How Art Heals: Exploring Your Deep Feelings Using Collage

The therapeutic properties of self-expression through art are the subject of the second book from quilter and psychotherapist Stanton (Dimensional Cloth Art). She writes that art is deeply ingrained in the human psyche and that everyone is capable of creating art that helps us connect with our innermost feelings. Stanton guides novices through the process of creating their first collage, from choosing a substrate and images to finishing the piece, with forays into design rules and suggestions for layouts. These instructions are followed by guided imagery exercises intended to bring artists into their deeper feelings. In a third section, Stanton interviews a diverse group of 50 artists who use their work to explore their inner selves or heal from physical or emotional trauma. While the tutorials focus on collage, the featured artists work in a variety of media, including ceramics, sculpture, painting, weaving, and digital art. There are full-color illustrations throughout the book.