Beginning...

To begin the creative process, we were asked to first come up with an area of curiousity to explore through art and the documentation process. I have noticed from before the time that I was aware that I was pregnant, that my artwork looks different and often reflects what is happening in my body and with the baby growing inside of me. I am interested in paying more attention to this on a personal level by spontaneously creating artwork and looking at it through the lens of a woman who is expecting, and in a couple more months, that of a new mother. Furthermore, I am curious to see the artwork of other pregnant women and new mothers to see if we will share common themes or symbols in our work.

This is not only an opportunity for me to document a unique and very special time in my life, but also to inform further practice in art therapy. I have worked with pregnant and new mothers in some form for the last year and a half and am excited to embark on a journey that will help me be more aware of art during pregnancy and after the birth of a child. Being conscious of this and in tune with the body and emotions that come along with such an experience, I believe can inform practice in how empathy is developed and the client better understood.