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Danuta’s Artistic Alchemy – An Article in The RIV Magazine
I’m honored to be featured in an article written by Christopher Matteo Connor for The RIV Magazine (Vol. 18, Issue 1). The piece follows my journey from life behind the Iron Curtain to becoming an artist in the U.S.—a transformation from Scientist to Artist. From the structured world of science to the expressive freedom of art, it’s a story of reinvention, discovery, and the creative spirit.

Standing room only-At Book signing event at Voice Gallery
On Thursday, September 12, a standing-room-only crowd gathered at The Voice Gallery in La Cumbre plaza to celebrate the publication of a HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY THROUGH SYMBOLS, a two-volume set of text books published by Routledge, written by local psychologist, Dr. James Broderick and illustrated by local artist, Dr. Danuta Bennett. Maria McCall served as moderator, asking questions of the pair about the importance of the universal language of symbols, the images created for the book to engage and enliven the reader, the Rorschach test, why the analyst’s couch is so iconic, the future of community mental health, and more.The books provide a captivating exploration of psychology’s history through symbols and feature 250 illustrations that enhance the experience of uncovering both ancient and contemporary psychological developments. Each volume offers in-depth insights into the evolution of psychological thought, its historical and socio-cultural contexts, and its practical applications in everyday life.

“This book is Ideal for those Symbols, by James L. Broderick, seeking a dynamic and illustrated by Danula Bennett, and engaging way Invites a dialogue between the reader of learning about intellectual traditions and symbols. or (caching the In this newly released book, dynamic history of psychology and unique illustrations set Broderick’s and would be of James L Broderick’s history book apart as it follows the interest to students, earliest lines of culture, personal development, and mental health starting with the Axial practitioners, and HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY THROUGH SYMBOLS HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY THROUGH SYMBOLS age. Universality is also an important thread as the book reviews history employing scholars of science, philosophy, history and systems, religious studies, art and mental health, and drug and alcohol treatment, as well as those interested in applying the lessons of history to daily life,” comments Broderick in the forward. Published by Routledge, the Taylor & Frands Group, the book is available at psychologyandsymbols.com. 

Giving Symbols a Voice
A crowd of 80 guests descended on The Voice Art Gallery for a celebratory book lunch of A History of Psychology Through Symbols, a two-volume set of textbooks written by local psychologist Dr. James Broderick and illustrated by Montecito artist Dr. Danuta Bennett.

“The artist, Bennett, is a founder of Santa Barbara’s Aeolian Center, where she devised a series of continuing education seminars and workshops at the juncture where art meets psychology. Bennett’s rendering of the symbols uses shapes and images common to our unconscious archetypes as a starting point for reader engagement with the textual material. “I use collage because I want to create something new of those existing images, to add to that collective visual idea we have inside of us. I want it to be a stopping place, not the final destination,” she explains. “I want people to see it and say, we don’t have to be rigid to the original versions … we can look beyond them.” Read the full article >>>

“Beneath Mt. Montecito at the Riven Rock home of Frank McGinity, and outdoor art exhibit featuring local artists took place on Sunday as a benefit for the Art Foundation of Santa Barbara. (-) In addition to Ralph Waterhouse, participating artists included Ann Sanders< Chris Potter, Patricia Post, John Iwerks, Ray Hunter, Chris Chapman, Danuta Bennett, and Andrea Anderson. The Art Foundation of Santa Barbara’s mission is to educate the public about the work of artists with a special focus on Santa Barbara County and the Central and South Coast of California. “

“For Danuta Bennett, who specializes in expressive, evocative realism and is one of this year’s featured artists, the annual tour is more than just an opportunity to sell her art. “Even though there are not always conversations about art, it is still a warm and fun event. And I crave that kind of closeness with people who are receiving your art. It makes everything comfortable.: said Bennet, who works from The Clay studio in Goleta, predominantly on Acrylics, oils, and pencils. Bennet said she is inspired by people who visit her studio. “When creating, I am only with the image or the painting I am creating. It’s great when I open the studio because I meet new people and see their reactions… Generally, I am very private, but then I put my soul on the canvas for everybody to take it, interpret it, and love or hate it. But when I talk to somebody who has never seen my art before, they will notice different elements and respond differently, and sometimes that allows me to get inspired for the next piece.”

“My studio is part of the Clay Center, becoming a creative hub for the Santa Barbar srt community for ceramic artists, painters, and sculptors. In contrast to gallery shows, opening my studio gives me and, hopefully, my visitors a more personal experience with my art by making the encounter more relaxed and less intimidating. I can introduce myself as an artist, the art maker, or the storyteller.” Shared Danuta Bennet, a Polish-born artist specializing in expressive, evocative realism. Danuta’s work continuously moves between abstract representations, surrealistic images, and realistic lines in her search for personal artistic vocabulary. Studios are unique spaces. Creating art is, for the most part, an individual pursuit. The studio is where artists go to process the arrows that hit close to home, find their voices, raise their fists, and challenge themselves to respond. It’s the place, a place to regroup, and especially a place to play. Each participating artist has developed space to meet their needs and nourish their creative spirit.”