creative forces

Blog # 55… March 2016

“Art is not a luxury, it is a necessity”…both words to live by and the title of a book by artist and art therapist Diorbhail (Gaelic for Dorothy) Cameron.

I have a great respect for art therapy, although, when I was working in psychiatry I preferred to involve artists in a different way - giving people a chance to explore, experiment and have a rest from therapy.  But, about five years ago I met Diorbhail, who lives and practices art therapy in New York City and discovered a kindred spirit.

                                                                                                                                                                     

An Geurran,
Path leading to where her family members are buried

As an artist herself, as well as a person who has experience with mental illness, Diorbhail has spent most of her life painting and contributing to the lives of marginalized people in NYC. A strong influence on both aspects of her work is her Gaelic heritage...her sensibility formed by the mystical landscape of the Western Highlands of Scotland where she grew up. She sees a strong resemblance between the revival of interest in the cultures of North American Natives and the Gaels…both cultures live outside the mainstream and offer expanded perspectives on the land, art and spirit. My Campbellness resonates with that too.

Seannir's Passing
Song of the passing soul
(Grandfather's death)

Encouraged to paint while going through her own therapy, Diorbhail started to take courses in psychology and began involving herself in social issues. She began with domestic violence, establishing Abused Women ‘s Aid in Crisis and encouraging city officials to establish protected housing. She went into one of the first shelters intending to use art to work with children and found that the mothers wanted to join too… and the staff. This beginning led to innovative programmes in senior centres. work in homeless shelters and the establishment of Broadway Community Inc. a drug and alcohol rehabilitation agency serving a downtown area for twenty years.

 “I have never heard of  retired artists” she said in a recent interview  and Diorbhail continues to take an active interest in using art to help people find better ways of dealing with life…something dear to my heart too.

Now that the magic number of Syrian refugees has been reached, our Iraqi family may get their chance to come and join us….hope so.