Nina Ross, P.h.D
For me, art making and psychology are intrinsically connected, and my work focuses on combining these two fields to reap the combined insights of both.
I began my studies at the University of New Mexico in photography in the mid 1970s. During that time, I was also interested in psychology, and began to attend dream workshops.
Many years later, I was introduced to the work of James Hillman, a Jungian an internationally renowned Jungian scholar and analyst. When I began studying Hillman’s work, called Archetypal Psychology, I felt that I had found a spiritual ‘home base’. Archetypal Psychology, which has its roots in Jungian Psychology, looks at psychology through a poetic and mythological lens. The language, the philosophy, and the approach of archetypal psychology made sense and resonated to me both as an artist and therapist. Later, I discovered the field of art therapy, which is a meeting of both art and psychology. I discovered that I could make images and make meaning together.
I have walked the journey that I invite others to walk, having spent four years in Jungian analysis in the mid 1980s. That process took me winding through the ins and outs, and darks and lights of my own psychological composition, invaluable in training for working with others with similar interests in creativity and psychology.
View PDF Excerpt of Nina Ross’s Upcoming Book: Seized by Beauty
Artist Statement and Resume
What I love about making art is the surprise element. Some of my best pieces are enigmatic to me, and I love keeping the mystery intact. I love the feeling of getting out of my own way, letting the piece goes where it wants to go, and say what it wants to say. Through my work,the qualities of renewal and the aliveness that I feel when I express myself keep life interesting and resonant. Visual language is rich, textural, and can be profound. In a world where we search for meaning, art can simply be enjoyed, striking awe and gratitude both in the maker and in the viewer.
Nina Suzanne Ross, PhD., LPAT
1814 Otowi Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
(505) 577-7886
www.artretreatssantafe.com
Education
1993 PhD, Depth Psychology of Art, Union Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio1985 MA, Art Education/Art Therapy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
1979 BA, Art, Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington
Exhibitions
1996 Haninga Thiel Studio, Two person show, Corrales, New Mexico
1995 Women and Homeland, Group show, Corrales, New Mexico
1993 Group show, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
1985 Group show, Art Therapy Graduates, Albuquerque, New Mexico
1978 Group show, Photography, University Art Museum, Albuquerque, New MexiPublications
Publications
2021 Seized by Beauty, forthcoming book
2000 Seized by Beauty, Journal of Creative and Expressive Arts Therapies Exchange, Toronto, Canada
1995 Art and Appreciation, Sandoval Arts Magazine, Placitas, New Mexico
1994 Flo Yepa: Jemez Potter, Sandoval Arts, Placitas,, New Mexi Teaching
Teaching
2010-present One on one and group retreats for artists, Santa Fe, New Mexico
2003 Intuitive Painting, Private studio, Santa Fe, New Mexico
2001 Art and Social Change, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
1999 Body Casting For Women, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
1999 Art, Nature, and Ritual, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
1996. Intuitive Painting, Seed Source, Corrales, New Mexico