"Home Again, Whole Again", at this point, is just an idea for an exhibit and book exploring the healing effects of visual art in the catastrophic situations noted above, Although I have a general concept for the project, I know from past experience that the process will unfold on its own and the end products of the project may look very different than I might have expected.  However, I am never disappointed, in fact, I am always awed and inspired.  Each project then encourages me to do another.  So, I believe it will be with this one.

Even as I have taken the first steps to move this project from inception to completion, I have already had some insights and revelations.  There are very strong emotions associated with the words, "home" and "whole", aren't there?  I think that that is significant. That it is not by coincidence or chance that those words came to mind. 

Home can mean different things to different people or mean the same to all of us.  It can be a physical building, sense of place like a town or a country, or just an image or feeling of something comfortable and familiar.  Whole, depending on if one is looking at it from a physical, emotional, mental, or spirtual level or all of them, can also mean different things to different people. So, I'm sure this will be an emotional trip. 

Since I will be pursuing my Masters in Fine Art degree through Goddard College starting this summer, I have decided to incorporate the project into my independent studies there. I am beginning my research and have made of a list in the next column of who and what I am looking for to do so.  Maybe you or someone you know would be interested in helping me complete this project. 

Best regards,

Kathy Iwanowski, RN BA

May 2007