Art as Therapy

I believe that we are all gifted with some form of creative self-expression. The Divine Being (or God, Source, Creator whatever name you choose to call our Divine Creator) loves creating. I think we all know that.

Creation is a form of self-expression. Some of us create using words - telling stories, writing poems. Others of us create music, dance, and artistic performances. And still others of us create art, photography, weaving, quilt-making, sewing, knitting, crocheting, basketmaking, jewelry-making - the list is virtually endless. I feel quite grateful to have tried my hand at most of these things during my lifetime, starting as a child when I learned to knit and sew as a 4-H member for eight years.

I absolutely love art and photography. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to study drawing and painting in New York City for a couple of years with my truly gifted teacher (and cousin), Leah Lopez. I still consider myself a beginner as there is so much to learn (and so little time).

Right now I’m experimenting with an art form known as “Neurographica.” Neurographic art is an art form that was created by Russian psychologist Pavel Piskarov in 2014. It is an intuitive form of art that involves mindfulness and intentionality. "Neuro" relates to neurons or cells that carry messages throughout your body from your brain, and "graphics" means artistic symbols or imagery. It’s a practice that I will be incorporating into my work with clients.

We have over 100 billion neurons that transmit information from the brain to the rest of the body, this process can be used to change (that is, improve) their connectivity. In fact, neurographic artworks resemble neurons and cells. Engaging in this creative process encourages our brains to make new neural pathways and connections. Focusing on an issue, question, or intention while working on an artwork directs more of our neurons towards the issue, question, or intention and enhances our ability to solve problems, make decisions, and even relieve stress and pain. Neurographic art is not only a wonderful relaxation, healing, and mindfulness tool, but it can also be practised just for the fun of it!

I’ve included a few of the art pieces I created during my classes with Leah. The charcoal drawing of the child was created in a class with Crystal Dunn, Director of the Johnson County Center for the Arts in Mountain City, TN.