If you know me at all, you are not surprised to hear that I go to complete strangers and ask for a story. Always willing to hear another and another. Pictures of little children listening wide eyed with expectancy describes my excitement. There is something so special about telling stories… especially when they are pieces of one’s personal journey. It is a privilege when someone chooses to share a piece of themselves.
As an art therapist, I unceasingly admire the courage necessary in releasing these stories into drawings. To place within an external space a tale so true and at times so painful. I am inspired to be similarly vulnerable in my own explorations and reveal more than intended. Thrilled to collect as many stories as lips will talk. It usually does not take much for someone to share to a listening heart.
Many ask: what exactly is art therapy? Art therapy is a delicate and powerful interweaving of art and psychotherapy. Combining knowledge of psychological theories & human development with artistic process & understanding of the specific uses of art materials to create stories unseen, unknown and neglected. It does not solely uncover but also provides a safe space that fosters communication, self-awareness, cleansing, letting go and healing. Sense of safety promotes the reflection of self.
A few of the many benefits of art therapy: increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, develop social skills, promote interpersonal relationships, promote teamwork, manage behavior, explore feelings and provide self-reflection. The therapeutic relationship between therapist and client/patient is one of the key components to develop and explore. Life is about relationships…
Stories have a way of forming relationships that go beyond the directly involved parties. Of creating identity or of removing it. Of deepening one’s being within or connecting one deeper to another without. Whatever its intentional and unintentional purposes, something is touched and change ensues. Life is chosen.
Here is a plate full of stories. Each type of bread came with its own history of secret recipes, a lost art, mother-in-law’s talents and lands bonded in marriage… it was also a special second Norwegian Christmas breakfast…absolutely yummy!
As an art therapist, I unceasingly admire the courage necessary in releasing these stories into drawings. To place within an external space a tale so true and at times so painful. I am inspired to be similarly vulnerable in my own explorations and reveal more than intended. Thrilled to collect as many stories as lips will talk. It usually does not take much for someone to share to a listening heart.
Many ask: what exactly is art therapy? Art therapy is a delicate and powerful interweaving of art and psychotherapy. Combining knowledge of psychological theories & human development with artistic process & understanding of the specific uses of art materials to create stories unseen, unknown and neglected. It does not solely uncover but also provides a safe space that fosters communication, self-awareness, cleansing, letting go and healing. Sense of safety promotes the reflection of self.
A few of the many benefits of art therapy: increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, develop social skills, promote interpersonal relationships, promote teamwork, manage behavior, explore feelings and provide self-reflection. The therapeutic relationship between therapist and client/patient is one of the key components to develop and explore. Life is about relationships…
Stories have a way of forming relationships that go beyond the directly involved parties. Of creating identity or of removing it. Of deepening one’s being within or connecting one deeper to another without. Whatever its intentional and unintentional purposes, something is touched and change ensues. Life is chosen.
Here is a plate full of stories. Each type of bread came with its own history of secret recipes, a lost art, mother-in-law’s talents and lands bonded in marriage… it was also a special second Norwegian Christmas breakfast…absolutely yummy!
Christmas breakfast #2
more visual stories of Norway…
New Year’s rainbow…
can you guess what this is?
Elvis is in the house
love Scandinavian design
Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life (P. Picasso).
unleashing beauty 
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