This is a ten-part series in reviewing and experiencing through art experiential’s, the book by Cathy A. Malchiodi, The Soul’s Palette, the book we are studying in my Intro to Arts and Healing art therapy course.

Chapter 1: Rediscovering the Soul’s Palette

Starting off with this chapter it was very clear that this book truly is about bringing forth the true self, to heal the mind, and this is accomplished through a creative process. An image began to form in my mind as I read, that a human, drifting through darkness, with a beautiful soul vibrating, creating ripples across the cosmos, and bringing love wherever they went. I ended up painting the concept that Malchiodi mentions on making the invisible visible in art therapy. It makes perfect sense that artists are the shamans of their tribe, that spirit guides help heal the mind and soul, and that even dyed wool is a form of preventative medicine in certain cultures.

Having experienced being in a car accident, this catalyst became where my life shifted, from one of drifting through the dark soul of the night, and with this catalyst that led me to the healing powers of the arts. Textiles predominantly, painting, and now ceramics have been incorporated into my toolbox and these art forms allow for transforming suffering and freeing my soul more and more. It is why I wish to work with veterans, to use the arts to heal their soul; to help these men and women, who are the backbone of our nation, to finally have a place to safely bring their souls back to the forefront.

The remembrance of one’s soul that could be found once more in the use of art making is very profound. The story on Elizabeth Lawton is very moving and gives such hope that depression could be reversed for many. Even prayer and medicine go hand in hand; a friend of mine would pray over her chemotherapy so that she didn’t experience side-effects. She rarely was sick or exhausted after a round of treatment. The realm of spirit is so often overlooked in today’s world and this chapter clearly lays the groundwork on the importance of using art to bridge that gap that caused separation of oneself due to trauma.