Altered Selves
Posted: March 29, 2015 Filed under: Art & Healing, Gallery - Visual 3 CommentsIn my work as an Art Therapist and Licensed Counselor, I am helping adolescents and adults dealing with substance abuse issues. We have been creating “altered books” as a means for journaling and self-expression. I have come to see the altered book as a metaphor for the physical body, and its alteration from substance abuse.
I am using hardcover books – cast-offs gathered from friends and the local Goodwill thrift store – that my clients have reinvented and redefined to hold words, images and transformed paper; the altered book releases feelings and communicates ideas. Covers are collaged and fixed with Mod Podge, and then about 1/3 of the existing pages are torn out from the book to relieve the binding and allow space to add new works.
This has been a powerful art experience for everyone. While there are wildly creative and endless possibilities, here are a few images from my own journal just to give the idea. A special thanks to those friends who have rallied to collect books for this ongoing project.
you are brilliant. and a born healer. i imagine lives are being rewritten. all inspired by your undying light. xoxo
Oh Babs, thank you for your words. I don’t usually know if it’s making a difference – I only hope.
Amazing.A new way of looking at life,and the changes that can be made.Something we can all do..Oma