Editor's Note — Canadian Art Therapy Association

Sarah Gysin (MA, RP (Qualifying)
Ottawa, ON

Spring rolls us forward into summer (sometimes at an unexpected pace), and while I eagerly open my arms to embrace what follows, a part of me feels some sadness at letting go of winter. Perhaps I’m the kind of person that enjoys cocooning a little too much, wanting that slower pace that comes with burrowing inward to get away from the cold. Or maybe I’m finding these days that I just need a bit more time connect with myself, given all of what we have been facing in these recent years, months, and days.

As we process current and ongoing news of violence, war, genocide, institutionalized and targeted racism, sexism and queerphobia-- holding space for ourselves, one another, and our clients can feel like an intense marathon with the finish line moving farther and farther away. And still, I am a witness to the many ways we continue to show up, to adapt, to support each other and move forward, despite it all.

Photograph of a bud growing on a branch in spring. — spring emerging, *photograph, 2022*

While engaging with the artwork and reflections submitted to this issue of Envisage, I’m struck by how many of us appear to be walking the same path of loss, coping, and acceptance. This issue tells stories about searching for identity, inner transformation and adaptation, and the value of connection in the wake of trauma and loss. Connection to ourselves, our loved ones, to our clients and to each other, brings forth the strength to keep moving.

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I have enjoyed putting it together. It has been an incredible gift to witness the strength of our community emerge within every article and artwork shared. I am so thankful for all our contributors, from those who have submitted their work for the first time, to others whose presence and voice in our magazine are more familiar. I am also incredibly grateful to our regular columnists, Taylor Bourassa and Rebecca Montgomery, and our reviewers for this issue, Ninat Friedland and Dianne Shannon.

While I still learn the ropes of my new editor role, it has been such an amazing experience to read and engage with so many different art therapists doing incredible work in our field. I am in awe of all that you do, and I look forward to the many more issues we will share together.