Big Pig Chakra: 1987
Mixed Media
22 x 28"
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| Curriculum Vitae | Artist's Statement | Images | Workshops |
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It all started in 1987 with the Big Pig. I started questioning why I was painting the objects that I chose. What was the significance of these objects. As an Arts Administrator and Visual Artist for nearly 15 years, having worked with hundreds of artists, I became fascinated with symbols and imagery used by artists..the significance of the mark, the meaning behind the work. This was my entry into the profession of Art Therapy. I moved to Portland, Oregon in 1997 to start a Masters degree in Art Therapy at Marylhurst University. I have worked with all ages and populations; presented at many conferences, facilitated many workshops on Art Therapy, including Sandtray, Maskmaking, the Mandala, Self-Box, 'Phototherapy', Self-Collage and other art experientials. As a visual artist, I continue to paint, exploring my own 'inner symbolic domain'. I am available for classes and workshops and will be presenting at Teachers' Conventions in Alberta in 2004.
Masks, 2001
These masks and hands were created by 'older adults', averaging between 80 and 98 years of age. In long term care, residents retain minimal autonomy. Everything is done for them, from deciding what food to eat and when to sleep. ' Vital involvement in old age' (Erickson) is tantamount to quality of life. The creative process and having opportunity to engage in 'making special' (Dissanayake) is critical to validation and autonomy for the older adult. These residents participated in an Art Therapy program for 1.5 hours several times a week. As a result they were able to do closure on end of life issues and to contribute to their own healing process and quality of life.
Elizabeth M. Ginn, May 15, 1997
