Co-written by Ry Monisovanya, Director of Art and Mental Health , and Nak Thaileak, Linking and Learning Senior Officer, Live and Learn Cambodia  

In a world designed for people of hearing, Deaf individuals can stir up very strong feelings. What they most need is a chance to express and cope with powerful feelings for which they have no words for.  

On May 26, 2024, Art and Mental Health with Sign Language for All co-established a Community of Practice initiative that provided an inclusive and safe space. Called “Paint Your Emotion”, the space is for Deaf people to explore and visually speak their emotions through art painting. It offered an outlet for feelings and supported the way Deaf people should live their lives—being Deaf and proud.  

The first step in the workshop is for participants to understand and identify what they are feeling. This self-awareness is crucial in determining the direction and approach of their artistic expression. Next, participants got some ideas on the basics of painting, including the art and principle of using colors and mixing colors. Colors play a significant role in expressing emotions. Each hue can represent different feelings, such as blue for calmness or red for passion.  

After learning the theory, participants started practicing individually by putting their emotions into their drawing and painting canvas. They could draw or paint anything that visually speak what they are having in mind or heart. Afterwards, they shared the painting to the whole class explaining what they made.   

Two participants provided notable feedback, stating that they felt significantly happier and more relaxed after the workshop. They expressed a strong desire to continue painting as a means of managing stress and as an outlet for their emotions when they feel they are unable to share. Additionally, they planned to teach these artistic techniques to their children, hoping to pass on the therapeutic benefits of art in sign language.  

The “Paint Your Emotion” workshop successfully utilised art to help participants understand and articulate their emotions, enhancing both personal well-being and a sense of community. The trainer’s flexibility and patience were crucial in accommodating the participants’ needs, ensuring everyone could fully engage with and benefit from the activities. This workshop not only provided a new mode of emotional expression for the participants but also empowered them to incorporate these techniques into their daily lives for ongoing emotional support.