Pathways to Creativity:
The Journey Towards Authenticity
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SOULSPRITES
Artist: Dana Cohen
Materials: Tempera Paint
Following a serious injury, I turned to my art to express my deepest pain and fear. With the guidance of Peter London, who encouraged me to draw from my heart and not my head, I began to paint my darkness - thick black, dense woods. As I acknowledged my fear and pain, something strange and wonderful followed. The branches of my trees became long graceful arms with enormous hands extending from one tree to the next, trying to connect. At first I did not understand the significance of the image. As more figures appeared on the paper, I realized that I had drawn my family and my kindred spirits from the New England Art Therapy Institute, all of whom had supported me throughout this dark period in my journey.
Soulsprites is my tribute to them.
DANA COHN
Autobiographical Statement
Over my several years as a NEATI student, I have repeatedly experienced the powers of the creative process. Through art-making, I have deepened my capacity to reclaim my past, to acknowledge my shadows, and to celebrate my passions. Creating images has been an act of remembrance. It has guided me to know more deeply who I am and what makes my heart sing. I am always touched by a sunrise - autumn mountains - an Irish setter - a rainy day - a field of sunflowers - a cello's song - a cappella voices in harmony - a rising mist - the smell of basil - the ocean from the bluffs - a glacier lake - black-eyed susans - Ebbets field - pastels - a child.