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Darkness to Light: A True Story

by Dorothy Tesser

95 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #01-0510; ISBN 1-55369-108-3; US$42.00, C$47.75, EUR34.50, £24.00

From personal tragedy I convey a form of therapy through art and words from my heart. In the average art therapy books the therapist analizes the patient's artwork but in this book I analize my own work.

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about the book      about the author      excerpts      catalogue info

About the Book     "It is a rare and revealing event for sure when a person in need can gain access to a healing message provided through the medium of art. In From Darkness to Light, Dorothy Tesser reached into the well of her own personal tragedy to convey a form of therapy that generates profound and impressive insight. This insight leaps off the pages of her brilliant artwork and becomes an element transformed by our own powers to create a healing touch from Tesser's creativity. Each drawing and painting hold infinite potential for interpretation and therapeutic prowess.     As a specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine, I have had the face-to-face opportunity to see Dorothy's work in action. Each time a patient or struggling soul derives healing nourishment or illumination from her method of treatment, it sends a chilling message to the world that healing can be synonymous with beauty and powered by both imagination and unique experiences.     Teachers, students, health professionals, patients, and a host of interdisciplinary allied fields will benefit from this monumental gift of healing through art." Renowned author Richard G. Fernicola M.D. Diplomatic American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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About the Author DOROTHY MIRIAM TESSER Wife of Jack Tesser (former Lt. Active Duty, WWII) Mother of twin daughters, Jean and Barbara (and son Clifford, deceased) Educational Background Art Academic Diploma (Girl's commercial) Attended Pratt University (Graphic Arts Degree) Art Students League New School University (Social Research and Human Relations Center - Certified) Other - Studied theosophical thoughts based on a mystical insight into the divine nature. Employment Experience Artists for Famous Studios (subsidiary of Paramount Studios) Produced many commercials Owner and producer of D and J Film Animation in New York City. Produced commercials. Specialized in children's educational films including 'Sesame Street' - which won awards in Annecy, France. Worked at several studios in manhattan, New York - specializing in children's educational films. Exhibited art work at 'Healing Arts for Children'. Other Member of Board of Education, Malapan Township Founder of Vice President Freehold Area Hospital Auxiliary President of Deborah Hospital Auxiliary (4 yrs) President of Ladies Auxiliary War vets (USA) Chairman of Cancer Fund, Malapan Township Volunteer at Jungian Institute, New York City Volunteer at New York Foundling Home

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Excerpts

Feelings

    The art experience is often a powerful means of developing good emotional health. The Art Therapist's role is to facilitate, be empathetic and encourage or assist the patient to express themselves, both verbally and artistically.
Time is spent with each patient reviewing their work, in order to assess progress. This review often creates a great deal of pleasure, and feelings of self-worth for the individual patient.
    Children are happy to take their work home to show their creativity to the parents. Using art as a tool for self-expression, the child or adult is revealing unconscious thoughts and feelings and this demonstrates progress.
    Sometimes in a group situation, a client may refuse to participate in the art projects. I don't believe in forcing the person (either adult or child) to participate. Often it just takes time, and then they are ready to emerge, like a butterfly leaving the cocoon. There has to be a trusting relationship within both group and individual therapy sessions.
I am reluctant to interfere with the spontaneity of the art therapy process and always allow the individual to choose their own subjects and material. They then develop a more positive attitude - not only toward their artwork, but also about themselves and the people around them.
    Work done during a session of drawing, painting or sculpting can connect the individual with a higher level of functioning, and a sense of "well-being". And the ego that is present during the process of creating may assist the person to become more balanced and feel more complete.
    Sometimes a child or adult feels compelled to stifle their emotions, as they fear a display of feelings would be interpreted as a sign of weakness. Artwork provides a way to express emotions safely and without judgment or reaction from others. A picture can express locked-up "negative" feelings, but be done in a calm atmosphere.

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Catalogue Information

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