may be a bit too calming for most learning environ- ments. The Colour Psychology of Blue is described as a favourite colour by many people and is the colour most preferred by men. Blue is one of the most popular colours, but it is one of the least appetiz- ing. Some weight loss plans even recom- mend eating your food off of a blue plate. Blue is often used to decorate offices because research has shown that people are more productive in blue rooms. Blue rarely occurs naturally in food aside from blueberries and some plums and create feelings of sadness or aloofness and also lower the pulse rate and body temperature and how blue is used in language: blue moon, blue Monday, blue blood, the blues, and blue ribbon. For blue colour your brain releases eleven neurotransmitters that relax the body, and may result in a reduc- tion of temperature, perspiration, and appetite. T

he colour of the sky, ocean, sleep, twi- light is blue. Blue is the coolest colour and Blue is the calming colour. The ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli to represent heaven. Blue is symbolizes the Virgin Mary. A pure blue is the colour of inspiration, sin- cerity and spirituality. Blue is often the cho- sen colour by conservative people. That makes it a wonderful colour to use in the home, especially for babies. Blue is so soothing that is a good choice for pyjamas. Dark blue is the colour of truth and moder- ation and Wednesday’s colour is blue. Blue iris means your friendship is very important to me. Blue gemstones to wear to feel calm are blue sapphire and blue topaz.

Blue is the least “gender specific” colour, having equal appeal to both men and women and as the collective colour of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calm- ing; however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging colour that expresses exhilaration.

The good way to understand the ener- gy of the colour blue is blue allows us to look beyond and increase our perspective outward. Blue contains a cool vibration that is helpful to communication and gives a feeling of distance. Artists use it to show perspective.

Using blue to relax will encourage feel- ings of communication and peace. You can put some blue in life when you want. Blue open the flow of communication, broaden your perspective in learning new informa- tion and solitude and peace.

The vibration if blue can be used to open energy flow where it is blocked and calm and relaxation to counteract chaos or agitation.

Blue is a Mediterranean colour, one that reminds of the summer and the sea, a define mood booster. Interior designers started to use this colour in offices, day rooms and even to decorate summer gar- dens and kitchens.

People are more productive in blue rooms, focused and creative. Even sports- men perform better in blue rooms. Blue in offices has a good impact on the attentive- ness of the workers. Lovers of blue tend to be introverted. Blue generally symbolizes harmony, peace, healing and happiness, but it could have “dark” meanings too. Blue describes a happy personality, as the blue gets darker it becomes moody and depressing, especially when it’s not associ- ated with “positive” colours.

According to ayurveda, the 5,000 year old traditional medicine of India, every colour has certain healing energies. By using colour therapy techniques when you are decorating your home or office, you bring those healing energies into your space and enhance or diminish certain qualities. Colour therapy is a form of holis- tic healing that has been used for thou- sands of years to treat physical and emo- tional issues.

Blue is related to the throat chakra in the ayurvedic system and is believed to be able to heal problems directly connected to the lungs and throat. Blue is used to improve communication through verbal expression and enhance artistic creativity. Blue is said to promote calming effects and relieve symptoms of high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia and irritability.

Colour has vibrational level of high or low and will quickly create an experience of warmth or coolness and it is affect emo- tions and the senses, it may calm, energise or balance depending on what colours are used. Colour Healing is one of the most popular methods used for treating the Throat or Vishudda Chakra because Colour can be an effective and powerful therapy in colour healing and balancing the mind body and emotions. Vishudda Chakra is located at the throat and is associated with thyroid gland, lungs and respiratory sys- tem.

The colour of the chakra normally a gel of the opposite or complimentary colour is used by colour therapists for a shorter peri- od of time to balance the colour energies. The complementary colour ray for blue is red. Throat Chakra is normally exposed to blue coloured lights for 12 to 15 minutes. Coloured lights can be done using healing lamps meant for this purpose which can be in the form of desk lamps, spot light etc.

Throat Chakra is said to enhance com- munication skills, increase will power and aid artistic expression. Blue is a calming colour that lowers blood pressure, lessens insomnia and eases anxiety and how blue colour therapy can effect the mind and body, and how to integrate blue into your home decorating.

Dr. Fonseka clinician

fricanada@gmail.com

The connection between Creating Art and reducing your stress levels is very systematical and scientific. It is simple as expressing what’s really going on inside you through colors and brush strokes or something abstract or spiritual. There were always people like the pope. They serve a certain function, of course. They subsidize us. But, they don’t create anything and they must never be allowed to stop the artist from creating. Creativity can solve almost any problem. The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything and Creative minds have always been known to survive any kind of bad training. It may not be able to be taught directly, but what you can get better at is frequently aligning the circumstances of life which foster the greatest chances for true creative expression. Creativity is not like a lightning strike, but more like something which manifests itself inside those who learn to foster it and create the right conditions for it to prosper.

Creativity in children encourages free expression, problem solving skills and open thinking. Creativity needs to be nurtured to thrive. Kids love the creative freedom of open-ended art projects. When they engage in self-directed art activities it encourages them to explore and express themselves without rules. Parents can encourage free expression in kids by providing them with materials that can be used in various ways including: paint brushes, modeling clay, paper, markers, scissors, pencils, paint, collage materials and old magazines. The biology of Art relieves stress by creating endorphins on your body through the hand eye movement and satisfaction it gives. Grab a pen or pencil and randomly draw a line or even write name and then go back over the lines over and over again thickening them and making them different with each pass. Your hand is making something happen and your eyes are satisfied with what it sees, thereby sending a message back to your brain and hand to keep working because it is relaxing, stress free activity. Even those who have absolutely no artistic ability can color or paint with no specific goal in mind and still get the benefit that art relieves stress.

If you plan to relieve stress by art don’t expect a Masterpiece. When seeking to reduce stress with creative activity, those who do not have God given artistic talent might fell stressed at the thought of trying to make art for fear that it will “come out bad”. If given the opportunity of at least few minutes, anyone can grab some paper and create anything even if it is just a scribble. This sets your mind up for disappointment and more stress because it will not find any satisfaction when it keeps expecting one thing and getting another. Art relieves stress when it is allowed to be anything that comes out of the artist’s hands. Human mind has the amazing ability to block out extra external stimuli and focus on one thing. You can practice a stress relieving art activities at any time or placejust make sure you have a piece of paper and pen. Start with a blank sheet of paper and a writing instrument. Make large swirling or zigzag movement all over the page for about 5-10 seconds. Stress reduction by creativity must be done without any expectations of what should be on the paper. Now you have something to color in- use anything and start coloring. Try anything- solid, striped, polka dots, wavy lines, scribbling, try putting the paper on a textured surface and color over that.

If you have some handy- try different colors. This can be done anywherewatching TV, in the dining room, subway, cafe, alone, or in a loud room. Our eyes are the most dominant sense- so if it is a loud room- the activity the eye is focused on will be the most important to the brain at the time. The art you create is not for the general public However it Might Not Win an Award. But you watched it grow from nothing into something and you were the creator, there is satisfaction that satisfaction equals a reduction in stress. Color is a living energy and property of light. Light is absorbed and reflected we end up with different colors.

Human body has energy fields (charkas) and organs are comprised of vibrating atoms. Humans have own unique energy system and organs have different vibrational patterns. Colour as a Therapy is a truly holistic, non-invasive and powerful therapy which dates back thousands of years; evidence of this can be found in ancient India, China and Egypt. Colour as a therapy can be used for any problem whether, physical, mental, emotional or spiritual for specific problems. The primary colors reflected in the rainbow carry their own unique healing properties. The sun alone is a wonderful healer. Imagine what life would be like without sunshine. Lack of sunlight contributes to depression for some people. Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. ~Pablo Picasso Dr. Fonseka - Clinician fricanada@gmail.com

“Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together” Art is creativity; therefore no one form of art could really be more creative than another form of art. Creative way of expressing a modified view of the world and its objects by simplifying or com- plicating the use of colour, shape and form. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expres- sion, including music, literature, film, sculpture, and paintings. The meaning of art is explored in a branch of philosophy known as aesthetics. The nature of art has been described as “one of the most elusive of the traditional problems of human culture”.

It has been defined as a vehi- cle for the expression or commu- nication of emotions and ideas, a means for exploring and appreci- ating formal elements for their own sake, and as mimesis or rep- resentation. Realistic, naturalistic art had dissembled the medium, using art to conceal art; mod- ernism used art to call attention to art. The limitations that constitute the medium of painting - the flat surface, the shape of the support, the properties of the pigment - were treated by the Old Masters as negative factors that could be acknowledged only implicitly or indirectly. Under Modernism these same limitations came to be regarded as positive factors, and were acknowledged openly.

Abstraction is more focused on the use of imagination or ideas expressed through emotion. A lot of good abstract paintings offer people quite a different represen- tation of life. Some art works are stimulate unconscious emotions, desires, and sexual compulsions, all unified within a dynamic that vacillates between the real and the fantasized in human life. Studies have concluded that fine art, along with music and performing arts, is critically important for a child’s brain devel- opment, sensory integration and creative problem solving. Learning to read is difficult for some children because they can- not make the connection between visual processing and symbolic processing, transferring the visual shape of the letter or word to a symbolic representation of that word. Something malfunctions in the transfer between the different senses that are processing the information and the desired com- prehension is not achieved.

Learning processes require the use of a combination of modalities. For this reason, many researchers believe that sensory integration training (which incor- porates the skills of multiple learning modalities into one coop- erative exercise) is more effective in overcoming the actual cause of the learning disability, even if it cannot be specified. Art as therapy, it combines the creative process and psychothera- py, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using art imagery, colour, activities and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings may be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate. Art Therapy is effective for people of any age.

Professional art therapist works with individuals, couples, families, or groups in settings such as counselling agencies, schools, treatment centers, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, correctional institutes, research institution, universities and elder care loca- tions. Art therapy can also help people with their social skills. The therapeutic benefits of art therapy in these types of situa- tions can help with people that are withdrawn or shy, or who, for some reason or another, have a difficult time functioning within social situations.

A picture must possess a real power to generate light and for a long time now I’ve been con- scious of expressing myself through light or rather in light

- Henri Matisse Dr. Fonseka -clinician