Art Therapy Works
Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
American Art Therapy Association
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Fact Sheet
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Cunning-Baffling-Powerful, 2022
Acrylic Gouache on Canvas
20” x 16”
My rendition of the disease of alcoholism. Constant and perpetual vigilance keeps it at bay. It is always lurking in the deep recesses, waiting patiently for the opportunity to re-emerge.
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Life No Game, 2022
Mixed Media
22” x 18”
A representation of my childhood experience. The board game is accompanied by a paper identifying Art Therapy techniques that could have been beneficial in my youth.
(Paper available upon request)
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My Mask, 2022
Mixed Media
22” x 8” x 2"
Mask making is an Art Therapy directive that touches upon Carl Jung's architypes of persona, the social face we present to the world, and shadow. the things we repress. Research has shown that "mask making" is very effective for alleviating suffering and fostering well-being.
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The Storm Before the Calm, 2023
Acrylic Gouache on Canvas
20” x 16”
The Storm Before The Calm is a bleak yellow monochromatic desert landscape. In early sobriety, facing emotions can feel like a sandstorm. Our default reaction or inaction is to ignore or run away from the storm (emotions). But, the fastest way out of the storm is to go through it. This is the challenge, which requires taking one step (“day”) at a time forward. Being proactive with the normal daily challenges of life (“life on life’s terms”) can seem daunting. But once through the storm, the next storm will be less daunting. We begin to learn and experience emotional sobriety (balance), with the addition of a few cool (calm) colors to the landscape.
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The Path to Freedom, 2023
Mixed Media
48” x 36”
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Wet Scribble Scrabble, 2023
Ink & Watercolor on Paper
15” x 11”
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Swamp of Eden, 2023
Mixed Media
10” x 10” x 20"
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