Page 103 - ART FORM AND MENTAL HEALTH - Ingrid Pénzes
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Existing studies on formal elements show that the formal elements observed are likely to change in response to the given task and the art media used. One could question if other formal elements would have emerged in this study when art products were made with a different task and art media. For example, the formal element “filled space” might have emerged when art products would have been made on larger paper size, with smaller brushes and/or allowing more time.
Nonetheless, the properties of acrylic paint, allow the observation of those formal elements that enable the art therapists to observe the structure and variation of the art product. The ability to observe the structure and variation related to the level of balance and adaptability may support art therapists to formulate treatment goals to suit the individual needs and potential and to choose those art interventions that enhance or develop the client’s balance and adaptability. Previous studies point out the therapeutic potential of diverse art material properties to achieve a more “affective” or “cognitive” experience to enhance “thought” or “feeling” (Pénzes, et al., 2014; Hinz, 2009, Snir & Regev, 2013; Hyland Moon, 2010). The therapeutic value of experiential interventions is pointed out in many recent studies (e.g. Cozolino, 2017; Porges, 2017). Future research may address the use of art interventions to generate different affective or cognitive experiences.
CONCLUSION
Formal elements are frequently used in clinical practice. In this study, we addressed two questions, namely which formal elements art therapists observe, and how they interpret them in terms of mental health. Findings add to the current body of knowledge. They show that the combination of seven formal elements construct the structure and variation of the art product and are indicative of clients’ level of balance and adaptability. Art therapists in this study gain insight into clients’ mental health through these concepts. This insight supports the art therapists in formulating treatment goals that suit the individual needs and potential and to choose those art interventions that ameliorate the client’s balance and adaptability.
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