When I was a child I felt special because I was singled out as someone who was a "good artist". No matter how afraid I was or lonely, as a little one, I hugged my artist self close and let her hug me too. As a teen words and pictures kept me afloat. Somehow poetry and color kept me safe even as a resident in the "teen-aged wasteland". Now, many years later, as an adult, I have seen art transform lives in the art therapeutic sense, and also in the heart-expanding ability to see, experience and express beauty. I also discovered that one does not have to be a "good artist" or even make "good art" to be healed through creative self expression. Working in my visual art journal almost every day and being part of face to face and virtual creativi! ty groups gives my life meaning and strengthens me as a mother, teacher, artist and counselor.
Gayle welcomes email at gayle.bodine@yahoo.com.
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