My Experience of 'Being Crowned' at the Dentist Expressed Through Art

Ahjnae Collage by Claudia - Original artwork is a hand cut paper collage

 

Art is a form of self-expression that has been around for centuries. From the earliest cave paintings to the contemporary art of today, people have used art as a way to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

What is collage art?

Collage art is a type of art that involves the use of different materials such as paper, fabric, photographs, and other found objects. As a collage artist, I find that my art comes from an intuitive, unconscious place inside of me, expressed through symbols, color, shapes, and images.

Art is a powerful tool that can help us process our emotions and gain new insights into ourselves. Whether you're a professional artist or just starting, creating art can be a cathartic experience that helps us connect with our inner selves.

Collage art, in particular, allows us to combine different materials and images in unique and creative ways, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects our personal experiences and emotions.

Creating art is not just about the final product; it's about the process.

For me, the act of creating a collage is therapeutic. It allows me to explore my inner self and express my emotions in a visual way. When I'm working on a piece, I often lose track of time and get lost in the process. It's a form of meditation that helps me clear my mind and focus on the present moment.

Once I'm done laying out and gluing the pieces, I take a step back and reflect on the finished product. I meditate on it, allowing the imagery to speak to me and offer insights into my subconscious mind. This introspection is a crucial part of my artistic process, as it allows me to understand myself better and gain new perspectives on my experiences.

Being crowned - collage art from an experience

One of my most recent collage pieces was inspired by an experience I had at Skaneateles Dental Associates. I had to have an old tooth ground down, and a new crown was put on top of it. It was a painful experience, but also a transformative one. I felt as if I was being crowned, like a queen or a goddess. This experience stayed with me, and I decided to create a collage that captured the essence of this feeling.

I started by gathering materials that resonated with me, including images of crowns, jewels, and other regal symbols. I also used a color palette that evoked a sense of royalty, with shades of gold, purple, and red. As I worked on the piece, I allowed my intuition to guide me, arranging the materials in a way that felt right. The end result was a stunning collage that captured the transformative power of my experience.

 

Here are a few things I see in the art collage. What do you see?

*The signature fish

*The face at the bottom showing my cracked tooth

*The many toothbrushes I have used over the years

*The cookies at the bottom representing all the yummy food  I have eaten

*My young healthy tooth in the center with a diamond behind it

*The red cardinal representing the importance of taking care of your body

*The faces behind the toothbrushes representing friends and family over the years

*The milagro charms representing good health, hope, the future, and good luck

 

The next time you're feeling overwhelmed or need a creative outlet, try creating a collage and see where your intuition takes you.