the act of changing into a different form or appearance (especially a fantastic or grotesque one)
I have notice that art has an ability to change things. I have seen it first hand in my own art, and in working with clients, that making art about our internal experiences can change how we feel about them. In addition to externalizing our emotions, making art can also change the way we perceive our emotions. What was once big and unbearable can seem small and manageable. What can feel overwhelming and complex can be transformed into something simple and easy to visualize.
This piece was inspired by a guided meditation I did with my own art therapist. In this guided meditation I found myself sitting next to a tree, with a younger version of myself. Little me was playing in the trees, in the most daring manner. Unphased by the possible danger of falling, young (imaginary) me showed me the importance of play. As the very real, adult version of me struggles with the never ending list of adult tasks and accomplishments I must complete in a day/week/month, I was being presented with a simple invitation to play. Play more worry less.