Kara Johnson

My artwork over the last 3 years has shifted in its place in my life. Art has always been a place of refuge and self-exploration for me, but through this program I have learned the skills to fine tune that introspection. I came from a background of fine art and graphic design before pursuing art therapy. Although art was a safe place for me before, this program has deeply impacted how I view art and how I use art as a place and tool for healing.

The art I have shared here is comprised of multiple mediums, but most come from my altered book or were added after creation. The altered book is a therapeutic intervention I learned my first semester in this program, and it has been the container for my art since. Each image is a response art piece that I learned and grew from.

My art has grown to serve as a container for me to process, explore, and express myself on a deeper level. It has helped me understand my clients better and myself better. It is through my own experience with creating response art that I have grown into the artist and art therapist I am today. Art is such a sacred space for the creator and this program has taught me the skills necessary to guide others with art therapy. I feel excited and ready to move into the next chapter of my life as an art therapist.