I really enjoyed this whole process and feel that my project was successful. My goal was to create a piece that created a sense of home through the use of granny squares. I love how each square turned out and I love how the various materials worked together. The pieces fit so well in the space that the members of my bible study had no clue that they were not a part of the space to begin with! Since we changed community centers I had to rethink how the pieces would work in the space. I actually feel the way I placed them in this space worked better than my initial idea, which was to simply hang them on the wall. I did not tell the ladies of my study about the project. I came early and put the pieces up. After bible study was over, I explained what the project was and the reasoning behind it. I explained that I decided on the granny squares because I wanted a way to show the connection that we army spouses make in spite of our differences. I explained to them that I chose to work with different materials to represent these differences and that I wanted the pieces to make the space feel 'homey.' The reason behind the 'homey' feeling, is that when we develop these precious connections, we create a sense of home in each other. Quotes from friends at the study:
https://vimeo.com/275349266 https://vimeo.com/275349196
So what would I change? I honestly do not think that I would change anything, but I would add to it. I would have loved to make the squares really large. The squares were a nice size, but I would have loved to make them almost comically large. I think that this project would be nice to share with my FRG (Family Readiness Group). I think that they would appreciate the meaning behind the work. The point of an FRG is to provide this sort of connection. These groups are intended to create a sense of family and home at military installations.
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Last week I submitted my proposal for my final project in my ART590C. It was very well received by my peers. They also loved the artists that inspired me. It was suggested to have members of my bible study make some granny squares as well. Sadly I was unable to attend this past Thursday. My son was sick with an ear infection.
I still have a lot of work to get my piece finished. I think the final piece may cover a small section of the wall. I wanted it to be much larger, but sadly it wont be. I am still happy with how it is turning out. Crocheting is a lot of work!
Artist Statement
Leanne Harger May 26, 2018 I am from southern Mississippi where crawfish boils are sacred. I do not even remember a time without crawfish during the summer. When creating this piece, I had no clue where to begin. We happened to go camping and that is when inspiration struck! While eating crawfish, I looked down at those creepy, little beady eyes and that is when I knew exactly what to create. I wanted what I created to be funny and I wanted something that I was sure would bring a smile to the face of the person viewing it. Too often, as artists, we take ourselves way to seriously. It is good to take a break from the serious and have a little fun with our art. With fun, summer, and my roots in mind, I set out to create my miniature environment. I used materials that I easily found around camp. I used sticks, dirt, water, dried twigs, some tin foil from a wrapper on the ground, and the heads of two crawfish. I positioned the crawfish to look as if they were sharing a sun reflector to catch some 'rays' together in a muddy, southern 'hot tub.' I hope you find the end result as fun and silly as I intended it to be when I created it! For my midterm project for my Experiments in Installations class, I have been working on crosses wrapped in twine. While wrapping one of the crosses, I decided I wanted to see what it would look like if I crocheted it. I really liked it so I continued playing with various materials. So far I have used some super thick yarn, some frizzy yarn, the twine, and I am currently using some embroidery string. I would like to have a piece large enough to cover a whole wall. I am picturing it in the room on post that my Bible study meets in. I would like to put it up before they enter the room. I would like to document their reactions. I found some really interesting and amazing artists while researching my idea of redefining a space with crochet. I almost feel underwhelmed by my idea after viewing some of these works. I feel that with the time allotted that covering a wall in 'granny squares' is pretty ambitious though. They take time. They take A LOT of time.
My favorite of the artists I researched was Louisa Magrics. She is my spirit animal. I am 100% serious when I say she is AMAZING!!! Her work is insane! If you have ever crocheted then you know how much time, money, and effort goes into creating a crocheted work. I am truly inspired by her! This is a link to one of her videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq5IdCSkDXs I have to create an installation piece that is no larger than 2ft X 2ft. Here is my brainstorming for this future work....
-Family Life -Struggle to maintain my artist identity -Use air dry clay/make air dry clay/this way I can easily make objects -Use my son's sandbox to create an installation piece with the sand -Military life -3D map of our moves since 2011 -Miracle of life -My relationship with God *I think I am leaning towards either 'military life' or 'my relationship with God.' I think both would be extremely meaningful and are both dear to my heart. God is of course first in my life and I lean towards that as my subject over the rest. I just am not sure how to show it yet. Boxed In |
Merriam-Webster defines art therapy as a form of therapy that is based on engagement in artistic activities as a means of creative expression and symbolic communication. This is especially helpful for individuals affected by mental, emotional, or cognitive impairments. | The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as an integrative mental health profession. This profession combines the knowledge and understanding of human development and psychological theories and techniques with the visual arts and the creative process. This is to provide a unique approach in helping people improve their psychological health, cognitive abilities and sensory-motor functions. These therapists assist people through the use of art medias, and the verbal processing of imagery. This helps to resolve conflicts and problems, it helps to develop interpersonal skills, it helps manage behavior, it helps to reduce stress, it helps to increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and it helps to achieve overall insight. This type of therapy has an unique ability to unlock emotional expression through non-verbal communication and is especially useful in cases where traditional psychotherapy was not effective. The process of art making is inherently perceptual and sensory based. It involves the brain and body in ways that verbal language simply does not. This type of therapy provides an alternative means of communication for those who can not vocalize their anxiety, pain, or emotions as a result of trauma, combat, physical abuse, loss of brain function, depression, and other debilitating health conditions. Art therapists also draw from multiple theoretical approaches in their understanding, design, and implementation of their treatment of clients. They understand the science of imagery and the potential of color, texture, and various art media. They also understand how these things affect a wide range of clients and personalities. With rigors clinical training in working with individuals, families, and groups, the art therapists prepare to make parallel assessments of clients' general psychological disposition and how art as a process is likely to moderate conditions and behaviors. By recognizing the ability of art and art-making to reveal thoughts and feelings, and knowledge and skill to safely manage the reactions they may evoke, are competencies that define art therapy as a profession. |
Margaret Naumburg
Naumburg is credited with being the first psychotherapist to use art therapy. She believed that art therapy could diagnose and treat mental health conditions. She was born in New York City on May 14, 1890 and studied at Barnard College. She completed her bachelor’s degree in 1911. She than continued studying at the London School of Economics and Columbia University. There, her focus on music, speech therapy, and child education. Naumburg began the first Montessori class in New York City. Later in 1915 she founded the Walden School, which was her own version of the Montessori schools.
At her Walden School, she stressed the importance of allowing children to develop their own identities. She had them do so through the exploration of natural abilities, performing arts, and visual arts. In her teaching methods, Naumburg incorporated Freudian psychoanalytics, art, and music. She even encouraged each staff member to see a psychoanalyst.
After 1928, Naumburg switched her focus to developing the art therapy technique. She wanted to establish it as a discipline and began to teach art therapy classes. She worked at the New York Psychiatric Institute and later in 1947 published Studies of the "Free" Art Expression of Behavior Problem Children and Adolescents as a Means of Diagnosis and Therapy. This work was based on Naumburg's research at the New York Psychiatric Institute. Another one of her publications, Dynamically Oriented Art Therapy, helped orient art therapy used a psychodynamic approach. This book was influenced by Sigmund Freud. Later, while teaching at the New York University, Naumburg directly influenced the graduate level program. This program remains a highly accredited art therapy program.
At her Walden School, she stressed the importance of allowing children to develop their own identities. She had them do so through the exploration of natural abilities, performing arts, and visual arts. In her teaching methods, Naumburg incorporated Freudian psychoanalytics, art, and music. She even encouraged each staff member to see a psychoanalyst.
After 1928, Naumburg switched her focus to developing the art therapy technique. She wanted to establish it as a discipline and began to teach art therapy classes. She worked at the New York Psychiatric Institute and later in 1947 published Studies of the "Free" Art Expression of Behavior Problem Children and Adolescents as a Means of Diagnosis and Therapy. This work was based on Naumburg's research at the New York Psychiatric Institute. Another one of her publications, Dynamically Oriented Art Therapy, helped orient art therapy used a psychodynamic approach. This book was influenced by Sigmund Freud. Later, while teaching at the New York University, Naumburg directly influenced the graduate level program. This program remains a highly accredited art therapy program.
Florence Cane
Cane lived from 1882 to 1952. She was a Progressive art educator and worked towards releasing the artist within each child. She did so through creative and therapeutic techniques. She began teaching art at Naumburg's Walden School in 1920. Margaret Naumburg was Cane's sister and asked her to help with the art education program.
Cane taught for many successful years at the Walden School. For many years after she taught private lessons from her home, lectured, created her own school at the Rockefeller Center, and was the art director at the Counseling Center for Gifted Children at the New York University for about 14 years. While at the New York University, she helped to select the students entering the school by judging portfolios on body, psyche, mind, and spirit.
The techniques she developed also helped in rehabilitation of children and adults by discovering their inner artistic voices. As a child, Cane went through psychoanalysis. This made her a true believer in psychoanalysis. She whole heartedly believed in its ability to bring inner thoughts, memories, emotions, and catharsis to a person. This experience helped her in her study of children in various stages and helped her to understand their cognitive abilities through their artistic expression. Her teaching methods were developed around this knowledge. She used her classroom as a breeding ground for student self-discovery. She allowed her students to learn at their own pace. Cane's work has been studied by therapists for generations and even provided the basis for the early art therapy techniques
Cane taught for many successful years at the Walden School. For many years after she taught private lessons from her home, lectured, created her own school at the Rockefeller Center, and was the art director at the Counseling Center for Gifted Children at the New York University for about 14 years. While at the New York University, she helped to select the students entering the school by judging portfolios on body, psyche, mind, and spirit.
The techniques she developed also helped in rehabilitation of children and adults by discovering their inner artistic voices. As a child, Cane went through psychoanalysis. This made her a true believer in psychoanalysis. She whole heartedly believed in its ability to bring inner thoughts, memories, emotions, and catharsis to a person. This experience helped her in her study of children in various stages and helped her to understand their cognitive abilities through their artistic expression. Her teaching methods were developed around this knowledge. She used her classroom as a breeding ground for student self-discovery. She allowed her students to learn at their own pace. Cane's work has been studied by therapists for generations and even provided the basis for the early art therapy techniques
What are the uses of art therapy? | Where can you pursue a degree in art therapy? |
Art Therapy can be used to treat any number of issues including but not limited to the following:
Art Therapy is beneficial to almost everyone. This type of therapy helps a person to vocalize their problems visually. This is particularly beneficial to those who have suffered significant trauma because they are usually very unvocal about what has happened to them. | The following list is of colleges in which to pursue a degree in Art Therapy as of 2017, (curtsey of http://colleges.startclass.com/d/o/Art-Therapy_-_Therapist).
For the complete list you can visit the website. |
PTSD
So what is PTSD???
Merriam-Webster defines Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder or Syndrome as a
Psychological reaction that often occurs after a highly
stressful event or events. These events can include
wartime combat, physical violence, or even a natural
disaster. This disorder or syndrome is usually
characterized by depression,
flashbacks, recurring nightmares, and the avoidance
of reminders of the event that caused the PTSD.
Stress Disorder or Syndrome as a
Psychological reaction that often occurs after a highly
stressful event or events. These events can include
wartime combat, physical violence, or even a natural
disaster. This disorder or syndrome is usually
characterized by depression,
flashbacks, recurring nightmares, and the avoidance
of reminders of the event that caused the PTSD.
Who gets | What are the |
PTSD can effect anyone at any age. People effected by PTSD ranges from war veterans to survivors of natural disasters. Some individuals may even develop PTSD after a family member or friend has been in danger, or even died. | There are many treatment techniques for PTSD. Sometimes these techniques can be combined with each other in order to get better results. These treatments include: Exposure therapy- this therapy helps people safely face their fear. Sometimes virtual reality devices are used to simulate the situation causing the patient pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy- this therapy helps the individual to recognize the way that they think or the "cognitive patterns," that keep them stuck. Anti anxiety medications- these are used to help ease the symptoms of PTSD. They help to ease insomnia, recurrent nightmares, and anxiety. These medications work by blocking the effect of adrenaline in a person's body. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing- this treatment combines exposure therapy with a series of guided eye movements. This helps the patient to process traumatic memories. Osanetant- this is a medication that has been used to treat individuals with schizophrenia. It targets the formation of fear memories and shows potential in helping PTSD from developing if administered directly in the emergency room or on the battlefield. |
What are | How is PTSD |
|
|
Is PTSD | If treatment |
Though a significant number of those suffering from PTSD are veterans, others can be effected as well. Up to 20% of veterans suffer from PTSD; this is more in veterans of the Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. | If you are in immediate crisis, then you need to go to your nearest ER or call 911. Here are some options if you are not in immediate crisis: Find a therapist Contact your local VA hospital or Veterans Center For VA Health Benefits Service, call 1-877-222-VETS. |
Art Therapy and PTSD
“Art therapy can engage the creative potential of individuals — especially those suffering from PTSD. Art therapy is considered a mind-body intervention that can influence physiological and psychological symptoms. The experience of expressing oneself creatively can reawaken positive emotions and address symptoms of emotional numbing in individuals with PTSD.”
– Josée Leclerc, a professor in the Department of Creative Arts Therapies
– Josée Leclerc, a professor in the Department of Creative Arts Therapies
According to the article,
Study Shows Art Therapy
Helps Relieve PTSD Symptoms
in Military Veterans,
found on the website,
www.arttherapyblog.com:
Photo courtesy of The Big Picture
- 10% of Canadian soldiers exposed to war zones develop chronic PTSD
- Participants were 28-56 years of age.
- Participants suffered from various problems including chronic pain, isolation depression, thoughts of suicide, insomnia, anxiety, etc.
Art therapy helped soldiers evoke positive emotions
Art therapy helped soldiers externalize emotions and learn about symptoms
Art therapy aided discussion and feelings of empathy with other veterans
Art Therapy provides an alternative form of expression suited for those suffering from PTSD.
National Geographic's thoughts on Art Therapy and Treating PTSD
The photo, taken by Rebecca Hale of National Geographic, is of Melissa Walker. Walker runs an art therapy program at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at the Walter Reed Medical Center. The Walter Reed Medical center is located in Bethesda, Maryland. The program is for members of the military that have suffered traumatic brain injuries or have psychological problems.
This program was started in 2010. It was clear that with all of the returning injured service men and women, additional sources of treatment for them needed to be found. Here within the program, Walker uses a mask project in order to help these wounded men and women to express themselves. She had used this source of expression with others in the past and found success, so once at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walker knew it would help here as well.
The service members were given blank masks that were made out of materials such as paper-mache and plastic. The service members were to decorate the masks in order to help them reach the trauma within. With these masks, the service members are able to show what they are not able to verbalize. There is a block within the part of the brain that controls speech and language and the process of unleashing what is inside of them with the masks helps to reintegrate both hemispheres of their brains.
Melisa Walker told National Geographic, "These are invisible wounds, and the masks have given service members a visual voice that has helped them in many areas of treatment and their lives so they're able to reflect what's going on inside of themselves, how their injuries affected them, and, for the first time, are able to see, are able to convey what they're goin through."
This process is extremely important in helping the service members to open up in other therapies; especially the vocal ones. Where they were once unable to speak, art therapy has opened up a door to relief from the awful pain that they hold within.
This program was started in 2010. It was clear that with all of the returning injured service men and women, additional sources of treatment for them needed to be found. Here within the program, Walker uses a mask project in order to help these wounded men and women to express themselves. She had used this source of expression with others in the past and found success, so once at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walker knew it would help here as well.
The service members were given blank masks that were made out of materials such as paper-mache and plastic. The service members were to decorate the masks in order to help them reach the trauma within. With these masks, the service members are able to show what they are not able to verbalize. There is a block within the part of the brain that controls speech and language and the process of unleashing what is inside of them with the masks helps to reintegrate both hemispheres of their brains.
Melisa Walker told National Geographic, "These are invisible wounds, and the masks have given service members a visual voice that has helped them in many areas of treatment and their lives so they're able to reflect what's going on inside of themselves, how their injuries affected them, and, for the first time, are able to see, are able to convey what they're goin through."
This process is extremely important in helping the service members to open up in other therapies; especially the vocal ones. Where they were once unable to speak, art therapy has opened up a door to relief from the awful pain that they hold within.
What's In A Name?
#7. Accuser means "One Who Condemns."
The enemy seeks to weaken the believer's confidence and influence by conveying condemnation and guilt. He points out and constantly reminds you of sin and mistakes in order to cripple the believer with discouragement and shame.
...
The Armor of God Study, p.21
Revelation 12:10
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."
I honestly struggle hard with not believing that I am "ENOUGH." I am very hard on myself and a lot of times feel that nothing I do is good enough. I know that it is the enemy in my ear telling me lies, but I still fail sometimes in ignoring them. This next verse wasn't part of the study but I want to share it anyways.
Revelation 12:11
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives into the death."
I do not remember at what point I highlighted that verse, but it seemed meant to be that it was the very next verse. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb...." We can overcome anything that the enemy throws at us with God on our side. We just need to remember the enemy LIES and we are good ENOUGH.
#armorofGodstudy
#thecreativeheart
#7. Accuser means "One Who Condemns."
The enemy seeks to weaken the believer's confidence and influence by conveying condemnation and guilt. He points out and constantly reminds you of sin and mistakes in order to cripple the believer with discouragement and shame.
...
The Armor of God Study, p.21
Revelation 12:10
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."
I honestly struggle hard with not believing that I am "ENOUGH." I am very hard on myself and a lot of times feel that nothing I do is good enough. I know that it is the enemy in my ear telling me lies, but I still fail sometimes in ignoring them. This next verse wasn't part of the study but I want to share it anyways.
Revelation 12:11
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives into the death."
I do not remember at what point I highlighted that verse, but it seemed meant to be that it was the very next verse. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb...." We can overcome anything that the enemy throws at us with God on our side. We just need to remember the enemy LIES and we are good ENOUGH.
#armorofGodstudy
#thecreativeheart
From 2/15/17
The Creative Heart (Facebook Page)
Today Priscilla pointed out that when it comes to the enemy we all tend to make 1 of 2 mistakes.
1. We overestimate his power over our lives.
2. We underestimate his influence in our lives.
...
Which one impacts you more? What is your tendency? Do you overestimate or do you underestimate his influence? How does this effect your life? What changes can you do in order to lessen the enemy's influence and to give God more power in your life?
Feel free to comment your answer below💖😘
#armorofGodstudy
#thecreativeheart
The Creative Heart (Facebook Page)
Today Priscilla pointed out that when it comes to the enemy we all tend to make 1 of 2 mistakes.
1. We overestimate his power over our lives.
2. We underestimate his influence in our lives.
...
Which one impacts you more? What is your tendency? Do you overestimate or do you underestimate his influence? How does this effect your life? What changes can you do in order to lessen the enemy's influence and to give God more power in your life?
Feel free to comment your answer below💖😘
#armorofGodstudy
#thecreativeheart
Author|
Leanne
Harger
My thoughts about art, life, and pretty much whatever is on my mind!
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