Can you imagine a world with no communication?
Now… can you imagine a world with no colour?
Speech therapy the skillful art of repairing one’s ability to communicate. As Speech Pathologists we are individuals with a broad spectrum of knowledge. Whether the deficit is in the linguistic, neurological, or cognitive area we are prepared to address the need. Sure, we all have a preference of the area of specialization, but nevertheless, the knowledge base is still there..
Speech Therapy is defined as the treatment of a myriad of disorders. Color and communication two vibrant elements that come together, as an art. Language from an artistic perspective is a fusion of vibrant color that ignites us. We are social beings, from the moment we are born we live for interaction, a touch, and of course eventually the ability to express our thoughts and desires. A newborns incessant cry, a toddler’s tantrum, or a woman’s abrupt shift in eye gaze. They ALL communicate an emotion, a message. Just as we communicate, verbally, nonverbally, or with gestures or sign, colour will communicate as well. Yes, in my opinion there is colour in linguistic expression. Colour and language two mutable forces that speaks volumes, is a sincere reflection of our innate being. It can shift as the wind, in silence, vibrant, or subtle hues, it continues to inform others.
You might ask “what’s the connection with speech and art”? I would have to say “ME”.
My journey began as a free spirited artist. I was admitted to Xavier University of Louisiana as an art major. I would travel to class armed with drawing pencils, pads and other art supplies. I thought I was “ready”, ready to conquer the world. I wanted to do it “my way”. Only to learn that my form of self expression would be stifled, by my Professor’s views. I would be required to produce work deemed “acceptable”, within the confines of my “HIS” vision. My happiness quickly turned to frustration. Frustration led to a production of pieces that did not allow me to be “ME”. Something was missing. I didn’t enjoy it anymore, not enough to embrace it as a profession. Yet…. I totally absolutely loved using it as a medium to communicate with others.
A way to express how I felt, to identify how others felt. I could engage anyone I encountered with “art”. Colour, sculpture, paint, abstracts, simple lines. They all spoke. It simply didn’t matter. It was all around me. At a crossroad, I engaged in a deep discussion one day, with the one person who knew me best… you guessed it “My Mom”. If anyone knew how I felt about art it was her, but she also knew I loved “communicating”. The true social butterfly in the family, she simply said… you love to talk. Do something that involves “talking”. Why can’t you have the best of both worlds? Believe it or not I continued on my trek to study art, and she encouraged me to research becoming a Speech Therapist. Eventually, I changed my major, with two thoughts in mind: Helping others to communicate, and “thinking outside of the box” using a creative strategy to help others enhance their self expression. The art in communicating comes from deep within me as the Therapist. It is my responsibility to identify the ‘medium’ that motivates, encourages and my clients to achieve their goals. Yes, this wonderful profession has afforded me the opportunity to use art to reach my clients. That art may have been paint, pencils, clay, and yes COLOUR. In the world of early intervention the element of colour has created a sense of excitement, and allowed me to connect with my students. In the adult population, colour would set a mood , or music will assist in relaxing muscles, or speaking to a metronome with rhythm really worked! All extraordinary, creative strategies to help patients achieve a goal. Unique strategies that were used to produce a functional phrase, or even perform a series of voice exercises. Might I also add, they have all been successful. I have learned over the years, that in my practice creativity is key. I am not afraid to try that “something different”. Why you might ask? I will tell you…. because, Everyone desires to be heard. Whether it is verbal or silent, everyone desires and deserves to communicate. We deserve the right to be “red hot” with our words, or crystal clear as the ocean’s blue. So with that in mind… linguistically, what colour are you?