We recently connected with Jacqueline Carmody and have shared our conversation below.

Jacqueline, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Twist Out Cancer is a non profit organization that I have been involved with since 2013. My first involvement with TOC was as an artist in the Brushes With Cancer program. Brushes with Cancer is a unique and transformative program within the Twist Out Cancer organization that pairs artists with individuals touched by cancer (survivors, caregivers, patients, loved ones, and healthcare providers). The artists then create meaningful pieces of artwork that reflect the journey, emotions, and experiences of their match, or “inspiration”. Through this collaborative process, Brushes with Cancer aims to provide healing, support, and empowerment to both the artist and the individual affected by cancer. The program finishes on a high note with a signature celebratory art exhibition which results in an evening of storytelling, connection, and comaraderie.

Since 2013, I have been an artist over 15+ times in the Brushes With Cancer program. I have served on the advisory board and developed the curriculum and programming for Twist Out Cancer’s Art Therapy groups and services. I am the director of Twist Out Cancer’s signature “Twistshop” program. “Twistshops” which provide a creative healing space to anyone who is looking for community and support through creativity and art therapy. Cancer can be a very isolating and confusing experience, and through art therapy I aim to provide the tools to have a container for all of the “stuff”.

I continue to be enthusiastic about bringing this unique program to the cancer community– throughout the U.S, and internationally. I am excited to share that we are currently running “Twistshops” in several hospitals systems, we are expansive in community based art therapy, and I collaborate with other NPO’s who do not have access to art therapy. We also provide virtual art therapy to those who live in rural areas or are unable to attend groups in person. My goal as an art therapist is to offer guidance in exploring different emotions that develop throughout a cancer experience.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For as long as I can remember I have been a creative artist and have used art as a platform for communication, self-care, and expression. I was born and raised outside the Southside of Chicago and was strongly encouraged to pursue my feminine power and artistic talents at the all-girls high school I attended. Onward, I moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan to be obtain my BFA at Western Michigan University’s Gwen Frostic School of Fine Arts. I quickly realized that the competitive art environment did not feel natural. I knew there was another path to share my artistic skills and sought out the field of art therapy with the support of a professor who became my mentor during my time at WMU. With this guidance then continued on to receive my Master’s in Art Therapy & Counseling at Adler University in Chicago.

I am currently a board-certified registered art therapist, art therapy credentialed supervisor, and licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC, ATR-BC, ATCS). Within my private practice, I provide therapeutic services to individuals and families. I am certified in ADHD across the lifespan and use this knowledge to guide young adults who may be struggling professional and academically with executive functioning skills. It is wonderful to see these individuals thrive through the use of art as a tool for stimulation and self-soothing. I aim to give folks a space to unleash their creative potential and encourage art-making as an effective way to discover solutions to life’s struggles.

In addition to my private practice work, I provide weekly art therapy groups to the special education classrooms in Chicago Public Schools, work intimately with the cancer community, and facilitate creative consulting for teachers and schools. It is very important to me to share the research, knowledge, and power of what art can do to help people mentally, physically, and emotionally!

Outside of my clinical work, I continue to use art-making as a form of self-care. I create original paintings, watercolors, and drawings from my home studio. I engage with my artwork in a relaxed and curious way. My work reflects my values of being present in the current moment, mindfulness, and travel experiences.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

“Listen to hear, not to respond.”

As an art therapist, it is really important to take on the role of the observer, the listener, and the witness to the process of art making. Art therapy focuses on the process, not the art product. It can be difficult to unlearn years of art school critiques, in which the observers can hold opinions, judgments, and question the artwork they are viewing.

My role as an art therapist is NOT to respond, but to encourage the art maker to feel safe, comfortable, and supported in the process of their self-expression. I encourage and remind myself to listen to hear their story. When I listen, I learn. It is not my job to respond. It is my job to hold space for their art-making experience and process.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative art therapist is providing a physical space for individuals to “play”. I often supply folks with fun materials that they do not have access to in their everyday life. I get to help them try something new and find the material that makes them feel good. People are often intimidated by creating due to past experiences of shame or judgment in school. Many folks haven’t picked up an art tool in years! I love to see people be silly, laugh, and really enjoy the sensory experience. It allows them to channel their inner child.

My ideal art therapy group will allow me to offer a “buffet” of art-making materials. I love offering a variety of supplies such as paint sticks, watercolors, collage materials, oil pastels, colored pencils, clay, model magic, and so much more! There is a tool for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jacquelinecarmodyart.com
• Instagram: @jcarmody_art
• Linkedin: Jacqueline Carmody