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INTO THE ABYSS

Artist: Elaine Brooks

Materials: Collage

This piece was both painful and liberating to create. I would prefer to live in only the sunshine days, but the reality is that there are also storms that toss me into the darkest nights.

"Into the Abyss" is a product of several different works torn, cut and pieced back together. In creating this new work many unresolved feelings of grief, despair, and sadness arose. The black color and rough textures I was working with symbolized for me the heaviness of my feelings at the time. As I physically placed the pieces on the paper, I was taking the feelings from within me and placing them outside myself. This helped me get perspective, and I realized I did not have to continue to carry these painful feelings. I could release them. I recognized the power of my Self to heal and allow my inner light to re-emerge.

ELAINE BROOKS

Autobiographical Statement

I never considered myself to be an artist until the New England Art Therapy Institute entered my life. I have since learned that "artist" means much more than creating pretty pictures or connecting straight lines that result in a recognizable image. As I am completing the certificate program at NEATI, I realize that I have gained a new perspective on artistry. I have become comfortable holding a paint brush and letting it take me where it will. I no longer worry as much about the finished product, but take joy in the creative process itself. This has freed my spirit and allowed me to share the process with others. My work may never hang in a museum. That is not my goal. I have learned to take great pleasure in saying, even if only to myself, "YES! I am an artist".