A face made of pieces stitched together, giving the message that brokenness isn’t beyond repair. Another with a knife conveying stabbing headaches, the impairment of an eye while in Afghanistan, and a world map showing a new global perspective. A head opening up to display a spider’s web with the words “Fog” and “Confusion”, a Bible and a grave, small silver bells (for tinnitus). Soft feminine side next to angry Hulk-like features.

The heroism of American patriotism over deadly horror. Duality of light and dark via day and night. Inside the brain, the  buzzing of a bees’ nest – symbolising anger, anxiety and pressure…

All these are subjects of the masks created by those suffering from severe PTSD, guided by Washington, DC-based Melissa Walker. A Creative Arts Therapist at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence – a directorate of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center – Walker works with active duty service members suffering from traumatic brain injury and psychological health conditions.

Dedicated to helping recovering service members express their deep thoughts and emotions in a safe environment, Melissa designed the Healing Arts Program at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in 2010 where she engages her patients in mask-making, a powerful mechanism for helping them communicate their invisible wounds. Melissa received her Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from New York University.

The visual and physical art form enables participants to creatively articulate experiences stored deep within their minds and bodies which they may not always be able to share through direct verbal language.

Take a look at the fascinating creations produced under Melissa’s direction…

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