Winter Art Display

Mar 14

Seeing my work over the past quarter together collectively was a bit of an emotional journey. It made me realize how much I've accomplished and grown along the way. It also made the patterns and themes across the work more obvious.

There is definitely a cosmic pattern, as well as repetitive pyramid shapes across many of the pieces. There seems to be a spiritual-magical theme and a lot of symbolism.

This particular body of work feels very symbolic in nature. I feel it's telling me to deepen my connection with the cosmos, listen to my intuition, and remember the more magical things and experiences.

MY FAVORITES:

Found Object Container

My process started with choosing a bottle and the items in it. First, I added a single hair to tie it to me. Then I added turmeric for health, dried Baby's Breath from my wedding bouquet for love, broken glass to ward off harmful spirits, gold flakes for wealth, peppercorn for third eye intuition, sea salt for protection, dried pine from the Ohio land I grew up on for longevity, joy and roots/ancestry, dried Juniper from the Ohio land I grew up on for good luck and roots/ancestry, lavender for peace and calm, and lastly, burnt sea salt in Egyptian style for travel protection and to honor my mysterious trace Egyptian DNA. I corked the bottle, sealed it with wax, and added a golden ribbon for beauty. I enjoyed this creation, and I feel a connection to my bottle.

Mask

This assignment was my favorite of all others this quarter, and it was also the most emotional for me. The emotional part came during the plaster phase, while I was sitting on my bathroom floor with my entire face, mouth, and eyes covered in plaster strips waiting on them to dry. It made me think about my life’s journey, the different chapters in my story, and what masks I’ve symbolically worn along the way. Regarding the mask, I think she “lives” in the cosmos, offering guidance, reflection, and spirituality. She tells me to listen more deeply to my intuition, which has never guided me wrong. I think she’s also connected to my ancestors and the wisdom of the collective unconscious. She is my friend, and she is grateful to have been brought to my awareness through the physical medium of a mask.

Steph Guillen

I’m an art therapy and counseling master’s degree program student, as well as an artist, writer, and program director with a strong background in communications, photography, art, and job search/employment strategies. I have a passion for uplifting marginalized communities through means that champion knowledge, growth, and empowerment. My professional history largely resides in working with unemployed mid-to-high level executives, refugees, immigrants, and newcomers from the Middle East. I’ve advocated for and empowered these communities through the mediums of online graphic communications, writing, education, workshops, program development, and art.

I combine skills in art, graphics, photography, writing, project management, content creation, social media, advocacy/awareness initiatives, program development, and research to make a positive impact.

Certificates in: Positive Psychology, The Science of Well-Being, Creative Writing, Therapeutic Art Life Coaching, Career Brand Management, and Social Media Marketing. Education in Graphic Communications Technology, Photography, Middle Eastern Studies, and International Relations. Pursuing a competitive M.A. program in Art Therapy & Counseling.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies while working full-time.

• Nominated for membership in Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Sigma lota Rho Honor Society, and The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement.

• Recipient of the Global Goodwill Ambassador’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of years of impactful volunteer work, primarily in the refugee and international arena.

• Inducted into the Golden Key International Society with a 4.0 GPA in Middle Eastern Studies.

• Invited and accepted into the following committees and board: YMCA International’s Refugee College Scholarship Committee five years in a row, YMCA International’s Triumph of the Human Spirit Art Selection Committee two years in a row, United Nations Association of Houston Board Member & Global Classroom Liaison, World Refugee Day-Houston’s Panel Committee and Fundraising Committee.

Winter Art Display

Theoretical Lens Case Comparison: ACT Art Therapy and Positive Art Therapy

Mindful Meditation as Self-Care: A Personal Journey