Archive for June, 2011

Lisa Kokin: An artist and self-help books

Posted on: June 6th, 2011

Pancea

Through my linked in groups via The Art Therapy Alliance I found out about Lisa Kokin. Lisa is a mixed media artist in California who had an exhibit where she took self help books and transformed them into art. Her pieces in a recent exhibit are beautiful. I have long been fascinated with altered books, their use and the transformative power of reworking material in art and society.
We are always looking for ways to transform ourselves, our experiences and our lives. I think Lisa Kokin found a use for all those self-help books that promise to make us better.

Handbook of Art Therapy

Posted on: June 3rd, 2011

An updated edition of this book, Handbook of Art Therapy by Cathy Malchiodi will be released in November. I have been following the authors Facebook posts about her update. Looks like she will have a new cover in the updated edition. I have found this volume to be a great resource in my own practice. It’s packed full of information and as the publisher said, “Widely regarded as the standard reference in the field, this handbook provides a complete overview of art therapy, from theory and research to practical applications”. I can’t wait!

Traveling with Children

Posted on: June 1st, 2011

I took the picture above, exactly one year ago today while traveling with my 12 year old son in France. It’s always a trade off when your pre-teen does not want to spend time in the museums you waited a life time to visit. There were always compromises, tired feet, and cramped hotel rooms but the experience was great none the less. In Paris we saw Rodin’s home (Museum de Rodin) which in itself was amazing. We ran across this Van Gogh in his home, which I found inspiring and beautiful.

I had been to Europe once before with my son when he was 10, but never outside the confines of a tour group. After we completed this trip, which also included Italy and NYC, there was a sense of accomplishment that we managed it all without incident. Perhaps one day my son will wish he had spent more time in those Paris Museums, but who knows!

Be Well,
Laura