The second workshop of the series, with artist Anna Moriarty Lev and art therapist Kaye Shaddock, will explore making comics as a form of art therapy. Comics are a unique way to explore our experiences. Through the use of words and images we can express thoughts and feelings that are difficult to explain otherwise. Memories are like dreams—not clear and objective, but instead fluid and subject to perspective. By exploring our thoughts, feelings and memories by drawing comics, we can share them with others, and connect. In this workshop, we will do several short exercises with prompts to inspire you to create comics from your life. Have paper and pens handy (or whatever tools you like to draw with). We will invite a few participants to share after each exercise, in an open, respectful environment.
Register for this free virtual event here. No prior experience required.
Anna Moriarty Lev
Anna Moriarty Lev is a cartoonist and painter living in Williamstown with her husband, two kids, and two cats. Her comics have been published on Spiralbound (https://medium.com/@annamolev) as well as on her blog (levhardware.wordpress.com) and Instagram. She also creates the mini comic Art Bitch for WCMA. Anna’s paintings have been exhibited locally at Images Cinema and Tunnel City (Mass MoCA). Her work is inspired by her life, and she lives by her mom Viola Moriarty’s motto of “Bricolage: make well with what you have.”
Kaye Shaddock
Kaye Shaddock is a registered, board-certified art therapist living in the Berkshires. Kaye has a BFA in Fiber and Material Studies from the Cleveland Institute of Art. She earned her master’s degree in Art Therapy at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She founded ArtWorks, a community arts studio located in North Adams, Massachusetts, where she teaches art classes and workshops for kids and adults, and runs a private practice. In addition, Kaye practices art therapy at Bennington Project Independence, in Bennington, Vermont, and is an Adjunct Professor in the graduate Art Therapy/Counseling program at Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Kaye’s art practice currently involves resist dyeing techniques and painting. She is passionate about making art approachable and accessible for individuals, and her motto for working with all of her clients is “there are no wrong answers.” Making art is one of the things that brings Kaye the most joy in life and she works hard to bring that same joy to others.
About the series
Cures for Strange Times is a series of virtual workshops throughout January that brings wellness and creativity together in hands-on creative exchanges. Pairing wellness practitioners from the Northern Berkshire community with local artists and makers, these interactive experiences center reflection, play, making and embodiment as forms of learning and being.
Watch the program video: