ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with questions for the reader to consider about providing an art room that is safe, where cultural humility and empathy can thrive, and a common ground, mirroring each artist no matter their differences. The authors contend that now, more than ever, this is essential in our work and lives. The chapter then unfolds by introducing the reader to the ideas of Jeannette Armstrong, a member of the Okanagan reserve in British Columbia. Jeanette describes how linguistic differences create differences in self-perception. When the Okanagan speak of the self, they are referring to a whole made up of various capacities that operate together. Being a language of connections, the heart is seen as providing the capacity to bond and form attachments; the intellect is seen as dangerous if separated from the heart; and the spirit is seen as the part of us which is connected to all beings. This is a very different view of the self than modern Western materialism teaches us in conjunction with our language of separation and compartmentalization. This new realization paired with Greenacre’s concept of artists providing the world with their creative efforts as a gift, an act of generosity, gives this chapter its starting point. Edith Kramer then examines ego development using her multicultural experiences and the writings of Swiss psychoanalyst and ethnologist, Paul Parin, who studied the Dogon and Agni West-African tribes. The descriptions provided by Edith of these two tribes and how family, culture, and upbringing play a significant role in ego development are priceless. Finally, Lani and Susan share what they learned from ethnographic art therapy research involving visits and conversations with self-taught artists in Mississippi. The lessons these artists taught them through their words, art, and actions are ageless and easily applied to art therapy practice and work in building community. This story is bound to inspire, provide you with ideas, and perhaps even make you stop and wonder about your gifts, and how to “keep it fun.”
