Christina Lum

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Creative, Enthusiastic, Determined

Can you tell us more about your journey with expressive arts?

My first encounter with expressive arts was in August 2017 when I joined The Sovereign Art Foundation. Prior to joining SAF, I taught children drawing and crafting from a skill-based perspective. Over the years, I have learned how to effectively utilize the elements of expressive arts to facilitate the self-development of children with diverse educational needs in a non-verbal and non-judgmental environment.

This experience at SAF has sparked my interest in Expressive Arts Therapy. I am now enrolled in the Master of Expressive Arts Therapy programme at HKU to further my studies in this field, hoping to pursue a future career as an Expressive Arts Therapist to promote emotional well-being with different art modalities for all ages.

What is your favourite thing about being an Art Facilitator?

It is always fun to facilitate children with diverse backgrounds using various art interventions. I can better understand them through artwork, movement, role play, and feel the power of non-verbal communication. I can also learn from the children when interacting with them. As a grown-up, there are many instincts long forgotten. I regain sensitivity to my inner self as well when exploring self-awareness with the children, which is why I enjoy being an Art Facilitator.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

To balance my time between facilitating and studying, I engage in sewing and practicing Pilates. For me, sewing is always relaxing. I feel calm and at peace when I focus on the process. It serves as a way to restructure myself, alleviate unpleasant emotions, and promote healing. Pilates requires self-awareness of my own body to better understand and develop habits to keep myself in physically healthy positions, I can then stay energized to tackle different challenges in life.

What do you wish more people knew about expressive arts and the Make It Better programme?

Expressive arts activities conducted in the Make It Better programme encompass multiple art modalities including visual arts, movement, role play, music, and creative writing. These activities serve not only as leisurely pursuits but also as effective tools for self-exploration and to improve social skills in a non-judgmental environment. Through these modalities, individuals can transform their inner thoughts into tangible expressions, contributing to enhance interactions within group settings.

Engaging in the creative process itself fosters self-reflection, leading to heightened self-awareness and self-care. Despite its seemingly elusive nature, art permeates our daily lives. We frequently encounter people singing, dancing, and drawing in public spaces, as they share their passions and express their emotions. By embracing an observant, exploratory, and sensitive mindset, one can unlock limitless possibilities within the realm of expressive arts.