EcoArt Therapy

Margaret McKenzie (B.Ed., S.E.A.T.)
Comox, BC

Client artist
Therapist artist
Nature artist
an integration of the three

seamless movement between
the shades that separate
the softness that allows
the light that enjoins

into those darkest places
out of which its a step
from boldly crimson angst
forward into verdant calm

insights drawn with charcoal rub
the sand a drawing board
overlain with seaweed weaving
create a strength in umber self

rose blush in sunrise glow
support in purple empathy
opens up the saffron possibility
a clearly non-judgemental place

rainbow arcs across a watery sky
refracts between the cobalt blue
as ocean waves crash upon a shore
cast the driftwood fuel expressions out

viridescent life in open air
all the senses strong emotion
connects in peaceful calm
the outdoor room that reconnects.

Attachment Style

Margaret McKenzie (B.Ed., S.E.A.T.)
Comox, BC

a natural formation
the three abreast
protect the young
contain the spark
of life
light of calm consideration - shelters in the glow

cast the net and catch
the one to suit your style
caress in tender hold
secure in trust and love
connection strength
creates the bond - meets a challenge

grows with knowledge
deep the understanding
blooms to float in air
washes within the sea
crosses a desert dry
navigates a tangled forest - emerges resilient gold

beyond our vision
senses tingle bright
beyond the stars
no darkness hurts
no door too thick
design by nature - secure attachment style

Now retired from teaching and co-owner of a printing business, Margaret is operating Silver Bowerbird Gallery & Studio. Her focus is on facilitating a variety of expressive art workshops for mainly seniors and youth, in both indoor and outdoor settings, incorporating nature into the process. Additionally, her work includes volunteering with the business and arts community on issues of homelessness, women's health, and youth programs. The urge to create visual art has been a recurring theme throughout her life as educator and a business owner. For both pleasure and business she enjoys exploring the creative process whether paint, pen & ink, ceramics, mixed media, found object sculpture or photography. Her greatest joy is in facilitating others to discover and explore their creative potential. Utilizing new ways to do this is both a challenge and reward. Her personal journey has now brought her to that place of reflection and community interaction. Recently she has completed the Specialized Expressive Arts Therapy Facilitator program with CiiAT (Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy), and she is now enrolled in the Therapeutic Arts Practitioner Program, also through CiiAT.

A Toast for Butter Days

Christy Herdman (BA, DVATI)
Calgary, AB

Lettuce do our best to talk it out,

Be kind and make the world a cheddar place,

If we disagree, we will try to meat in the middle,

Say, “I care from my head to-ma-toes”,

And, always remember to loaf one another.

Artist Statement

In my view, art has the power to help others express and understand their emotions in a nonviolent way. The potential of using “creativity” as a therapeutic tool, ignited my desire to apply for the 15-month Diploma program at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. This program was well suited to my overall career objective - to implement Art Therapy strategies that empower at-risk children to develop the emotional skills necessary for building resilience. I aim to utilize my creative problem-solving skills for the greater good and address challenging social issues on a day-to-day basis.

Christy describes herself as an art therapist on a quest to change the world. She is a creative spirit (both as a problem solver and an artist). She is compassionate, a social justice ally, and a relationship-builder. She is empathetic, non-judgmental, and an active listener. Christy is also a fun-loving kid at heart. She is a firm believer that there is an interdependent relationship between all beings on earth, and that it is in all of us to raise the level of compassion and understanding in the community. She stands with all humankind, no matter their cultural background, race, gender, or sexual orientation.