"Don Seiden's Secret for Slowing Down Time"

Summary

In a reflective narrative, Don Siden shares his 85-year journey through art and life, tracing his evolution from a troubled childhood to becoming a prominent artist and educator. He discusses the profound impact of his family on his artistic path, the development of art therapy, and the challenges faced in merging fine art with mental health. As he recounts personal experiences, including the joy of teaching and the bittersweet process of giving up physical art practices, Siden emphasizes the therapeutic power of art, revealing how it has shaped his identity and provided a meaningful connection to others.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Don discovered his passion for art as a child, drawing on laundry cardboards provided by his grandfather.
• 🤔 Influenced by his father's discontent with work, Don sought a career in something he loved, ultimately leading him back to art.
• 🖌️ A gift of self-hardening clay from his first wife reignited Don's interest in making sculptures.
• 📚 He studied art at the Illinois Institute of Technology, focusing on design and fine art while balancing work and night classes.
• 👩‍🏫 Don's teaching experience at a high school deepened his understanding of art's broader significance and its impact on students.
• 🖼️ His interest in psychology, sparked by a childhood experience, led him to explore art therapy at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital.
• 🛠️ Don faced challenges in establishing art therapy programs in an academic setting, ultimately merging his roles as an artist and educator.
• 📖 He wrote a book titled *Mind Over Matter*, which combined his insights on art-making and therapy.
• 👵 In his later years, Don adapted to aging by transitioning from large sculptures to smaller works, like birds.
• 🍷 He overcame a long struggle with alcohol addiction, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his well-being while continuing to create art.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to pursue art?

The speaker was inspired to pursue art after experiencing dissatisfaction with previous work. His grandfather provided him with materials to draw as a child, and a gift of self-hardening clay from his first wife reignited his passion for creating sculptures.

How did the speaker's early experiences shape his view of art?

The speaker's early experiences, including observing a mentally unstable woman and studying psychology, led him to realize the therapeutic potential of art, eventually leading him to art therapy.

What role did education play in the speaker's artistic journey?

Education played a significant role as the speaker took night classes at the Institute of Design and later taught at the Art Institute, where he developed as both an artist and an educator.

What was the relationship between the speaker's teaching and art therapy?

The speaker integrated his art teaching with art therapy, applying his skills to help mentally ill patients express themselves and find healing through art-making.

What challenges did the speaker face in establishing an art therapy program?

The speaker faced skepticism and resistance from faculty who were unsure about merging art education with psychology, which complicated the establishment of a new art therapy program.

How does the speaker view the relationship between art and personal identity?

The speaker believes that maintaining a sense of self is crucial, stating that his journey involved overcoming fears and integrating his identity as an artist, educator, and art therapist.

What significant changes did the speaker experience as he aged?

As he aged, the speaker adapted his artistic practices, giving up certain techniques like welding due to safety concerns and transitioning to creating smaller works.

What was the speaker's view on the perception of art in society?

The speaker noted that many people do not fully understand or utilize art in their lives, which limits its potential impact and the public's appreciation of it.

What does the speaker identify as a recurring theme in his life?

The speaker identifies a theme of integration and self-discovery throughout his life, balancing his artistic pursuits with teaching and therapeutic work.

How did the speaker's social experiences influence his perspective on life and art?

The speaker enjoyed social gatherings and found joy in the communal experience of parties, which influenced his belief in the importance of art as a means of connection and happiness.