Batik/Mayan Codices

 As portrayed in my memoir, Frida and Me, I traveled to Guatemala in 1977 & visited Tikal to see the ancient pyramids of the Mayans. I became infatuated with the Mayan codices (codes used for communication before the written word) etched in the stone of these magnificent structures. Each image spoke volumes and I could almost feel the presence and footsteps of the Mayans. Their images proved a picture says a thousand words.

Many years later after my bus wreck in Mexico and PTSD struggles,I started doing batik (fabric/dye/wax technique) again after having learned it in Mexico all those years prior. This batik is an example, and part of the flood of memories that emerged from that difficult time. The Mayan codices provided me a language to begin a dialog of healing PTSD with art!

Trauma is rooted in the senses initially, so it makes sense to start there when managing PTSD. Follow your intuition and creative acts will allow the hurt,confusion and pain a voice of beauty and healing!
Art Heals!!!!