The Robot's Heart: How Voltage Teaches Us to Feel
Art as Therapy: How J-Dubs is Revolutionizing Emotional Intelligence Through a Robot's Journey
In a world where emotional intelligence is increasingly recognized as crucial to our wellbeing, New Jersey artist John Windzilak (professionally known as J-Dubs) has created something truly special. His coloring book featuring Voltage, a robot experiencing emotions for the first time, offers a unique approach to emotional healing that bridges the gap between art therapy, storytelling, and community building.
The genesis of this innovative project came from J-Dubs' own therapeutic journey. After experiencing the challenges of divorced parents in childhood and later dealing with ADHD and heart health issues as an adult, J-Dubs found himself exploring ways to process complex emotions. What began as personal therapy evolved into a creative outlet that resonated deeply with his social media followers. The robot character initially started as a simple painting exercise, but audience enthusiasm inspired J-Dubs to develop a complete narrative around this mechanical being discovering and grappling with human emotions - something many of us struggle with daily.
What sets this coloring book apart from traditional self-help resources is its subtle approach to emotional education. Rather than explicitly presenting itself as therapy, the book invites readers into a story about a robot's emotional awakening. J-Dubs intentionally designed the format as a coloring book for multiple reasons. For one, it simplified his creative process as someone with ADHD. More importantly, it transforms the book into an interactive experience where the act of coloring itself becomes therapeutic. Research shows that focusing on coloring for even half an hour can help distance us from troubling thoughts, potentially leading to solutions that weren't apparent when we were hyperfixating on our problems.
The target audience spans generations, from children as young as seven or eight to adults struggling with stress, anxiety, or emotional regulation. For parents, it offers a bonding opportunity through bedtime reading and discussions about feelings. For educators and mental health professionals, it provides a non-threatening tool to help students process difficult emotions. What makes this especially powerful is the community aspect - readers are encouraged to share their colored pages through a dedicated Facebook group called "Bolt's Dream Masters," creating a supportive network where artistic choices become conversation starters about emotional expression.
J-Dubs' vision extends beyond the page. He's currently working to bring Voltage into schools as a resource for counselors and mental health programs. He's also exploring community art projects like murals based on the book's imagery, expanding the therapeutic impact into public spaces. With a successful Kickstarter campaign funding not just the book but also sensory fidget toys of Voltage, J-Dubs is creating a multi-sensory experience to support emotional wellbeing.
In a culture where emotional literacy is often overlooked, J-Dubs offers this profound insight: "It's hard being human, but it's not impossible, and if you can get out of your way long enough to see from someone else's perspective, you might actually find a way to heal yourself." Through the unlikely vessel of a robot learning to feel, we might just discover new pathways to understanding our own complex emotional landscapes.
