Art Therapy Connection Comes Face to Face in Dallas

Last week I was in Dallas for a national art therapy conference and wanted to share some highlights from the week about what I most enjoyed during my time away.  The element I always appreciate about going to any art therapy conference is re-connecting with colleagues and meeting new people- and these five days were no exception.  With various Art Therapy Alliance and International Art Therapy Organization meet ups, this provided a great opportunity for art therapists and students from both of these communities to come together in person and spend some time hanging out.  It was great to connect face to face within the art therapy scene for a few days and outside the virtual world of profile pics, status feeds, and chatting on Facebook (no offense to how much I usually love this!). Thanks to everyone who came out to the featured meet ups throughout the week!

I met some of my favorite art therapist bloggers such as Erin Brumleve, Lee Ann Thill and  Elizabeth Beck while in Dallas and was grateful for the opportunity to sit down and chat with each of them on film to learn more about their blogging.  Stayed tuned for more on this as I work on editing and putting together the filming soon.

I also really enjoyed meeting, sharing resources, and ideas with those art therapists and students who attended my focus group on navigating the web and professional e-networking.  Much of our discussion was dedicated to the application of social media in art therapy with highlights on the trifecta LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Ways in which art therapists are using or can use these platforms to further their professional relationships and opportunities were explored among those attending the group.

The group also provided a forum to create an understanding about what the social media environment can offer to the art therapist and also considerations about how to thoughtfully use these forums in way that protects ourselves and the client from the exposure that can happen when using these sites. 

I would like to extend a special thanks to Poppy Schiebel who attended the focus group and provided her experiences about how she uses the Internet successfully in her work as an art therapist and marketing coach.

Another exciting opportunity for connection, collaboration, and creativity was the Art Therapy Alliance and International Art Therapy Organization Think Tank that took place on Saturday afternoon.  Lots of brainstorming and good ideas were exchanged and thank you to those art therapists and art therapy students who attended!  Look for more on what developed at this session soon…

As the Art Therapy Alliance communities on LinkedIn and on Facebook continue to grow, I look forward to more opportunities to connect through social media and future art therapy events where we can come together in the real world.  Anyone interested in a social media, art therapy, and technology Symposium someday?

Combat Paper Project: Liberating Uniforms into Art

Last week-end I attended the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory’s Anniversary Celebration and Open House here in Cleveland, which was tons of fun– great music, good food, silent art auction, and papermaking and printing demos.  My main objective in attending the Open House was to connect with Drew Matott, one of the Founders of Combat Paper Project who was traveling to Cleveland for the celebration.  What a pleasure this was!   Check out my Facebook photos from this evening here.

I have been very interested in CPP’s work and mission- Here’s some  information from the Combat Paper website about the project:

The story of the soldier, the Marine, the men and the women and the journeys within the military service in a time of war is the basis for this project. The goal is to utilize art as a means to help veterans reconcile their personal experiences as well as broaden the traditional narrative surrounding service, honor and the military culture.

Through papermaking workshops veterans use their uniforms worn in combat to create cathartic works of art. The uniforms are cut up, beat and formed into sheets of paper. Veterans use the transformative process of papermaking to reclaim their uniform as art and begin to embrace their experiences as a soldier in war.

The Combat Paper Project is based out of Green Door Studio in Burlington, VT and has traveled throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, providing veterans’ workshops, exhibitions, performances and artists’ talks. This project is made possible by a multifaceted collaboration between artists, art collectors, academic institutions and combat veterans.

Through ongoing participation in the papermaking process, combat papermakers are attempting to progress from creating works specific to their military experiences to expressing a broader vision on militarism and society. The work reflects both the anger of the past and hope for the future. Through this collaboration between civilians and veterans, a much-needed conversation is generated regarding our responsibilities to the returned veteran and an understanding of the dehumanizing effects of warfare.  ~ From About Combat Paper Project

Combat Paper Project

Art from destruction, resistance, pain, and opposition that is then altered and re-constructed into something that is freeing, healing, and with a new life and meaning  has always interested me in my work as an art therapist. With many of the traumatized and grieving youth I have worked with,  I have witnessed what the process of tearing, ripping, destroying, and breaking down a material (paper, clay, wood, fabric, etc.) and the emotions, memories this can surface… then guiding the same de-constructed material into re-constructed art that can be experienced at a different perspective, as well as tell or show a new story rooted in hope and resiliency.

The highlight of the MPC Open House was meeting Donna– a veteran who participated in CPP workshops this summer in Cleveland @ MPC and had some of this art included in the silent art auction. Donna was able to share with me her experience  about being a Combat Papermaker and the transforming power the process had for herself and the group of veterans who participated in the workshop.  To listen to  her testimony and memories while  looking through and holding a book completely made of paper from her  military uniform was humbling and an honor.   

You can hear other testimonials of veterans who have been involved in this process by pre-viewing the film Iraq Paper Scissors by Sara Nesson below. This film currently in production tells the story of Combat Paper Project and the Combat Papermakers who have found healing and reconciliation through this incredible process:

If you are interested in following the updates, travels, and work of the Combat Paper Project, you can find them here on Facebook or visit their website http://www.combatpaper.org – which includes information about the artists, exhibits, residencies, upcoming events and workshops, sponsorship opportunities, and how to donate to the cause.

Paying Attention to Creativity, Trust, Vision

Since the launch of the Art Peace Sustainability Interactive Event, postcard size art has been steadily coming in to the International Art Therapy Organization and Art Therapy Alliance.  Images inspired by these concepts have been very thoughtful, creative, and inspiring- I can’t wait to see more as the collection grows!  

There is a gallery building on the Art Therapy Alliance website and on the International Art Therapy Organization site, there’s a slide carousel of sets submitted through Polyvore if you are interested in checking out what great art has been created and become inspired to submit your own. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far in this global project and also helped spread the word!  Check out this inspiring “Creative Peacemaking” reflection from Silky Hart’s Wishcasting and this mention from Jamie Ridler Studios.

I finally finished a non-Polyvore image that I have been working on for this event:

While reflecting more about the concepts of art, peace, and sustainability I was drawn to these definitions of creativity, trust, and vision. For me, these words are closely linked and are basic components to the event’s concepts:

Art –> Creativity: Able to imagine and create; using originality, stimulating the imagination; extending beyond the normal limitations.

Peace –> Trust: To have confidence in something or someone; to know something in your heart.

Sustainability –> Vision: Creative insight or imaginative foresight and wisdom; something that is seen in a dream.

I believe in the integrity of these words.  While there would be many more I might include, I know that I could have not done probably 99% of the work I do out there without paying attention first to these three. 

Focusing on creativity, trust, and vision this year in particular has had a significant impact for me in a positive way.  Cultivating this potential through connection, collaboration, and actioned intention has been liberating, energizing, and has given me the freedom to be in an entirely different space and with a growing new perspective about what’s really important.  

And finally, I continue to be grateful for the opportunities and people in my life that have contributed to and keep me on this rewarding path towards art, peace, and sustainability.

Inspiring Art Therapy Spots on the Web

Today’s posting is dedicated to highlighting art therapy/art therapist sites and blogs that I want to spread the word about and encourage you to check out for inspiration, perspective, and connection. As an art therapist who loves to navigate around the Internet, it is great to see these art therapy sites/blogs/films/photostreams showcasing art therapy, building community, and sharing experiences.

International Art Therapy Organization (IATO)- Last week’s exciting news was Cathy Malchiodi’s launching of http://www.internationalarttherapy.org, a sneak peek of the organization’s website, and the film below introducing its inspiring message of working together to create an inclusive and sustainable future for art therapy. It’s not just a group on Facebook anymore! Get ready: One world, many visions!

turning*turning- This blog features an art therapist’s postings on creativity, healing, and the power of making. As described @ turningturning.com, it’s a place for exploring, discussing, and considering the creative process- the power of making- and its place in modern life.  Check it out!

The Latent Lens (http://thelatentlens.blogspot.com/) from art therapist Carmen Gomez features insights and reflections provoked by her photography and using her camera to help make sense and express experiences.

When We Were Made (http://whenweweremade.wordpress.com) from Pratt Institute art therapy graduate student Megan Ashley Graf describes her journey to become an art therapist and preparing to enter the world as a mental health professional.

Elizabeth Beck-Art Therapy (http://www.lizbeck.net) highlights art therapy news, research, and current happenings in the field.

Denver Art Therapy Counseling Co. (http://denverarttherapycounselingco.blogspot.com)  was founded by Colorado art therapist Erin Brumleve and her blog brings awareness about art therapy counseling, psychotherapy, art, and well-being in general.

AT-Jobsearch on Flickr- Art Therapist Robert Ryan and another art therapist colleague used Flickr to support one another in search for their first art therapy jobs out of graduate school. They posted responsive art and comments about their experiences here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/at-jobsearch.

Open Art Studio Film- This below video is intended to raise awareness about the importance of open art studios in our communities:

Enjoy!

Altering/Transforming/Collaborating

In the last week or so, a couple of really interesting altered art projects have come across my computer screen that I wanted to share and pass on:

DSM Altered Book

Altered DSM: Ron Huxley and some of his therapist friends created this altered book using the old DSM III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders) and posted the photos on a Flickr photostream.  I love this idea!  Thanks Ron for sharing this project!  FYI: The book is available to show in galleries or conferences.

Over on The Altered Page, Seth Apter and other artists posted updates, reveals, and photos related to DisCo – the DISintegration COllaboration.  123 artists participated in this collaboration where “art bundles” were left exposed to the elements outdoors.  There are many “before” and “after” photos posted on the Altered Page, as well as on the blogs of those artists who participated.  Below is a short film from one of the other artists, Lee Anne Ghilain and her reveal:

The next phase of the project includes the artists taking their disintergrated bundle and making it into a new art piece.  I know I’ll be watching to see what transforms!

I always love to see how others use altered art and collaborative projects to explore different themes and topics. Feel free to post and suggest any interesting ones you may know of!

Art Therapy and Social Media’s Top 3

It probably comes to no surprise that I am a big fan of using the Internet to network, meet new people, share resources, and learn new things- especially related to my work as an art therapist. This interest started over ten years ago when I was in graduate school and I wanted to connect to or stay in touch with other art therapy students all over the country or share news important to what was happening in the field. Creating an e-mail list-serv for students and then  networking forum on Delphi for several years, helped with this need. These days the Art Therapy Student Networking Forum continues on Yahoo for students interested in art therapy or enrolled in an art therapy education program to ask questions and network with other students and art therapists.

Ten years ago there wasn’t the buzz word “social media” used to describe this kind of activity or various platforms, but it was the beginning (for me) to the world of art therapy engaging in the possibilities and benefits of Internet forums, e-groups and on-line networking.  Now there is LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, blogging, podcasting, and  so many other forms of social media- it is amazing!  Within the art therapy field, I am seeing great things happen with these tools and the activity that comes from it.   In this posting, I wanted to highlight some of these considerations, as well as provide ways in which art therapists not involved (yet!) with the social media scene can acquaint themselves, get started, and find resources to help with networking and promotion.

This week I read the article, Are You Taking Advantage of the Social Media to Promote Your Business? by  E.G. Sebastian and his thoughts on the top three social media sites to grow and build the work that you offer, services you provide, and create a following about your business, company, or cause. I agree with Sebastian’s top three choices (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) and can already see how these sites are having an impact on art therapists and the field of art therapy:

LinkedIn- I have mentioned LinkedIn in previous posts and have found this professional networking site really valuable for enhancing and promoting my work as an art therapist and these related interests.   LinkedIn is a social media site dedicated to helping build your professional relationships, promote your work and service through your profile, and provide networking opportunites by making connections, introductions, and giving/receiving recommendations related to your work with those you trust and who trust you.  LinkedIn also incorporates many application programs to help promote your work, such as, but not limited to: posting/viewing PowerPoint presentations, synching your blog, sharing files, and letting others know “what you are working on”. For me, these updates and exchanging of information has been helpful with staying up to date on what colleagues are working on or looking for.

LinkedIn also has many Groups that you can join based on your career or special interests. Joining a LinkedIn Group provides additonal networking around a similar skill or area with other professionals who share this same interest. Group members can post news links, start discussions, and access group members for help with questions, feedback, or support.  This past week celebrated the one year launching milestone of The Art Therapy Alliance, a professional group on LinkedIn for art therapists, art therapy students, and professionals interested in art therapy and want to network, exchange ideas, and discuss related news and happenings. I also recommend looking for Art Therapy India and Creative Arts Therapy in Latin America on LinkedIn too.

Facebook- Sebastian also identifies Facebook as another platform to help spread the word to the masses about your work, services, upcoming events, current news, network, with a personal touch.  I enjoy when my art therapy friends post news links, event information, websites, and blog postings related to our work, as well as find the support and community that is exchanged really helpful and encouraging. Facebook also has Groups to join and there are many, many art therapy focused groups available to join by keyword searching  ”art therapy”.  My favorite art therapy group on Facebook is The International Art Therapy Group which brings together art therapists all over the world.

Twitter- Lately, I have been most impressed with the reaching power of Twitter, another social media site that provides updates to those following you about your status and what you are up to. If you “tweet” (post) on a regular basis with content for potential followers to become interested in, it’s easy to build a group of people curious about your postings.  Becoming a follower of others also contributes to strengthening your network opportunities and keeping informed. Go to www.twitter.com to start tweeting!  This NYTimes article, Putting Twitter’s World to Use also describes examples on how people are using this social media site. A couple of my favorite art therapy tweeters that post art therapy information and news are http://twitter.com/erinbrumleve and http://twitter.com/arttherapynews. If you are interested in following my tweets, visit http://twitter.com/gretchen_miller.

To learn even more about the power of social media, view the brief video below. I think the residents of Scoopville, ice cream, and the future of art therapy have a lot in common! By the people, for the people!

Expressions on Happiness & Gratitude

Gratitude is the Heart's Memory

Earlier this week through an Art Therapy and Positive Psychology group I recently joined, I signed up for an altered book round robin project focusing on the theme of positive psych and expressions about gratitude, happiness, strengths, and virtues. 

I am very excited to participate in this round robin and will be working on starting my book this week-end, so I can mail it out by next week to the next person on the list.  Every two weeks I should be receiving someone else’s book to contribute to and by June I should have my original book back to me full of positivity and happiness!

The idea of sending expressions of happiness, practicing gratitude, and honoring strength based content through working on these different altered books is something I really welcome at this time.  Research has shown when we engage in a gratitude set of mind, our level of happiness improves.  During a time where there is so much uncertainty, I know I have a lot to be thankful for and to show appreciation for in my life.  Making a commitment to remember this, especially when I am feeling burdened or stressed will help keep my blessings in perspective. 

To learn more about what Positive Psychology has to offer, check out this blog posting, The New Science of Happiness, for many articles, tips, and research related to this area. 

Thanks to Gioia for putting together this altered book project!  Look for the start of my book to be posted here sometime in the near future…. 

Artsy Living

My inbox was recently sent another goodie from Artella that  I wanted to share with you.   It is from The Complete Idealist’s Guide to Growing a Creative Business: 37 Ways to Really Make an Artsy Living by Artella Founder Marney K. Makridakis. In these uncertain financial times, using your creativity is a must have survival skill! 

The Complete Idealist's Guide to Growing a Creative Business

I remember after finishing graduate school, I had a pretty low paying art therapy job that barely made ends meet.  To supplement my income I got involved with the artist community on eBay and started selling my art, which really was a great experience. Not only did I make extra money, but I met so many neat individuals who were interested in similar interests and inspired me in so many ways .  I have really good memories of those eBay selling days, think of them often, and still use the fundamentals of this experience today. 

This experience pushed me to start my very first website,  Dolls of Travesty where I could refer my regular eBay customers to and order more creations that were not up for auction. My friend Mark bought me the dolls of travesty domain name as a surprise and this really got my excitement going about possibilities- definitely an “a-ha moment”.

Between this website and eBay I would get commission orders for dolls,  including a bulk voodoo doll order from the guys who made the Blair Witch Project (Haxan Films) when they launched a short lived show called FreakyLinks on FOX back in 2000.  I remember getting the check from Haxen with the cool Blair Witch tree branch logo on it and thinking it was amazing that my dolls had reached this realm! It’s still unbelievable to me-! Actually they are still for sale here, if you are interested in checking the FreakyLinks site out! (Wow, I can’t believe they are still there!) Ah… the good old days!

So obviously this subject of using your creativity for an artsy life  is close to my heart….  To help you with your own creative brainstorming,  here’s a peek to some of the content that I enjoyed reading from Makridakis about finding resources that fit you and your business ideas:

1. Ask-  Inquire with those colleagues you trust  what resources have been helpful for them in their pursuit of developing new ideas, their business, and work.  Also research and learn more about businesses you look up to and want to model your own endeavors after.

2. Listen to your body- When researching and looking at resources, remember to pay attention to your “gut” and how your body is responding.  What energizes you and gets you excited?  Makridakis suggests to also pay attention to feelings of doubt, anxiety, and “a-ha moments”.

3.  Be a magnet to your excitement- Let your passion, excitement, and enthusiasm lead you to your resources, people, and tools that will help shape and build your idea.  Take a look at what truly motivates and interests you, as this will help sustain your strength and commitment when faced with challenges and struggles.

4. Know your core values- Do the resources and connections you are interested in support what is important to you?  Are they a right fit to what you value?

5. Play with serpendipty- Makridakis recommends having fun with researching and finding resources by inviting serendipity through a simple keyword search of your idea on-line.  Try googling words connected to your idea and see what kind of brainstorming comes from this!

6. Read testimonials of potential consumers and pay attention to how you feel- Do some market research on your idea and target those consumers who are really invested in your idea vs.  superifical commentary.

7. Avoid making choices only by price- Carefully consider and balance cost with quality. Look for cost effective ways to promote your business without spending a lot of $,  but don’t settle for going cheap either.  I am a big fan of using the Internet to help spread your ideas, special project, and business!

8. Look for “creative” specialties- Partner and collaborate with creative individuals and groups that have proven to be successful and have similiar thoughts, goals, and excitement about your interests. 

9. Work with fewer resources rather than more- Look for resources that cover the bulk of what you need- i.e. a couple of really good books with lots of information vs. having many, many resources to keep track of and go back to.  Streamline the resource gathering process.

10. Learn your own personal learning style-Look seriously at what works best for you in learning and guiding you in this process.    Makridakis suggests if you are a visual person, to pay attention to illustrated books  that contain a lot of this content.  Do you need an audio program?  If you enjoy learning with others, do you need to take a class or join a group? If you find that having individual attention is helpful for you, maybe consider working with a consultant or coach.

Have fun, remember to keep the creative juices flowing, try something new, or develop an existing idea or business further! 

 

Flickr: Making Photos Social

When I first discovered Flickr, I was just looking for a site where I could upload batches of my photos and be able to easily share them with friends, family, and colleagues. Flickr served this objective quite well for me and I was very pleased.  Flickr claims to be “the best on-line photo management system and and sharing application in the world”, with two objectives: helping people share their photos, videos, and pictures with those who are important in their lives, and providing new ways for users to do and manage this.

I have started to learn that Flickr is much more than just these two purposes and a site on-line where I can upload and share lots of photos.  It’s also a collabortive community where images bring people together. People with similiar interests are able to connect through photo sharing, discussion, leaving comments, and much more.  To learn more about Flickr, watch this short tutorial about on-line photo sharing:

I am still slowly discovering everything Flickr has to offer, building my photo sets, and checking out all the amazing images and photographs posted from other users, as well as the thousands of Flickr groups you can join.  It is amazing what Flickr has to offer and its community of photographers, artists, and creatives!

I invite you to take some time and check out what Flickr is all about!   If you need help getting started, one of my favorite photostreams is from Cleveland photographer and poet, Don Iannone who posts beautiful photos everyday.   

Here’s to our paths crossing on Flickr and to happy photo sharing!

The Creative Leader & Creating an Environment for Innovation

 

rev o’ lution for leadership

Here are my first of many thoughts surrounding the topic of leadership and creativity. As I wrote in my rev o’ lution posting a few weeks ago, good leadership is something I want to see, be, and understand more this year.  

The article Leadership As Creativity: Finding the Opportunity Hidden Within Decision Making and Dialogue, published by The National Endowment for the Arts was a good read to get me thinking about the qualities of creative leadership and its impact on success, achievement, and motivating others. Author John M. McCann references the work of Malcolm Knowles and his book The Adult Learner, A Neglected Species where eight beliefs about The Creative Leader are identified:

1. The Creative Leader has a positive belief system and outlook about the ability of others to get the job done and step up to the challenge.  

2. The Creative Leader understands the relationship between acknowledging that people are stakeholders and how this effectively influences their level of commitment and dedication to the work that needs to be done.

3. The Creative Leader creates a vision and expectation for success that others will contribute and rise up to.

4. The Creative Leader understands and values the unique contributions of the individual and recognizes that when people are able to work in an environment that empowers their strengths, ideas, skills, and knowledge, they will thrive and create great things.

5. The Creative Leader embraces creativity in others through cultivating, celebrating, and validating its use.  Also important is leading by example and showing others that the power of creativity is essential to surviving change.  

6. The Creative Leader is aware of the power of change and skillful in its management to create new opportunities and possibilities rooted in innovation.

7. The Creative Leader highlights and rewards gratification that encourages success, achievement, responsiblity, and integrity from within.

8. The Creative Leader promotes others to be self-directing and driven.

As I was reflecting on the list, each of the eight qualities towards creative leadership has important value to me.  Many of the examples I can recall when I was empowered by a Creative Leader in my own life applying these principles. Creative leadership has encouraged and taught me to do new and growth producing experiences, have belief and trust in my ideas, direction, and decisions- even in times when I did not even see this yet myself or know what exactly to do.    

I’ve also witnessed and experienced the opposite by working in systems or with individuals in positions of leadership that attempted to exercise control, isolation, micromanagement, and  ultimately kill the collaboration and fullfillment that comes with the process of developing new ideas.  These experiences have been valuable lessons in helping to identify what I truly need and want in good leadership, and to understand more about what is destructive and damaging towards fostering dedication, participation, and postitive morale in others.

The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) and their podcast, Creating an Environment for Innovation, sites three steps that can impact the successful creative growth within organizations:

The Elements of Destruction are Present at Creation- Creative leadership knows how to take appropriate action and is aware of possible inherit destructiveness that can threaten the innovation of the organization.

Soft Values Drive the Organization- CCL describes this as “how the game is played”. Valuing and cultivating qualities such as passion, dedication, and spirit is what fuels the organization’s energy and direction.

Trust is the Means and Love is the Unspoken Word- A foundation of trust and compassion are essential to helping the organization face and deal with conflict and problem- if left unchecked this can weaken and slow down the organization’s ability to move forward with new ideas and goals.  What is CCL’s idea of love in the workplace? “Love means caring for others, being concerned about their personal and professional well-being and placing a high value on their interests. It means listening and trying to understand their concerns. It means respecting their intelligence and giving credit to their ideas. Loving the people within the organization gives innovation its best shot. “

Enough said. At least for now…