My project is a representation of not only the therapeutic process, but also the effect it can have on one’s life. I am interested in a career in art therapy, this goal has been formed by not only the impact art has had on my life, but also my years in therapy, beginning in early high school.
In its entirety, my piece represents the growth that can happen through the therapeutic process, and through engaging in art with therapeutic goals. Each flower in this piece has medicinal uses, not all relating mental illnesses, but all relating to some psychological or physical ailment. Each flower represents a different lesson, or aspect of therapy. The individual cuts and gouges into the wood show the work and energy needed to fully engage in each step of the therapeutic process and to see results. The wood shavings that are cut away represent parts of ourselves that are chipped away during healing. Toxic elements, intrusive thoughts, and the impacts of past trauma, are all cut away, some cuts being more difficult to complete than others like hard knots in the wood. The blocks are not perfect, just as therapy is never clean cut. We are also imperfect and could all benefit from therapy, and benefit from art even if the product isn’t perfect.
I have kept all the wood shavings throughout my process**. It is surprising at first how little volume the shavings take up for such a large amount of time spent on this project, however that creates a parallel with therapy as well, as the problems we work through or the stresses we experience often feel bigger than they are. And it isn’t until they have been overcome that we are able to realize that fact.
**Wood shavings will be displayed on the floor beneath the piece
