Fokkina Mcdonnel
Today I had the pleasure of meeting Fokkina Mcdonnell, a former psychoanalyst, published writer and award winning poet. This interview generated great insight into the realm of pyschology and psychoanalysis, discussing her profession and life as a poet in relation to my art theory and relevant work. I was intrigued by her practical methods such as employing treatments like EMDR for people with PTSD and trauma, though I was particularly interested in her work on dream analysis.
As I’ve been exploring surrealism, Breton and Freudian theory, I was pleased to find out Mcdonnel had worked with dream analysis. Fokkina explained how dreams are treated like memories and are understood through symolism connected to the individual – I felt this would be very benefical to my work, I could perhaps begin incorporating my dreams into my automatist practice or apply this concept to my workshop, asking students to explore their imaginations and dreams.
Fokkina was able to suggest a range of helpful activites for my upcoming workshop with year 1 art students, she recommened simple tasks such as drawing themselves as an animal or tree as these activites allow individual expression and self exploration.
Towards the end of our chat, Fokkina provided me with a business card for Acacia Publications and a range of helpful literature. Prior to our meet, Fokkina had printed some poetry and front covers of helpful books to contribute to my workshops. I felt this was such a lovely touch and was grateful that someone such as herself had gone out of her way for my work. I couldn’t thank her enough for the help, this was an experience I will value professionally and personally as it was such a pleasure to meet an award winning poet and personal inspiration.
FAYE TIKIC 