User Profile

I hold a degree in art. Art has been my best friend for many years, until I became my own best friend.

For many years, art making has served as my safe haven and place of quiet joy. Art has been a constant in my life--and creating art has also been a great container in which I have been able to celebrate many facets of my own identity, such as my emotional responses to life and circumstances, as well as the forum where I explore personal, interpersonal, spiritual and political interests. My work is a celebration of my own identity that provides me with an opportunity to express my voice in this world.

Also, viewing art and making art has helped to shape my personality, perspective and world view. There was a time when I did not read very much--and in those days, art was my primary source for gaining knowledge about the world I live in.

Today, I view art as a therapeutic, dynamic and inspirational avenue to join in the great discussion occurring among the thinkers of the world. I also see art as a way to facilitate the growth of individuality and self expression--and as an avenue of liberation once the need to 'be perfect' has been arrested. As quiet as some people's artistic voices may be, they are still powerful voices that express all of who they are though their lines, color selections, compositions, topics and mediums. Formal training in art remains a side note in comparison to the power of art. From the doodle to the finished work, regardless of the mediums chosen, art is a sacred expression of individuality, self soothing, culture, perspective and thought. Once the critical interior voice is denied the space to control the art maker, freedom of expression can be attained--and life is best lived when free or at least very familiar with freedom.

The intention of this journal is to share my quest in becoming an art therapist. I might meander a bit, but hopefully I will reach my goal.

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