Art Therapy Without Borders: International Postcard Art Exchange

For the past six months I have been participating in a postcard art exchange hosted by Art Therapy Without Borders (ATWB Postcard Art Exchange).  Art therapists and art therapy students from around the world have been exchanging postcards telling about their role as an art therapist and what art therapy means to them.
Here are the cards I have had the pleasure of receiving!

A lovely collection, yes! :)

*SPOILER ALERT* my postcards that probably have yet to be received by many...

Thesis has taken over my life for the most part, so I just now sent out all my postcards on the mail-by deadline date of April 15th.  International recipients may not get their cards for 2-3 weeks... but as today is 'reflection day' for the project, here are my cards to contribute:

Lately I have been entertaining my current theme/symbol of containment and boundaries in my artwork. 

I had several 4x11" strips of watercolor paper and painted each one. Each strip allowed for two postcards to be cut from it, resulting in pairs. No two are alike, but one can see where two may have matched up!

It has been a wonderful experience creating for everyone, as well as opening a small window to art therapists and students around the world and hearing your stories!

Thanks, all!

Introspection

Hello, all or none.  Two months have gone by since my last 365 entry of contour drawings.  I have still been drawing them, but have not uploaded yet.  I would say there are only so many times and ways one can draw things around the house when time is running short, but that would be a straight up misconception.

ANYWAY. I have noticed a shift in my brain lately, for the most part.  I have somewhat tucked in and become increasingly introspective.  I am still incredibly socially awkward and talk poorly as well as too much when wading through nervous social situations, but besides that I am a still pond.

When I began attending the art therapy program it was often said that the program changes you.  I just said "OK" and let it be. Well. It just might have changed me a lot.

Phil says he has noticed some difference in me over the last year. Maybe it's the program. Maybe it's moving to a new area with little social interaction. Let's just say... I think my social skills have gone the way of the awkward turtle. Regardless, it's another process among many that have taken place and have yet to come.

Back to thesis.

Project 365, Day 10-13

After being out of town for a few days (this will be a trend--a loving thanks to school), here are the contour drawings up to today:

Monday Jan 10 2011

Outside one of my practicum sites (not showing the building--they're the houses nearby)

Tuesday Jan 11 2011

One of my classmates during a break at supervision

Wednesday Jan 12 2011

My ear. I was impatient and rushed through it. I was also irritated.

Thursday Jan 13 2011

Our chinchilla, Alvin. Again, I was irritated and impatient when I drew this. 

Until next time,

chels

Project 365, Day 9

After I drew our camera, my husband was inspired and drew me cooking dinner.  This is quite special to me, being the first image he's made for me since we've been together (over 5 years since we began dating).

Peace,

chels

365 Project, v.2011

New year new year new year!

New project.

Many creative minds out there partake in a 365 project, where something with a similar theme is done every day (or almost every day), and documented. Click here for more ideas from Etsy

So many ideas, so difficult to choose.

This morning I decided to make a contour drawing of my husband while he was waking up, drinking his coffee while surfing the internet.

*click on images for a larger view*

I had so much fun making this I decided to make more...

*from left to right, going down: singing bowl, bird salt & pepper shakers, name pennant banner, cream & sugar, P & C wall hooks, one of Kara's wedding reception centerpieces (she wanted guests to take one home), and our Christmas tree*

This project is allowing me to return to my roots as an artist. I never painted or used much of any other medium on my own time (or in a formal class) until I was in college; it was always drawing.

*Images were drawn in a notebook that was used as a temporary reflection journal for my Development class my first year of grad school.  I've had the notebook for years and barely used it. It finally has a job!*

To make up for the last week I missed of the new year, I drew seven items around the house. Now, the goal is to do one contour drawing every day.

My project isn't what I thought it would be, but I am pleased with it.

Do you have any ideas for your own 365 project (if you choose to participate)?

Happy making,

chels