Art has the power to inspire, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact on people’s lives. But how do artists create works that make us feel and think deeply?  Our presenter, Ed Gavagan, uses storytelling to capture moments in time that create a narrative that speaks to the human experience and our shared humanity. He will share his process of surviving childhood and adult trauma, and talk about the role that storytelling has played in his recovery.  As psychoanalysts, we bear witness through listening deeply to extraordinary stories.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Ed Gavagan is owner of Praxis, a design/build firm that has built homes and furniture nationally and internationally including the MOTH headquarters in New York City. In addition to his participation in the documentary film Procession, he has shared his stories with live audiences, on the Moth Radio Hour, on A&E’s Biography Channel, and in TED talks.  His most recent show, Loud Memory, was performed off Broadway at Theatre 154 and will be performed in Ireland in the summer of 2025.  For more information, visit:  https://themoth.org and processionfilm.com

ABOUT OUR DISCUSSANT

Eric Dammann, PhD, is Co-Director of the Artist Study Group at WAWI.  He has a psychotherapy and executive coaching private practice in Manhattan and serves on the Board of Sounds of Saving, a non-profit agency that uses music to address mental health and suicide prevention.