Art and Soul

Howard McConeghey, an art educator, artist, and practicing art therapist, pioneered archetypal psychology in American art education. This book taps into the ancient notion that "perceiving is breathing." The soul is always "seeing" and making images, and images are a natural function of the psyche's eye. Images are thus the very breath of life and necessary for a vital soul.Five definite principles set forth how the natural eye and hand can be trusted to break through the constrictions of usual art "training," freeing the uniqueness of one's own vision and the soul's joy in expression. Illustrations of paintings from therapy and art history make visible the principles as one moves through the book. The foreword by Thomas Moore, author of "Care of the Soul" and "Soul Mates," derives from his friendship with McConeghey and from Moore's recognition of the importance of this book for both a soulful art and an artful soul.