Bristol, UK (PRWEB UK) 20 July 2013
As of September 2013 Bristol University will be running a course to teach its students how to apply the creative arts including dance, drama, music, and art as part of a therapeutic treatment program. The field of art therapy has long been a contentious one, with holistic researches claiming benefits for everything from stress and depression to physical illness.
In Western society people tend to view artwork purely as a decorative fashion accessory, a way of displaying personality traits and tastes to the whole world. The typical approach to wellbeing is focused on scientific methods such as medication ? taking a tablet to cure a headache ? to stop the feeling of pain while the problem persists. Holistic art therapies focus on treating the body and mind as a whole, in the belief that a healthy mind will bring about a healthy body.
It has long been established that a beautiful piece of art is enjoyable to look at, and art in its various forms has been enjoyed for thousands of years. Today it is almost impossible to escape the influence of art from advertisements to graffiti, but how much attention do people really take, and how does it really affect the average person.
Studies on art in a therapeutic environment began to emerge in the late 1970/80?s with the groundwork set by Carl Jung, who in 1959, encouraged his patients to create a picture in their mind after having a bad dream in order to visualise their ?unfulfilled desire for growth?. This process ? of creating a picture in the mind to cure stress - was quickly adopted by others in the field.
By choosing the right piece of canvas art it is possible to test this theory in the home. For example many people dream of being far away on a desert island, or winning the lottery and buying a super car, make it happen. With huge online libraries of canvas prints to choose from at http://www.the-canvas-art-shop.co.uk it's easy to find that ideal piece, and make dreams a reality. It doesn?t necessarily require an original piece of art or painting; it can be something as simple as a photo printed onto canvas, to reinvigorate a tired room.
The other side to artistic therapy is the creation of artwork, using various materials and mediums to express feelings and emotions. This approach certainly has benefits regarding relaxation and well being, with participants reporting that such courses have aided them with personal relationships, coping with stress, and even some physical ailments.
By 1980 Dean Simonton published a study detailing work with terminally ill patients and the use of therapeutic imagery. Part of his research included patients being asked to visualize the laser beams attacking the cancer, Simonton found that repeated sessions actually boosted the body?s defenses and accelerated the effects of the cure.
This research continued with patients being asked to draw or paint the pain they were feeling, being able to ?see? the pain they were then asked to imagine this pain leaving their body. They concluded that using these drawings and focusing on being pain-free patients can ?experience a similar, but longer-lasting effect than derived from drugs.?
A therapeutic approach to art and imagery is not restricted purely to the medical profession though. There are many cases of art being used to revitalize public spaces and bring a fresh lease of life to run down communities. Street artists like Banksy work to create artwork that makes the area they live in more colourful, humorous, and occasionally provocative. The spaces we live in, and the art that resides in them shapes the way people feel and cope with the stress of the busy modern world.
For most people the holistic approach to art is limited to the effect on moods and day-to-day life rather than physical well being. Being able to draw or paint emotions is a great way of relieving those pressures however for most people a well-chosen print or poster can be the ideal solution to add some inspiration to dull surroundings. The picture on display in a living room or office could have a huge impact on the general mood of the space, and the atmosphere of a home or office space.
There are a few simple steps to choosing art for the home:
- ????Location ? that plain, dull wall in the office could be an inspiration
- ????Colour ? vibrant reds bring energy and vigour, pastel shades bring calm
- ????Size ? fill the space without taking over the room
- ????Subject ? inspiration, motivation, or just something fun
There is a multitude of ways to find the perfect picture of painting online or in an art gallery ? it?s all a matter of taste. For something more personal it may be a good idea to make artwork at home. Starting with a blank canvas and some paints it's easy to create a personal piece of art ? from abstract splashes of colour to scenic landscapes ? there's no limit to inspiration.
The course run by the City of Bristol College incorporates the whole range of arts as methods of treating mental health issues, substance abuse, special needs, and teaching children. The studies will include:
- ????Creative group work and performance skills
- ????Understanding the therapeutic process
- ????Creative expression with art materials
- ????Making creative arts projects
Bristol University - http://www.bristol.ac.uk/
Canvas art - http://www.the-canvas-art-shop.co.uk
Source: http://uk.prweb.com/releases/2013/7/prweb10936529.htm
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