Deann Acton
Since the time she was very small, Deann Acton realized that not only did art feel good…
it also allowed her a way to express feelings and experiences that she often didn’t have
words for. It made perfect sense that after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Fine Art
from the University of Texas, that she would go back to school to receive her Master in
Art Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California.
After her diagnosis of breast cancer, she turned to art as a way of dealing with feelings
of overwhelming anxiety. One theme that has become very present in her recent work is
that of the sea monster: Those scary larger-than-life entities lurking under deep dark
waters ready to surface and pull under the unsuspecting traveler. But she doesn’t find
these paintings scary. By painting whimsical sea monsters, she stated that she is
conquering her fear and finding ways to make peace with that which she can’t see.
Deann works in primarily acrylic, ink, and watercolor and loves to challenge herself to
make some kind of art every day. She resides in Austin, Texas with her husband and two
children. She has a beautiful art studio/private practice space where she sees children,
adults, families, and couples. She is also currently the president of the South Texas Art
Therapy Association, where she shares her passion for making art as a means of healing
with others.
You can follow Deann’s work at artnocturnal.com and on her Facebook page.
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