Symbolic Projections

As I used the last of the #naturalpaperdye made for the 6 Degree of Creativity 2015 workshops  I'm very much aware of their richness. Working primarily with Pigma Micron pens I felt every fiber and bump, every depression made by the organic objects during the dying process. Every card was truly and utterly unique. The focus for the August series of #creativedeed365 was a return to my passion for mandalas. I've been creating these small pieces of art for the better part of the year already, as I finish my degree I can't help but feel a pressing "unknown" waiting to flood-in given the chance. So this month with the change in format I dedicated to cultivating creating mandalas. Even if you have never heard the term "mandala" before, you can surmise that they have something to do with circles. The word mandala, in effect means circle, usually one used in a contemplative practice. Traditionally Tibetan mandalas have a symmetrical design, but not all. My

July for me meant conference, friends, colleagues, and another fold-out book. Early July, I prepared to attend the 46th Annual American Art Therapy Association Conference in Minneapolis, MN. As with last year I decided to create a multi-day activity that could be mirrored by my clients and we could discuss after my return. It needed to be something I could do while on the road. My clients were supposed to be simultaneously completing (I hoped) their own books as well. So here’s what we did. July 1 - 6, 2015 Who: My MBAT (mindfulness based art therapy) group and myself. Why: In July, due to the holiday, a semester break, and my conference, there was an extended period of time when group would not be able to meet. The activity’s purpose was to encourage daily creative engagement for distraction. Hopefully providing at least a several minutes of mindful art making each day. July 6 - 13, 2015 Where: Everyone was to create with whatever materials were available to th

[in case you're keeping tabs thats deeds 182 to 212] Early July I prepared to attend the 46th Annual American Art Therapy Association Conference in Minneapolis, MN. #creativedeed365 in tow! Soon thereafter, I submitted my dissertation manuscript, crossing fingers and toes for a painless final set of hurdles. While those were lofty pursuits, eventually the manuscript was accepted and I was cleared for graduation. Between these two events there were days where the #creativedeed365 got pushed out of my schedule (hopefully it isn't becoming a pattern); I was simply too zapped to work. I did make it a point to catch-up whenever I fell behind.  While at the conference I was able to disseminate my back-log of deeds too. Gifting them, leaving some here, some there. Lets just say my ninja skills got a workout. This month I once again used paper stained for the 6 Degrees of Creativity 2015 workshops . Loving the antiqued look (especially when time became prec