Me Being MeAn Art Therapy Journey 2012 - 2018 by Samantha Strongman
All art intuitively apprehends coming changes in the collective unconsciousness - Carl Jung Samantha is an artist and art psychotherapist living in Surbiton with over 20 years experience working with children and adults in many areas of social and pastoral care in the UK and abroad, including countries such as Romania, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India. Prior to achieving a Masters degree in Art Psychotherapy at Roehampton in 2015, Samantha studied for a BA in Drama & History of art, design and film at Kingston. She currently works for the NHS, specialising in developmental trauma and attachment issues with children in care as well as adults experiencing mental health crisis. Samantha hopes that this exhibition will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to understand more about the art therapy process as well as open up a further conversation about the complexities of mental health and the benefits of engaging in personal therapy. "This exhibition is an account of my time and the images created whilst engaging in Art Therapy from 2012 until 2018. It is a celebration of growth, transition and change. The individual images represent a snapshot in time, but when collated together they are part of a whole story and a whole being. Me. I believe we all carry history, memories and important feelings that over time become squashed, ignored and that are not given the time, attention and value they deserve. Engaging in therapy enabled me to dig deep, pull all of this out and explore it with the support of someone I grew to trust deeply, who accepted me unconditionally and who helped me put it all back inside of me in a way that feels safe, nurtured and loved. These images are mirrors that reflect back to me how I felt at that time and how I expressed this through art making as a route to understanding and healing. It is a journey of the unconscious meeting and becoming part of what is conscious." Exhibition co-curated by Lisa Jenkin & Victoria Iungerich _____________________________________ Private View: Friday 31st May 6 - 9pm Open: Friday 31st May 12-6pm Saturday 1st June 10am - 6pm Sunday 2nd June 10am - 4pm Ali MacDonald (drama therapist) In conversation with Samantha Strongman: Saturday 1st June from 3pm Free admission FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/333096644224163/ |
Photographs by Mirko Boffelli