Healing through Self-Expression
Creative Therapy
Tristin Valentina Calabaza
Kewa Pueblo
Healing through Self-Expression
Creative Therapy
Tristin Valentina Calabaza
Kewa Pueblo
Art therapy had a big impact on my life. Art therapy showed me that I could use techniques showed to me by my art therapist to better myself. Wanted to share my journey and experience thru art; Creative Therapy Through the use of my creative ablitttle thati showcase in many froms from playing the piono, painting and working with clay i express myself in many forms.
By Jeanette Armstrong
In the article ¨sharing one's skin” By Jeanette Armstrong, a recognized writer, teacher, artist, sculptor, and activist for Indigenous rights. She Knows that being Okanagan helps her bond to the land encompassingly . Being Okanagan shows her the Importance of oneself, identity, community and land. Armstrong States ¨We say that we are connected to each other, to our land and to all things by our heart beats¨ There are four selves Of the Okanagan people. All of the four selves make how you are. Physical self to the Okanagan ¨The body is sacred¨ Emotional self the connectedness with self awareness. Thinking-intellectual self, your inner thinker that expands your knowledge and mindset could cause overthink, running thoughts wild. Spiritual self connecting with one's self, god/supreme power and environment. .Jeanette also states the importance of sanity, self, place and responsibilities. The importance of communities, spirit.
Like Jeanette Armstong Article ¨Sharing one skin¨ Being Okanagan plays a big role in her identity along with everyday life. I am from Kewa, a strong, resilient, pueblo. My pueblo is a big part of who I am. I do not live on the rez but I still participate as much as I can. My pueblo is a source of inspiration and a constant reminder of the strength and resilience of its people. It is a place where neighbors support one another, where celebrations are shared with joy, and where challenges are faced together. The sense of belonging I feel when I am in my pueblo is unparalleled, as I am surrounded by familiar faces and a sense of unity that is hard to find elsewhere. My connection to my pueblo is not just a physical or emotional tie, but a part of my very being that shapes who I am and how I view the world.There are many similarities in our culture and connection. We both keep the importance of the land, communities and responsibilities.
Armstrong jeanette.1996¨sharing one skin¨.The okanagan community Pp 460-470 in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith(eds), The case Against the Global Economy, San Francisco, CA: Sierra Club Books.
By B. Toasite
Memories and stories are connected to our land as described by B.Toastie in the article ¨How place names impact the way we see landscapes¨ Stories are a big part of a location. They help us to understand the information in a memorable way stated by Toastie ¨Those dimension of self that defines the individual's personal identity in relation to the physical environment¨ Meaning being more than just a memory it's a connection. Stories impact and convey our sense of right and wrong. Our organizational culture, our expectations of others, our world new and our fascination. Toastie States about ¨Place Identity¨ which is elements of nature, culture and regional life. It's a place of ¨conscious and unconscious idea, feeling, values, goals, preference skills, and behavioral tendencies relevant to a specific environment¨ The stories are tied to the land they let us share information in many ways that creates an emotional, physical connection. ¨The land can persist. It'll always be there Every time I think about my pueblo, a rush of nostalgia and warmth fills my being. It is where I took my first steps, where I learned the importance of community, and where I discovered the beauty of traditions passed down through generations. The streets, the buildings, and the people all hold a special place in my memories, reminding me of the rich history and vibrant spirit that define my pueblo. It´ll be attached to the land as long as we remember that story¨
By Joe Suina
¨And Then i went to school¨ a story written by Joe Suina. School had a great impact on him. He was used to a simple one-room house in the village. He loves his grandma, who is an important member of women's society. Joe speaks highly of his grandmother. She has taught him to learn to appreciate nature. Joe ¨felt very much a part of the world¨ And then he went to school. Joe's experience with school was a ¨painful experience¨ that caused ¨much anxiety and embarrassment¨ Joe was stripped from his identity, and all he's ever known. In his eyes he states ¨school was determined to undo me¨ His experience changed him in many ways altering the way he saw the world. The white man's world entered his and changed it. Living in two worlds can be both a blessing and a challenge. It means having the opportunity to experience and embrace different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This unique position allows individuals to develop a broader understanding of the world and appreciate the diversity that exists within it. It can be an enriching experience, as it opens doors to new friendships, languages, and ways of thinking. However, living in two worlds can also present its fair share of difficulties. It requires constant adaptation and flexibility to navigate between different cultural norms, expectations, and values. It can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope, trying to find a balance between two distinct identities. This can lead to a sense of displacement or feeling like an outsider in both worlds. It may also involve dealing with conflicting loyalties or struggling to fit into societal expectations. Although he struggles he states ¨I knew where i belonged¨ Remaining resilient. Overcoming life in two worlds.
What is Art therapy? A form of psychotherapy, involving the encouragement of free self-expression through mixed median used remain activity. Therapists use it as a tool to help patients interpret, express and resolve their emotions and thoughts. Who are Art therapists? Educated with a masterś degree or higher. Providing a non-verbal expressional art piece.
Art therapy was coined in 1942 but the establishment of art therapy was unique and publicly accepted a new therapeutic approach barely took place in the mid-20th century. Ancestral art work of culture and religion globally have included carved idols and charms, as well as sacred symbols in the healing process. Margaret Naumburg “often described as the “mother of art therapy,” Hanna kwaitkoawska, ”she bridged the gap between her passion and her profession by introducing art into the therapy sessions she conducted with families.” Florence Cane were contributions to the field, Who were 3 of the 5 who had significant contributions to the development of Art therapy as a recognized field. Art therapy has been beneficial to all ages. Improving communication through communicating self expression through painting, finger painting, doodling, scribbling, making pottery and using textiles. There are so many different ways that Art therapy can infuse into your life. ¨This type of therapy has also been shown to lead to increases in self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness¨ Art therapy has helped some ¨use art to cope with traumatic mutism¨ Any type of Creative therapy is Art therapy. Psychological, spiritual and artistic theories all in conjunction alongside clinical techniques to achieve the wanted therapeutic outcome. An positive outlet for those with no social skill or having difficulty speaking about traumatic events. Two main general types of art therapy The difference is Expressive Art therapy is therapy being spoken poetry, dance and performing. While Art therapy is visual.
Art is a connection, has a connection. A big part of history and the history of it. Art therapy origins date back to the 20th century European american. The British attribute hill, Adrian in 1942. The great outbreak of tuberculosis in 1946 four years later the start of art therapy was for patients in hospitals then later years used in hospitals than later years used in mental hospitals. Help with the start of art therapy going world wide. 1 of the 5 Edith Kramer laid the groundwork for the American Art therapy education. Why art therapy started in the time of hardship of outbreak tuberculosis. For people who were in the hospital and some doctors and nurses did not know how to treat the patient he or she could cope or find something to help see what the person was going through and without using words on or in their work creating a self expressive work of art. Seeing the improvement in moods and spirits throughout the hospitals they moved it to a furthermore put into practice.
Unveiling artistic expression from around the world. The array of global artistry is testament to the richness of human creativity and the diversity of cultural narratives. Cultural art globally is an individual work of art, including all medians. Within cultural art produced by specific cultures or ethnic groups. Holding beliefs, values and traditions of community.
Symbolism plays a role in cultural art, fascinating aspects of cultural art with the use of symbolism like an animal, for instead the dragon is a symbol of power and good fortune, in Chinese art. Symbols and layers of depth tp the artistic expression. “Appreciate diversity in cultural art’’ looking into your own cultures. Art each and every culture, religion, community all have its individual unique artistic style. ‘’Diversity in cultural art is a celebration of our shared human creativity”
AFRICA: Rich bold colors, powerful symbolism and innovative design within Africa are 54 countries and countless ethnic groups, offering a variety of art styles. Certain animals such as elephants and lions are often symbolized as strength and leadership. The influence on global trends of bold patterns and innovative techniques inspired a movement of cubism and surrealism Each art piece is a vibrant thread waving the african narrative into the cultures mosaic: The unfolding of artist expression from around the globe.
ASIA: Influence of asian art around the global stage is asim philosophy aesthetics and techniques have inspired artists around the world. Global impact and experiencing asian art continued to evolve to an intergenerational and integrating theme of traditional and nontraditional. Mindfulness is embedded in the art of Chinese tea ceremonies. In a part of art that has overgrown borders of influencing lifestyles trends globally. A narrative and philosophies unique to this art of the world.
EUROPEAN: A birthplace of various movements involving art that have left indelible. European art offers a rich tapestry of styles, themes and techniques, European art is history and a time machine. Gothic period. Cathedrals and intricate stained glass design. Middle Ashes renaissance and all renew an interest in humanism, science and exploration. You'll find each artwork conveying more than meets the eye: the way we express ourselves.
OCEANIAN: A vibrant world of this region's art is a very diverse area. The dynamic dances of polonais and the covering of malaysia all contribute. Traditional oceanic art is deeply connected to their ancestral heritage and spiritual beliefs. Often influenced by nature to make material and themes.
ALL: We’ve embarked on a truly global journey exploring cultural art as an expression of an endless journey, of universal language. Despite the style, medium and theme, Art heals, in every form and from every culture, enriched our lives to spark imagination. ”A journey that truly never ends”
Suina, Joseph and I went to School "memories of a pueblo childhood" p 1-6, Reprint with permission of author from the New Mexico Journal of reading, winter 1985 vol.V, No. 2, 2, Rainbird illustrations by Tom tea from, H.P mora, Pueblo designs.
MLA Citation: Armstrong, Jeanette. 1966 “ Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community” Pp.460-470 in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds.). The case against the Global Economy. San Francisco, CA: Sierra Club Books.
Toastie, B. 2022 “How place names impact the way we see landscape” 1-8 in the High Country News article
Suina, Joe. 1985 “And then I went to school”,The New Mexico Journal of Reading, Winter 1985, Vol. V, No.2
Domingo Zapata, Ed."The healing powers of art ". Ted Talk Syracuse University. Youtube.Feb 12, 2014.
Stuckey, HL and Nobel J.-Healing Through Art Psychiatry.org - Healing Through Art March 13, 2024 January 30, 2020
Christina Caron-How the Arts Can Benefit Your Mental Health (No Talent Required- The New York Times -March 13, 2024, May 22, 2023
Daisie Team-Unveiling Cultural Art: Global Expressions Explained-Daisie Blog- March 13, 2024-July 18, 2023
Monitoring Editor: Alexander Muacevic and John R Adler-Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review-Cureus- March 13, 2024-August 15, 2022