Spirituality — Steph Guillén

Feb 1

“Spirituality” (2023)

Art Intervention: Open Studio Approach.
I love Pat Allen’s (2016) open studio directive, which includes setting an intention, making art, and witness writing. I also love the concept of asking the art what it wants, needs, or is trying to say.
Intention: I connect to my spirituality and listen to what it wants to say.
Making Art: I felt compelled to work within the digital medium for this piece because of the spiritual element inherent in my intention. I thought I could better convey spiritual energy and make it more personal with photos rather than paint. As I layered in a self-portrait, my deceased kitty Astrid, and cosmic elements, I began to feel cosmic energy shifting from within to the artwork. I listened to a calming playlist as I worked. During the process, I entered a significant flow state and lost all track of time. Once I finished, I realized I was late for lunch and hadn’t even noticed my hunger. When I felt stuck, I asked the image what it needed and what it was trying to say. Each time, it seemed just the right answer came to me, and I made the appropriate adjustments. When I felt stuck, I was somatically dissatisfied with the work in my upper stomach area. However, I felt a sense of peace in my chest when I made corrections.
Witness Writing: I like this piece and feel good when I look at it. My self-portrait across the cosmic background makes me feel like I am part of the image and that it is part of me. While I’m not religious, adding a church window that I photographed several years ago makes me feel like the image holds a rare glimpse into the cosmic realm. The photo of my deceased kitty, Astrid, brings me feelings of mystery, spirituality, and comfort in her energy. Her passing shifted my spiritual perspective as she died in my arms, and when she did, I felt a small ball of loving, playful energy hover in front of me before moving on. I couldn’t really explain it, nor had I ever felt anything like it. The birds in the sky extend the playfulness, as they are more child-like in style and speak to me of the child-like wonder and belief in more magical things that I lost somewhere along the way into adulthood. I’m happy with this image, and I like looking at it. I find it rather inspiring.
© Steph Guillén
References:
Allen, P. (2016). Art Making as a Spiritual Path. In J.A. Rubin (Ed.) *Approaches to art therapy: Theory & technique (3rd Ed.)*. New York, NY: Routledge.

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.