DIGITAL HEALING

About the Book

This book was written following the death of both of my parents. I was fortunate to have spent time with both of them before they died, and was with each of them at the time of their death. Love was the foundation of our relationship, but it is also true that the relationship with each parent was complex, and that there were unresolved feelings after they passed away. We each cope with loss differently. In my case, the loss was accompanied by a fl are up of nerve pain from an old injury that I can only describe as searing, burning, penetrating and relentless. I chose the title, “Digital Healing”, because as a digital artist I found peace in the process of creating even when in pain. I have also found a community of like-minded artists and socially conscious individuals with whom I have been able to share my work on Facebook. Some say that there are creative urges within each of us. These urges have led me to a path toward healing through digital art, exploring . . . colors and movement. Using the computer as my paintbrush, I found a way to look at challenging events in my own past, go back and retouch those narratives with color and light, and move forward. I hope you enjoy the images and poetry, and even more, that you fi nd your our own journey of healing. Namaste’.

About the Author

Heidi Heft LaPorte, DSW. Prior to her work developing the Tuska Institute, Dr. LaPorte spent five years as an Associate Professor of social work at the City University of New York, Lehman College in the Bronx; and previously an Associate Professor of Social Work at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University in Washington Heights, New York, where she taught in both the Ph.D and Master of Social Work programs. Dr. LaPorte also taught at New York University School of Social Work and Fordham University School of Social Work as an adjunct Professor. Dr. LaPorte is currently working with Seth Tuska, son of the well known artist John Regis Tuska, to create the Tuska Institute to promote healing and wellness through artistic expression. This vision seeks to bring artists and health and mental health professionals together to create community partnerships that will promote health and wellness.