Andrea Cowan

The Healing Quality of Art Therapy

My understanding of the healing qualities of art therapy have evolved from my own art making experiences. For myself I have found that the tactile nature of art making can evoke emotion and insights that lead to healing. Recognizing these moments of self-realization through artwork drew me to the field art therapy field, especially the relationship between being creative and finding well-being. Through researching and practicing a range art therapy technique in courses and internships, I am working with many individuals to use art-based directives to evoke healing.

Insights into Art Therapy

Printmaking is about immersion in pattern and imagery. It is human nature to think in patterns and to develop symbolic associations to imagery. Art therapy offers a method for identifying personal patterns and externalizing them creatively. As a method for immersion in expressive patterns and imagery, art therapy can increase self-awareness and validate experience. 

My Developing Identity as an Art Therapist

My development and identity as an art therapist comes from a personal understanding of art media and its ability to evoke, express and contain emotion. The knowledge that creative mediums can motivate and encourage an individual to think differently about a circumstance is a motivating factor in my drive to become an art therapist. Through working collaboratively with clients in creative ways, both the client and I to reach greater levels of insight and acceptance.

Printmaking has a complex and problem-solving element to its process. It requires the artist to think in opposites. Cutting into the block creates areas of light while shadows or dark portions develop from not carving an area. This approach to light and shadow contradicts traditional drawing or painting methods where dark marks create shadow. This different aspect of woodblock printing challenges the mind to think in opposites and often leads to shifts in perception. Overall the carving and printing process can offer the artists different shades of insights that can lead greater self-discovery.

Tools as mediators, carving implements, blocks and ink rollers also allow for different approaches to thinking and reflecting on the expressive experience. Mediators allow for contemplation and the development of connection to self and art making. My concentration on carving and printing has allowed me to experience moments of contemplation that inform my artwork and my life.