Last week, I was surprised and thrilled to receive an e-mail from British publishing house, Jessica Kingsely, the publisher of my book, Therapeutic Art Directives and Resources:  Activities and Initiatives for Individuals and Groups.  This book came out in 2000, but appears to still be going strong.  Sigma Press, I was informed, are going to publish a Korean version shortly!

Curious about art therapy in Korea, I did a quick Google search.  In her May 07 bulletin, Paula Howie, President of the American Art Therapy Association, mentions having been keynote speaker for the Korean Academy of Clinical Art Therapy.  There are now thousands of art therapists in South Korea!  I also found a feature article in AsiaNews.it.

Did you know that, according to the Toronto Star newspaper, Dashan Mark Roswell is China’s best-known performer?  A weekly Star feature asks Canadian expatriates what it is like to live abroad, and invites readers to send in their own stories.  

Roswell was asked if he still sees the world through Canadian eyes.  He responded that he’s not sure  what "Canadian eyes" are. He admits that there are parts of his personality that have been shaped by China.  But, he is still as Canadian as he’s ever been. He thinks that one of Canada’s greatest assets is its lack of a strong national identity.  He stated, "I have no clearer idea of what it means to be a Canadian than anyone else…"

Just wondering:  Had Roswell remained in Canada to work, would his talents have developed in the same way?  Could he have had such a successful and original career in the arts here? 

Many artistic Canadians gain fame, fortune, inspiration, and support from foreign sources.  If they’ve paid for their own specialized training abroad, and want to be successful after graduating, they’re given little incentive to return to Canada.  Canada doesn’t seem to provide sufficient enticement (governmental or otherwise) to those who wish to return home.  In fact, if you’ve been out of the country for a while, and don’t have adequate fresh "Canadian experience," or networking connections, it’s unlikely you’ll be eligible for grant money or endorsement. For those who graduate in the US, there’s a grace period to stay on there if you find suitable employment/sponsorship.  Canada is a wonderful place to live.  However, if you’re an artist trying to launch a career, it’s usually easier to develop employment/recognition prospects elsewhere.