We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paula Acheson . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paula below.
Hi Paula , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I’ve always known I was different. Then I realized no one was paying attention. So I decided to be what I originally thought I was. Now I know that each of us has a unique identity and this doesn’t have anything to do with our geography, our society or our genetics. It has to do with our individual way of processing information through our senses. When I compare myself to others, I love hearing the story they tell about their aesthetics, whether it is in the form of visual arts, writing, movement, innovation of any kind. Yet, I don’t really find inspiration outside of myself so I know my work has integrity.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My process involves having an idea and following through on it. It’s not easy. There is an initial excitement that comes with a blank canvas. Even the preparation of cleaning and creating space that has become a ritual which allows me to access my flow state is enjoyable enough because of the anticipation of something new. It’s the conditioning, romance phase with the idea itself. Envisioning the possibilities; none of which will come directly into being. Yet, the extent to which I plan directly correlates with the success of the outcome. This is something I”m still getting better at. I look back at work that is like my baby from 30 years ago and realize I will never do anything like it again. There are so many beginnings that will never get that piece of peace that comes with completion. And I accept that. Later I notice which work was the mother of a series and I allow it to be seen. As an art therapist, I understand that the process is healing. I experience the concrete form of years gone by as a reminder of what I’ve learned about my own capacity to know myself which is the prerequisite to being in the world and with others.
New products include inner-space yoga mats that are a spin of my yoga for the seasons series. I am also expanding my fairy series because I love being surrounded by nature. The spirits that come from plants can be seen in Sprout Fairy, Mysterious Embrace and Fertile Woods. I’m hoping to continue collaborating with local small businesses such as garden centers, botanical gardens and yoga studios.
New services can be found at Art of the Matter. Individual, family and group expressive arts therapy sessions are currently available. Including DBT informed art therapy for adults on Sunday’s at 2 pm, Communication and socialization skills for folks on the spectrum on Monday’s at 1 pm, Assertiveness skills for middle school students on Thursday’s at 3:30 and Expressive Arts Therapy for pain management on Saturday’s at 2 pm. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Let me see if I can select an important quality, skill and area of knowledge respectively. My sense of curiosity, wonder and awe, my ability to hold uncertainty and to continue to expand my understanding of reality. As far as advice, it has to come from within. That’s the paradox, listening to me tell you not to take messages from others is silly when I’m telling you instead of allowing you to figure it out. The skill of thinking sounds mundane, right? We all have thoughts, but when they’re on automatic pilot we aren’t really assessing how and if it fits in the context of the moment. Too often they are a reaction to an emotion or something we’ve done. It’s an art applying your virtues in a way that involves living with integrity. Weird, huh? I’m saying be unsure AND let yourself find the answers that are true for you. Basically don’t buy into the hype about opposites. The structure of the world is so much more complex.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
They stayed together which I was grateful for. There are two few two biological parent homes and even though I’m the oldest of five, I felt seen and heard when it mattered. Mom read and told stories.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.multimediaartstudio.com
- Instagram: peacefulpaula
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/multimediaartstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-acheson-ms-atr-bc-000952b2/
Image Credits
All original images created by this artist
