Word Pictures: The Poetry And Art Of Art Therapists

by Bruce L. Moon (Editor), Robert Schoenholtz

This book is the product of the editors' collected submissions of work from the art therapy community. The poems, works of visual art, and accompanying essays presented herein are truths that have been experienced within the art therapy context. Each of the contributing poets in this work submitted three poems for consideration. Two art therapists were selected to evaluate these poems and select ten poems to receive visual art responses. Each poet's section begins with a biographical sketch and a picture of the art therapist. A statement is given by each poet that serves to anchor and give context to the poet's work. Preliminary analysis of these writings suggest five modes of artistic inquiry. These modes are self-exploration and reflection, documentation of therapeutic work, a method of responsive interaction with clients, a form of spiritual practice, and a way to clarify and contain the art therapist's feelings that surface in therapeutic work. Comments are included on motivations for writing, inspiration, the significance of works in the text, and how poetry writing is incorporated in their personal and professional lives. Word The Poetry and Art of Art Therapists is an effort to give voice to the poetic underpinnings of an art therapist's identity.

Hardcover

First published May 14, 2014