Art as Therapy: Healing Journeys
Art is a gentle companion for difficult times. My studio is a space to process emotions, find peace, and reconnect with yourself through color, regardless of your experience or physical ability.
I am so proud of my student Jay, who won the prestigious Rashtrapati Award for his art. When I first met him, I taught him adaptive painting techniques using his fingers and sponges. He has since blossomed into an incredible artist, proving that art has no barriers.
Here is Anju, completely absorbed in her painting. During her radiation therapy, she found that focusing on the canvas and the flow of colors provided a much needed escape and a sense of peace. This is the process of art therapy in action.
I had a wonderful time conducting a finger painting workshop for the amazing individuals at the Mann Center for Special Needs. We danced, we laughed, and we created beautiful, colorful art. It’s all about finding joy and expressing ourselves freely.
For Mother's Day, we held a special art therapy session for children battling cancer and their mothers. Painting together became a way for them to connect and create positive memories during a difficult time. The strength of these mothers and children is truly humbling.
This was a deeply emotional and special project. Sukaina came to me to complete a religious painting that her late father, an artist himself, had started for her before he passed away. I guided her to finish his work, a beautiful tribute from a daughter to her father.
About Art as Therapy: Healing Journeys
For those with physical limitations, I do not use standard brushes. We work with sponges, rollers, and cotton buds—tools that require less grip strength and focus on the rhythmic, soothing motion of applying color. My goal is to ensure the physical act of painting remains accessible, joyful, and entirely free of pressure.
In my Vile Parle studio, we believe that art is a safe container for emotions. You don’t need to be an 'artist' to start; you just need to be willing to hold a brush. My sessions are centered on mindfulness-based creation, which is particularly effective for those dealing with health-related stress or developmental needs.
For cancer survivors or those navigating grief, the canvas becomes a place where the chaos of daily life stops, and the focus shifts to the immediate, tactile pleasure of mixing colors. I often work one-on-one with students who require adaptive tools, ensuring the session aligns with their specific attention span and motor abilities.
The environment is designed to be quiet and supportive, far from the pressure of perfection. We often start with simple tea or chit-chat to get comfortable. If you’re looking to explore coffee painting, acrylics, or fluid art, I provide all the supplies and step-by-step guidance. My focus is entirely on your comfort and the 'dhyey' (purpose) of the session—finding peace through creative expression. Whether you want to finish an unfinished piece or start fresh, you’ll find that the process naturally lifts the weight off your shoulders.
Shefali Raj
I’m Shefali, and I’ve been teaching art since 1988. I don’t see myself as an instructor, but as a companion on your creative journey. My studio in Juhu is a space where we focus on how you feel while painting, not what the final piece looks like.
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