Mourning, Memory and Life Itself: Essays by an Art Therapist

The collection of essays in this book Mourning, Memory and Life Itself, is the life work of a well-known art therapist. This book represents ideas that are peculiarly fascinating, and reflects the variety of interests that has startled and provoked the author for many years. Many of the chapters are written from a feminist point of view that acknowledges Junge's interest in female artists and art therapists. Presented in five parts, Part I examines mourning, memory, life itself, the AIDS Quilt, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the perception of doors in twentieth-century painting, and Georgia O'Keeffe on attachment and separation. Part II covers creative realities and systems approach, women and creativity, feminine imagery, a young woman's search for identity, and two case studies of the artists Frida Kahlo and Diane Arbus; Part III explores the art therapist as social activist, people of color in art therapy, and reflections and visions. Part IV discusses art therapy as a woman's profession, the art therapist and aging, and reconsiders the wars between art and therapy. Part V defines family art evaluation and therapy, including preventive art therapy techniques to help families deal with the death of a family member. This book will be of primary interest to art therapists, artists, art educators, art lovers, and other mental health professionals.