Mafalda Silva, DTATI (cand.), RP (Qualifying)
As an art therapist student, at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, I believe it is important to always engage in the art activities that I will invite participants of an art therapy group to create, to experience any challenges that may arise.
My embroidery was made outside of sessions to allow me to be fully present, to reflect and respond on art making in session with the participants. While making my art I was continually thinking, whether it will benefit the participants and made sure it was not too personal.
My artwork served to encourage communication and opened a dialogue with the participants that enhanced the therapeutic relationship. In the sharing process it felt important for me to monitor my experience so as not to influence the participants artwork.
The act of embroidery provides me mindfulness and facilitates me to explore and express emotions, and supports me to organize thoughts.
“The use of art making to access our inner awareness and wisdom helps us stay authentically connected to the experience of our clients in art therapy. It also helps us to develop and maintain a trusting relationship with our own artistic process, which is critical if we are to be authentic in our encouragement of clients to do the same” (Moon, 2002, p. 59).
Always With Me...
M in blue for calmness. The dove represents people who are no longer physically present in this world, but are always with me. Nature is my roots, five leaves that live and grow with me. The Heart symbolizes the love that is not and is always there. Humor makes me laugh and gives me joy.
National & Transmissible
The traditional Heart of Viana do Castelo embroidery symbolizes my family. I have traveled Portugal from north to south. I love the sea, the beach, the sun, the swallows and the monuments that tell the story of my country. The importance of friendships that are always present in any time, it is something that means the
world to me.
Start from Scratch
I arrived in November… early winter. I felt in a completely isolated bubble, with no family, no friends and ill-prepared clothes for the cold. I had a slight command of English, but it's not my language. The years of professional experience in my country were as if they were worthless. Cultural and racial discrimination was another obstacle.
Reinvent Myself
I made new friendships that are today as if they were my family. I am grateful that I was lucky to meet good people who helped me integrate into the Canadian job market. To deal with some of my emotional challenges and integration in this new country, I developed a new artistic technique using photography and embroidery.
To Continue To Rediscover
I wish to always feel like in a home sweet home.
I hope to raise awareness and to be touched by others and by the world, through art.
I wish I could always fly and dream.
