Page 59 - ART FORM AND MENTAL HEALTH - Ingrid Pénzes

dialogue was determined by physical, cognitive and affective characteristics of the client that led to different styles of material interaction.
According to the participants, material interaction led to an art product. Therefore, the formal elements of an art product such as ‘line’, ‘shape’, ‘composition’ and ‘colour’, reflected material interaction.
The participants agreed that all categories could only be understood in relationship to the art materials’ properties. For example, ‘lining’ is very fitting to graphic materials, based on their properties, but not so obvious when using water paint.
Art materials
DIALOGUE
Client
Physical properties
Movement Rhythm
Tempo
Grip
Pressure Physical contact
Design properties
Space Structure Lining Shaping
Use of Colour
Figure 1: material interaction
Styles of material interaction
As the categories of material interaction were strongly interconnected, the combination of these categories formed a style of material interaction. Participants mentioned that observing these styles enabled a perspective on the level of rationalization and flexibility of the client and consequently the assessment of possible benefits of art therapy for the client.
Participants stated that even though the style of material interaction varied between individual clients, most clients demonstrated a tendency for either a rational or affective style of material interaction. Therefore styles of material interaction could be placed on a continuum from extreme rational to extreme affective material interaction.
According to the participants, clients who showed a more rational style of material interaction tended to have a high need for control; were often
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Formal elements of the art product
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