pleased to meet you
JULIA VOLONTS
︎ USA
april 28, 2021
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Please introduce yourself in one sentence:
I am Julia, an Art Therapist, avid daydreamer, and collage enthusiast based between New York City and Riga, Latvia.
What’s been keeping you up at night?
New project ideas. I can get carried away brainstorming future art therapy workshops, projects, and groups I would like to develop.
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Latvian-American artist, Vija Celmins. Her art studio is about a 30 minute drive from where I grew up in New York State. Perhaps we will cross paths one day at the market.
What are you working on right now?
In short, I am working on community art therapy projects, workshops, groups and private sessions, and of course, my own art.
What are some of the shoulds you are trying to shed?
Being perfect because it does not exist.
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
Spending time with friends lounging in the park if it is a sunny day.
What was the last thing you read?
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk. I recommend to both therapists and non-therapists. It is a good one.
Have your ever disliked something and then changed your mind?
Brussel sprouts.
How do you take your coffee?
With a little bit of cream.
What is your definition of success?
Success is relative. I do not believe peoples worth should be measured by what they do or the material things they have. We are lifelong learners. If you work towards what makes you feel good and dedicate time for self-growth while learning to trust your instincts, success will follow.
What are you most proud of in the last year?
Surviving this pandemic both emotionally and physically by growing an art therapy practice, finally getting to see my family, and developing community art initiatives to provide mental health support via during these uncertain times, such as THE ART OF BEING ALONG presented by PCC.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done, and why did you do it?
Flying across the world to reconnect with a past love because deep down I am a hopeless romantic.
What’s on top of your bucket list?
I have never had a bucket list. Maybe getting some of my future art therapy research published? Ask me again in a few years!
How would your friends describe you?
I think they would say that I am charismatic, driven, and adaptable. Also a bit silly, but you would have to ask them for confirmation.
If you could time travel, when and where would you go?
2006 to tell my younger self not to stress about the future. Life happens, you will be OK.
What really makes you angry?
Actually, I am not sure. It is hard for me to “get" angry, but I think anger is such a necessary emotion to experience if you manage it in an adaptive and healthy way.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Teleportation. Since traveling is quite a challenge right now, I would love the power to be wherever I want at the snap of a finger.
Do you hit the snooze button or wake up immediately?
SNOOZE. I always give myself a 20 minute grace period to wake up.
Which of your personality traits are you most proud of?
I think my ability to connect authentically and be open with others. It took me a while to notice this trait, but it has definitely become helpful both professionally and personally. I really like meeting new people. Do I connect with everyone on a deeper level? No, but that means the ones that stick are extra special.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Extrovert, I definitely feel more inspired when I am around others, but I do need space to recharge. It is a balance, we need both an introvert and extrovert self to survive.
Is your glass half full or half empty?
Great question. I think I am ultimately an optimist, a dreamer, and therefore my glass is half full. That said, I am human, so there have definitely been ups and downs where my glass was maybe 25% full.
Are you open to collaborations? [if so, do you do digital or analog work?]
Yes! Always, I love collaborations. My collage is all analog. If you are interested, reach out or follow me on Instagram for updates on my art therapy work.
Julia Volonts @julia.volonts & ︎