Deondra Wilkins - illustrated healing
Deondra Wilkins, ATR-P, Resident in Counseling, is art therapist and artist. Below is her story.
equilibreyaum: Hi Deondra! Tell me a little about your background. Where did you grow up?
Deondra Wilkins: I grew up in Lorton, Virginia. My mom was a single mother, and so myself, twin sister Danielle, and her lived with her parents for most of our lives. They are like second parents to Danielle and I. My Dad was present, but we only saw him every other weekend. Family is really important to me, and I'm grateful for their support. Like every family, we've had our share of relationship issues, but we always work through them and I appreciate and love them more than anything in this world. In addition to my twin sister, I have an older step brother and younger half sister.
eqb: Did you always dream of becoming an art therapist? Were you an artistic child?
DW: I actually learned about art therapy while finishing the final year of my undergraduate studies in Communication Arts. I remember growing up “House” was my favorite television series, and I used to tell people I wanted to be a surgeon. I remember learning that doctors made a lot of money, and it's interesting to think that was something I cared about at such a young age.
I was a very artistic child. I remember messing up a load of my families laundry because left crayons in my pocket. I always wanted to color and draw, growing up - I'd bring art materials with me everywhere. In my angsty teen years, insecurities and mood which I now realize were rooted in growing up as a Black woman in a predominantly white neighborhood and school, art became a place for me to escape from feelings related to this.
eqb: Tell me about art therapy. How is it different from other types of therapy?
DW: There are three unique and essential components that make up art therapy: the artwork, the art making process, and a trained professional art therapist. Together, these three components help clients creatively explore themselves, regulate their emotions, and work through the trauma and experiences brought into therapy.
eqb: How have you seen your artwork help others? What would you say is the most inspiring story?
DW: A lot of Black women tell me that my art makes them feel empowered and seen. Hearing this from other black women is reassuring because most of us grew up with very little representation. When I used to sell my prints on Etsy, one of my customers sent me a message sharing that she purchased this particular illustration to honor herself for a milestone she had hit in her healing work. I was so honored that something I illustrated as a part of my own healing became a part of hers. Some people have also shared that my artwork inspired them to make art, which I love to hear.
eqb: What is the most challenging part of your work? How do you overcome roadblocks?
DW: One of the most challenging parts of my work as an art therapist is devoting time to mentally and physically releasing the stories my clients share with me. As an artist, what I find most challenging is managing the administrative components, such as mailing orders and sending and picking up art prints from the printshop.
When I first started selling, I didn't realize how difficult it would be to keep up with all of these errands. Living with my own mental health struggles, I constantly have to be brutally honest with myself about my needs and when I've reached my capacity. It is a work in progress - Sometimes I'll catch the people-pleasing part of me trying to push through, and dismissing signals from my mind and body (they usually need me to slow down, exercise, go on a walk, get more sleep, journal, or say "no" to something I've been asked to do). Prioritizing my own needs, which requires tuning into self, is how I overcome challenges in my work.
“A lot of Black women tell me that my art makes them feel empowered and seen. Hearing this from other Black women is reassuring because most of us grew up with very little representation.”
eqb: Your most recent work is black and white (and looks super cool!). Can you share where you find your inspiration?
DW: Thank you. My inspiration comes from everywhere. With this particular series I was mostly inspired by nature and an artist named Jacob Lawrence, who created paintings of Black people with actual black skin. "Blackface" came about around the 19th century. White men, women, and even children, darkened their faces and performed caricatures of blackness around America. At one point, these shows, which were clearly set up to demean Blackness and Black people, became the countries most popular form of entertainment.
The recurring characters of these shows were depicted as hypersexual, lazy, clown-like, childish, and arrogant, and most of these stereotypes still prevail today. I think my recent art works you've referred to is my own expression of the reclamation of the narrative of Blackness. In all of my work, I am inspired to affirm beauty and strength.
eqb: What is your favorite type of artwork to create?
DW: I love creating Black people, especially Black women, doing all the things. When I was a kid, I remember being asked by several of my white friends why my hair did not move like theirs. They'd ask why I wore so many plats and twists, and told me I should take them out and wear my hair down like theirs. I never thought once to ask them why their hair was the way it was, because theirs was the standard.
I only saw Black women on hair commercials when relaxers were being advertised. In subtle ways like these, I watched the media and people in my life invalidate who I was as a Black woman. When I create Black art, it is an extension of my authentic self.
eqb: You've done work with GirlTrek. What is GirlTrek and how are you involved?
DW: GirlTrek is a global health organization mobilizing black women to prioritize and take care of their mental and physical well-being. I first learned about GirlTrek through a highschool friend who asked if I was interested in facilitating a creative journaling workshop at GirlTrek's annual #StressProtest, a weekend long self-care retreat at Rocky Mountain National Park. The experience felt like an awakening.
Not too long after I returned home, I posted an artwork to IG that I created while reflecting on this transformative experience. One of GirlTrek's co-founders, Morgan Dixon, discovered my art work on IG, and commented on it saying she'd love for something like this to be made for GirlTrek. I literally fell out my chair. That really set the stage for a partnership I am so grateful to be a part of. If you'd like to learn more about GirlTrek's movement, check them out on IG @GirlTrek or visit the GirlTrek website - This wellness movement has changed the lives of so many Black women, including myself.
eqb: I’m here for the wellness movement. What are some ways you find peace and decompress?
DW: My self-care is really based on giving myself what I need in every moment, and reminding myself that I deserve to do so. I consider anything that is in line with meeting my emotional, physical, social, practical and spiritual needs as self-care. When I need to decompress or find peace, being outside helps tremendously, talking to my own therapist, making art, going to the gym, talking to family, or checking something off of my to-do list can all be helpful to me. Also visiting my Granny's house seems to almost always fill me with a sense of peace.
“My self-care is really based on giving myself what I need in every moment, and reminding myself that I deserve to do so. I consider anything that is in line with meeting my emotional, physical, social, practical and spiritual needs as self-care. ”
eqb: Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in becoming an art therapist?
DW: Visit www.arttherapy.org for resources on the profession. Also, find an art therapy and request to speak with them to ask questions and get more information. I've had several people interested in becoming an art therapist contact me, and am open to having a conversation about art therapy with anyone interested. Many Art Therapy programs have interest meetings throughout the year - I'd recommend attending one of those.
eqb: Thank you for sharing your story. How can someone support your Etsy shop or buy your artwork?
DW: I am currently taking a break from selling my work, so I think the best thing people can do to support my work right now is to follow and share my art on Instagram at @deonwildd.
An award-winning holistic wellness coach shares ways to heal divine feminine energy.