A shell panel is a mosaic of flat pieces of shell that are arranged to form a larger image. The “tiles” can be whole shells, pieces of shells, or even shell fragments. Paneling can be done with any type of shell. In my experience, the actual creation of the panels was the most therapeutic part of the project. There are so many lessons that can be learned from working with the shells. As you create the panels, you will notice that each shell is unique, even those that are from the same species. They vary in shape, size, and color. In life, we are similar to the shells. We each have our own set of characteristics. Learning to accept and appreciate these differences is an important step in healing. There are times in life when we will find that some of our “pieces” are broken.
The good news is that broken pieces can be mended and made into something beautiful. The process of creating the panels was meditative and soothing. It allowed me the time and space that I needed to process my grief. As I worked with the shells, I began to realize that life is precious and fleeting. We never know what the future holds. Don’t waste time on things that don’t give you joy. Surround yourself with people who love and support you. Creating shell panels isn’t for everyone, but there are other activities that can provide the same healing benefits. What is important is that you find something that works for you and allows you the time and space that you need to heal. The panels that I created are beautiful. They are a testament to the healing power of love and art. They are also a reminder that no matter what life brings, beauty and joy are always possible.
As an artistic activity shell panel making is a calming, meditative way of expressing yourself creatively. Although your concentration is needed it is in a very pleasant way, you have to choose the shells, place them and make sure that they are fixed well, but it does not have to be perfect. So it has a calming effect and helps you to relax and unwind, like a very mild meditation. It helps you clear your thoughts, relax your muscles and just focus on what you are doing. This makes shell panel making a great way to clear your thoughts on a regular basis.
Using seashells in particular is an important part of the healing potential of this practice. Shells have unique textures, temperatures, weights and patterns that appeal to the sense of touch as well as sight. This two-dimensional focus helps us to stay connected to our bodies, as opposed to being stuck in our thoughts. Even the preparation process of washing shells before you start work feels somehow purifying, as if what you are doing for the shells is somehow echoing what you are also doing for your mind. The busyness of small acts gives us the space to ruminate, contemplate or simply enjoy something beautiful and effortless.
In addition to these direct psychological benefits, making shell panels seems to contribute to an ongoing increase in feelings of competence and self-trust. Every completed panel serves as a visual reminder of the ability to wait, to imagine, and to develop new skills, regardless of whether the outcome is a simple or complex design. A feeling of pride in this work remains long after the completion of even a small panel, from bringing seemingly random elements of nature into a coherent, purposeful piece of art. It seems that this greater confidence in one’s ability to design and control is transferred to other life situations. For many, the space of crafting shell panels is a safe space in which to try new things without evaluation or criticism, a space to regain faith in their artistic tastes and choices.
This benefit extends to the panels once they are completed. I have heard many people talk about how each time they look at their panel they feel calm again because they remember how they felt when they made it, and how these panels remind them of what they are able to accomplish. When displayed on a wall or sitting on a shelf, the panels remind their makers of the value of the time they spent alone, undistracted, and productive. Their handmade imperfections are a constant reminder that things do not have to be perfect, that flaws are beautiful, and that the beauty is in the imperfections.
Finally, shell panel art shows us that we can make the best medicine out of anything we find lying around the beach or the ocean. We don’t need any special equipment, we don’t need to be skilled, we don’t need to make art for the museum. All we need is to be curious, pick some shells and be willing to spend a couple of hours creating something. With every new person that encounters this process, we learn once again that to get the best out of art we don’t need grandiose and extensive projects. In a world where there is so much noise, where we are constantly bombarded with information, creating shell panels is an excellent opportunity to slow down and sit in silence, enjoying the results of our labor.