Artist and Art Therapist: My Journey
Ranked #23,413 in Arts & Design, #559,606 overall | Donates to KIVA
A journey of a thousand deep breaths...
I was nearly 30 years old when I left my publishing job to take the first steps toward a career in art therapy. It's been a winding path filled with unexpected transformations in my artistic, spiritual, and professional identities.
My blog The Unfolding Moment explores snapshots of that transformative process. Meanwhile, here's some insight into the artist behind the art.
My blog The Unfolding Moment explores snapshots of that transformative process. Meanwhile, here's some insight into the artist behind the art.
Follow me on Twitter
@verdissage
Bio: Art therapist, artist, healing arts facilitator, blogger, freelance writer, mark-maker, joy-practicer. (Dance in the body you have.-A.DeMille)
A few specifics...
(for those who enjoy the who-what-when-where-why)
As an art therapist, I specialize in working with children and families. My training is in humanistic and transpersonal psychotherapy. My other therapeutic interests include medical art therapy, developmental disabilities, gay/lesbian/transgender issues, and self-care for health professionals.
I did my graduate training in art therapy at Naropa University. It's Buddhist. I'm not, but I did spend a bit of time on the cushion as part of my coursework, and it probably didn't hurt me. In truth, mindfulness training has deeply influenced me professionally and personally, even if shamatha vipassana meditation has not turned out to be my preferred spiritual practice.
Before that, I earned an undergraduate degree in Integrative Studies (i.e., I created my own curriculum) from Guilford College. It's Quaker, in heritage if not strictly in self-description. I'm not, but some of my favorite people are Quakers, and Friends make a lot of sense to me.
In my previous life, I worked at Duke University Press after finishing my first bachelor's (in English, of course) at Western Carolina University. That original undergraduate degree gave me useful writing skills, a love of poetry, and an excuse to live in the gorgeous green mountains of North Carolina for a while.
I did my graduate training in art therapy at Naropa University. It's Buddhist. I'm not, but I did spend a bit of time on the cushion as part of my coursework, and it probably didn't hurt me. In truth, mindfulness training has deeply influenced me professionally and personally, even if shamatha vipassana meditation has not turned out to be my preferred spiritual practice.
Before that, I earned an undergraduate degree in Integrative Studies (i.e., I created my own curriculum) from Guilford College. It's Quaker, in heritage if not strictly in self-description. I'm not, but some of my favorite people are Quakers, and Friends make a lot of sense to me.
In my previous life, I worked at Duke University Press after finishing my first bachelor's (in English, of course) at Western Carolina University. That original undergraduate degree gave me useful writing skills, a love of poetry, and an excuse to live in the gorgeous green mountains of North Carolina for a while.
Artwork for sale
Some of my work is available on Zazzle.com in the form of cards, magnets, and other goodies.
New on my blog...
inspirations...
* cloth
* stitching
* gestural movement
* connection
* cyclical return
* layers
Art therapy links...
- Art Therapy Without Borders, Inc.
- Art Therapy Without Borders, Inc., is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit incorporation organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and networking purposes to promote, develop, and support international art therapy initiatives and the work of art therapists worldwide.
- International Art Therapy Organization (IATO)
- We believe that everyone who has a passion for art therapy, therapeutic art making, and art for health and social transformation deserves equal access to a community, information, and networking. Membership in IATO is free and no one group of people has to pay more than others to participate. We're all in this together-- we believe that opportunities that encourage networking and collaboration, rather than hierarchy or chain of command, allow everyone to make a difference, have a voice, and contribute in a meaningful way.
- Art Therapy Alliance on LinkedIn
- The Art Therapy Alliance embraces social media, connection, and discussion to promote art therapy, the work of art therapists, and build community.
- Society for the Arts in Health Care
- The Society for the Arts in Healthcare is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation in Washington, DC. Founded in 1991, the Society for the Arts in Healthcare is dedicated to advancing arts as integral to healthcare by:
- demonstrating the valuable roles the arts can play in enhancing the healing process;
- advocating for the integration of the arts into the environment and delivery of care within healthcare facilities;
- assisting in the professional development and management of arts programming for healthcare populations;
- providing resources and education to healthcare and arts professionals;
- encouraging and supporting research and investigation into the beneficial effects of the arts in healthcare.
Process or product?
Most artists and art therapists would agree that the end product (the art work itself) and the creative process (everything that happens during the journey of creating the work) both play vital roles. But which one has a stronger influence on how you work as an artist?
Are you more process-oriented or product-oriented?
Process
Product
Companions along the way...
A few lenses I like...
by verdissage
I'm an art therapist and artist, adventuring down the path of transition.
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