Emily Wade Liberto

During my time in this graduate program, I have recognized the importance of consistent artmaking as a way to process my experiences and nourish my soul. I love uncovering symbolism through collage imagery. Most often, I create art from the Cognitive and/or Symbolic levels of the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC), such as the two collages included in this exhibit. I created First Semester during my first on-campus residency as a way to synthesize my identity, experiences, and expectations for studying art therapy and pursuing a career change. I created 2020 (Fifth Semester) during the residency at the start of 2020. The collage took on deeper meanings for me as I navigated significant life transitions against the backdrop of the pandemic. For Gratitude amidst the Waves, I first reflected on my heightened anxiety during 2020 and labeled each piece of sea glass and pottery with a specific way that I felt God provided for me. I then arranged the pieces into a mandala of gratitude. I have come to recognize the importance of mixed media journaling as an act of self-care as an art therapist. In Leap, I reflect on stepping out of my comfort zone by trying new painting techniques and stepping away from perfectionism. The quote embodies the mindset that I want to maintain as I create new artwork and invite my art therapy clients to do the same.