Cover Letter Packet Two

Cover Letter
Packet two
Nicole Ponsler
October 6, 2008

My work for this packet period has been entirely research-based. Because I was traveling, I was unable to pack art supplies, although I deeply mourned their absence. I’ve been reading Trauma: Explorations in Memory by Cathy Caruth, as well as Touched with Fire by Kay Redfield Jamison. I am very inspired by my research and am finding that I am increasingly considering some sort of art therapy pursuit. I am wondering what your experience has been with art therapy. I know you do not offer those services, but do you refer clients to an art therapist? I wonder if it would be better off eventually getting my Masters in Psychology, rather than art therapy certification. Thoughts?

I am in the process of moving studios. My new space is amazing! I had been working in a barn-like space that was ample in size but impossible to heat. The presence of a small creek that would form in the middle of it every winter was not inspiring my process either. The new space has much better light and ocean views!!!!! To date, I have only seen one mouse in there, whereas I fought for space with a thriving mouse community in my former studio. The new space comes at a great time, as I’m chomping at the bit to make some new paintings. I always find the winters a bit depressing here, so a new place with more light and warmth is much appreciated. My plan for next packet is to do less research and almost all painting.

My research has conveniently coincided with my father’s death. I have found particularly Henry Krystal’s essay on trauma and aging to be most helpful in understanding some existing family dynamics. I’ve been pursuing a healing time for myself for the past year. I’m really glad that I’ve put so much energy into therapy, my art and trauma research leading up to dad’s passing. I often feel a little guilty that I’m studying something that is of such great personal interest to me. I have my doubts regarding whether or not I’ll get a job with this degree, but I know I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.

Needless to say, I’m inspired. I’m so inspired I cannot wait to start painting! I know I’m supposed to be pulling away from public art, at least for a while. The mural project completely fell through as LexArts became impossible to deal with. Work on the pebblestone mosaic has been on hold following the funeral. As things go in Point Arena, the infrastructure has been slow falling into place, so there’s been little progress aside from rock collecting. I know that the pebblestone mosaic is an important project and I really was enjoying interacting with the local volunteers. I am feeling a little distance from the project at present and am focused largely on creating my own art. I think in the future, I will think about community-based art in terms of a more therapeutic involvement with youth and adults, rather than public art interventions. I’ve simply soured on the logistics of putting together public art projects. I just want to be alone, in the studio, making whatever weird little paintings I want.

I don’t know that I have specific questions this time around about my research. I’m mostly interested in your thoughts regarding how to most effectively integrate art and trauma therapy. I was spending time while at home with my cousin who returned from two tours in Iraq. We was telling me about his nervous disorder and I couldn’t help but thinking about doing art therapy interventions at the VA. I’m guessing that you know people in SF who have developed unique art therapy practices, so I would like to hear about that, if possible.

I am frustrated that I still have not received a response regarding packet one. I am a person who needs feed-back. I’m trying to trust the process but so far, outside of my peers, I am feeling a bit alone out here. I trust that this is just a fluke and that in the future I will not be left checking my email every 15 minutes in anticipation of a response. I, of course, am so inspired by your work and experience. I’m looking forward to receiving your keen insight regarding my endeavors. I appreciate your apology and hope you are feeling better.

All the best,

Nicole Ponsler