Guided by her family, Rupa grew up around henna art, kolam making, flower arranging, basket weaving and various other traditional crafts.
A first-generation Indian migrant, Rupa continued to pursue henna art even after arriving in Australia, attaining international certification, and running workshops on how to create intricate designs using the plant-based dye
“I noticed that when I applied the henna on people, they would start talking and sharing intimate details of their life, which they otherwise wouldn’t share,” Rupa told SBS Tamil.
Art therapist Rupa and Kolam drawn using rice flour and color powder Source: Mindkshetra
Through art therapy I believe we can change the misconception of the phrase ‘mental health’ from illness to wellness.
Upon graduating in 2018, Rupa decided to start her own self-described ‘creative art - mental health studio’, which she named Mindkshetra.
‘A proactive approach’
The name comes from a combination of the word 'mind' and the Sanksrit word 'kshetra', which means “place”.
“I wanted a place to proactively nurture mental health,” said Rupa, who is also a registered counsellor.
Rupa with Amy Mckay, Art therapist, ANZACATA Symposium 2019 Source: Mindkshetra
“I realised that there is still considerable stigma associated with mental health, both within the Australian community at large and more so within the South Asian community here,” she said.
“So, I wanted to create a space where we can tackle mental health from both perspectives, offer pro-active mental health care and preventative interventions, and do that all using creative artmaking.”
The studio’s specialty is in adolescent mental health, aiming to forge a ‘connection through expression’. In her workshops, she might lead participants through sessions devoted to painting, sculpture, puppet making or finger knitting.
Rupa's interview to SBSTamil
What is Art Therapy and How does it work?
“Most clients, especially adolescents, feel nervous when they first walk in, however once they experience the creative process, they get right into it and walk away with a smile.”
SA* is one such shy 15-year-old, who attended a visual board workshop which helps participants actively work on goal setting using creative visualisation techniques.
“Coming into the session I was nervous not knowing what to expect. However, when I came into the workshop I immediately felt at ease,” he said.
“I was able to create a visual representation of myself and where I wanted to be in the future.”
The studio has been designed with purpose to it, Rupa shared.
“Talking about mental health and opening up can feel quite jarring at times, hence we designed the compassionate corner, to provide a soft-landing space to have conversations about mental health and support everyone.”
Workshop at Mindkshetra Source: Rupa Mindkshetra
‘We are the authors of our life stories’
Rupa believes an understanding of culture can lead to personal growth.
“Especially among second and third generation young Australians, understanding your cultural practices, stories about your culture, can serve as a protective factor in safeguarding one’s mental health.”
For Rupa, one particular artform is close to her heart: “Rangoli or kolam, as it is known in the south of India, is an art form that involves drawing mandalas and zentangles on the ground.”
Kolam is an artform in which nature-inspired patterns are created on a surface using materials like coloured rice powder. These patterns range from simple to elaborate, with some based on geometrical designs.
Rupa said kolam is one way to exercise everyday mindfulness.
“As a life lesson, I use kolam to tell my clients that we seldom have control over everything. We can spend hours making a design, which can then be affected by the wind, temperature, or pedestrian traffic.
It serves as a timely reminder to take joy in the current moment and live life to the fullest.
Weaving a gratitude circle: Collaborative Community Art Source: Mindkshetra
Another artform she uses is origami.
“Origami, the Japanese art of folding paper, is a mess-free form of art that works effectively with people who love structure and are goal-oriented,” she said.
“Folding paper in sequence provides them with an opportunity to have control over their thoughts, emotions and actions which sometimes is lacking in their life.”
I strongly believe that to deal with what life throws at you, one must always remember that we get to author our life stories, and creativity can provide you with the authoring tools to do just that.
Source: Rupa Mindkshetra
Disclaimer: This article's content and audio are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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