HEALING
Gabby Villagran
My project is a representation of not only the therapeutic process, but also the effect it can have on one’s life. I am interested in a career in art therapy and counseling, this goal has been formed by the impact art has had on my life, but also by my years in therapy, beginning in early high school.
In its entirety, my piece represents the growth that can happen through the therapeutic process, and through engaging in art with therapeutic goals. Each flower in this piece has medicinal uses, not all relating mental illnesses, but all relating to some psychological or physical ailment. Each block of wood represents a different lesson, or aspect of therapy. The individual cuts and gouges into the wood show the work and energy needed to fully engage in each step of the therapeutic process and to see results. The wood shavings that are cut away represent parts of ourselves that are chipped away during healing. Toxic elements, intrusive thoughts, and the impacts of past trauma are all cut away, some cuts being more difficult to complete than others like hard knots in the wood. The blocks are not perfect, just as therapy is never clean cut. We are also imperfect and could all benefit from therapy, and benefit from art even if the product isn’t perfect.
I have kept all the wood shavings throughout my process. To show this act of overcoming, the wood shavings would have been displayed on the floor under my piece, to represent the soil out of which a garden can grow.
All Videos
During her childhood in Seattle, WA, Gabby Villagran always loved art of any kind. Regardless of skill or technique she spent extra time drawing, painting, and creating sculptures out of whatever she could find. Gabby came to Furman University in 2016 and immediately walked through the doors of the Roe Art Building.
At Furman, Gabby quickly learned new skills and techniques and grew her confidence as an artist. She spent the following years as a major working in the office, as a Teacher’s Assistant for photography, and filling both her school years and summers with artistic jobs and internships.
Gabby appreciates art, and always has, because of the meditative and healing quality it can have. She believes that art is not defined by its technique or aesthetic quality, but rather that all art has value because of the connection the creator had with it, and the meaning behind it.
After graduation Gabby Villagran will be attending Clemson University to receive her Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She hopes to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and later receive her certification as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR).
ARTIST BIO
