A Life’s Journey

It was a destiny. So many events placed strategically in front of me that lead to my education and training to become an Art Psychotherapist. I was preparing my entire life for the profession.

I worked tirelessly to do my best work, honored to help others learn about themselves through art making. If you want to learn more about the profession, please consider visiting the American Art Therapy Association website. www.aata.org

The educational journey allowed me to learn about and practice many different mediums. Now that I am focusing on my own art, I have been circling around, like water stirred in a pot. I’ve always loved fiber, weaving, sewing, buttons and beads. I’ve loved jewelry making and oil painting and printmaking. Art history is also a favorite passion. So many mediums and so little time as I enter into my Medicare years.

A thought came zapping into my overactive brain and the subsequent investigative rabbit hole I went into was that of Indigo. I’ve always liked denim jeans. The color blue is soothing to me. Turns out the color is representative of those life giving forces of sky and water. We generally feel comforted by variations of this color. My art therapy experience dictates that not all people are calmed by blue.

Indigo is a plant and when crushed creates a rich natural dye. First it’s green and when mixed with oxygen turns beautiful blue. Manipulating fabric by stitching, binding, or wrapping And then placing in a “dye vat”, results in symbolic markings on the fabric.

Symbolism is self expression, the color is traditional and meaningful. Managing the vat and manipulating the fiber requires mindfulness. This is a medium that must be considered a continuation of my journey. It’s what I need now.

I hope you enjoy the results of this Indigo journey.

Peace,

Janice

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