Sari Richter
Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?
I felt that OCAD U promised me everything I was looking for: a large community of artists, designers, peers and mentors in a vibrant and energetic city. I truly saw OCAD U as the pinnacle of arts education and an internationally recognized hub for education in the field.
Please briefly describe your current job / practice.
At the moment, I'm working diligently on carving out several niches. I graduated with a Masters certification in Art Therapy from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute in 2012, and since graduating, I’ve been striving to obtain more work in that particular field. Currently, I am working part-time as an Art Therapist at Youthdale Treatment Centres, in an intensive mental health day treatment program for transitional aged (16+) youth. I also maintain a consistent artistic practice in drawing and painting, and over the years I've ventured into video, textile art, calligraphy and other media. I participate in group shows often and I’m always trying to expand my network. Among some of more my recent work, I've illustrated six children's books with a seventh on the way, and have recently taken on commercial storyboard work for various agencies. I’ve also created several murals, and have been honoured to create ketubahs (Jewish marriage documents).
How did you get started in your career?
Upon entering OCAD U, I figured I would most likely not be able to making a living as an “artist”; I also determined that I wanted to work with and help other people. I had also undertaken some independent learning in psychology, just out of interest. Until third year at OCAD U, I hadn’t heard much about art therapy, but when I attended a presentation about the profession, I knew it would be a solid fit. In the professional art-making component of my career, I’ve learned that my skills are highly adaptable to a wide range of jobs. While not academically trained as “illustrator” or “storyboard artist,” people generally are willing to recognize that skills are transferable and “Bachelor of Drawing and Painting” does not mean I am constrained to being a “drawer” or “painter.”
Did you volunteer or work in your field while you were a student?
As a student during my time at OCAD U, I worked for my first semester in retail at the Eaton Centre, which I found incredibly tedious. I came across an advertisement one day looking for professional notetakers for the Centre for Students with Disabilities. The now-defunct part of that program allowed myself, as a student, to take notes for other students, across all subjects and levels offered by OCAD U. It allowed me to earn more than a reasonable wage and by the time the notetaking program had ended, I had attended so many courses and classes that if I had paid tuition instead of worked in them, I could have gained enough for another degree! Also, during the summers, I worked at Camp New Moon in Muskoka as an arts and crafts instructor which provided unparalleled experiences in teamwork, accountability and creative programming.
What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?
During my time at OCAD U, I did not have as much time as I would have liked to volunteer. I made several painting donations to various organizations, held a couple small fundraisers using my handmade jewelry and helped out setting up shows sometimes; however, in retrospect, I wish I would have volunteered for art-related events around the city. I didn’t feel that internships were a viable option for me during my undergraduate studies, as many of them that I came across paid poorly or not at all. I am only recently starting to see changes in internship postings in terms of paying people for the work they deserve. When I was conducting freelance work while still in school, I maintained that I would never take less for a commission simply because I was a student. I felt strongly - and still do - that art is a lifelong learning process and simply because one is in a stage of formal education, doesn’t mean that before graduation one cannot call themselves professional.
What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
What I enjoy most about my work as an art therapist is working with youth to help them understand their potential as a creator. Many of them struggle with low self-esteem, trauma, depression and loss and if I can help them navigate the depths of their experiences and feelings - or even just provide a creative distraction for an hour - there’s nothing that makes me feel more worthy. I also love the freedom that being a freelancer provides me with, but there’s always a part of me that is consistently shocked that authors, directors and business owners put their faith in me! The most challenging aspect of my work, is often being underemployed. While I’m valued and remunerated appropriately in the settings and jobs I do have, I am always searching for an additional contract or position, which in itself could be considered a job.
What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently?
I valued the interpersonal skills I learned at OCAD U as both a student and note taker, as well as the support network of friends and peers I gained. Learning how to channel creativity into a sensible process and finished product or body of work was also immeasurably useful when navigating the “real world” afterward. I was also editor of DRPT’s (Drawing and Painting) thesis catalogue, “Going Places,” which was one of my first attempts at organizing and collaborating with a large group of people in order to produce something which would be representative of all of our experience. In retrospect, I should have joined a club or two at OCAD U, and met up with Hillel of Greater Toronto.
What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice?
For my art therapy practice, my notes, materials and best practices must remain up to date. I am constantly reading, I attend conferences and workshops when I can, and I’m a member in good standing with the Canadian Art Therapy Association. I hold myself responsible for providing the best group and individual sessions I can for the youth, trying to go the extra mile to connect and engage them in art. I think one of the consistently important ideas I’ve connected with through both my time in school and work has been giving to others. I’ve noticed artists and creators who are giving of their time, advice, skills or money seem to find deep fulfilment in their work, and that’s definitely been my own personal experience.
What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?
My personal goals are to get married to my incredibly supportive (not to mention handsome) partner, have babies and adopt a dog or five. I don’t particularly endeavour to become rich and/or famous, but financial stability and security is definitely something to work towards in my career. Continuing to branch out with my artistic practice and finding additional positions and populations with which to practice art therapy are crucial to me as well.