Art Material and its Therapeutic effects
Clay is a versatile art material. In this paper, “Clay-work” is defined as the overall process and outcome of the process, from handling, manipulating, and modeling clay to the final artwork. Several types of clay are commonly used in art therapy. (1) Clay is natural art material, which consists of organic content. It is reusable even when dry. (2) Air-dry clay hardens and becomes stronger with time. Baking or firing is not needed for air-dry clay, and it can be painted after drying. (3) Model Magic is light and easy to manipulate. It is clean and does not stick to skin or surfaces. It can also be painted after it has dried, and the white colored Model Magic can be pre-tinted with markers. Each has its own characteristic so a therapist may choose the proper medium depending on the population and provides time to explore the clay.
Working with clay in a therapy session develops personal imagery and facilitates coping through diversion. The product of clay-work is three-dimensional and can be appreciated from various viewpoints. Mistakes …show more content…
It promotes conversation and motivates communication in group therapy (Henley, 2002). This can also be applied to art therapy within an individual setting between a therapist and a client. The “third hand” of a therapist assists the client throughout the session. Clay-work with children requires the therapists’ third hand in various ways. Some children may not have fully developed their motor skills, so working with clay can be frustrating for them. Through the third hand, clients may feel that they are cared for, thus promoting empathy toward themselves and others (Franklin, 2010). It helps to establish secure therapeutic rapport. The antecedent discussion before making artwork is also considered as the therapist’s third hand. This help clients to be inviting to the theme and to inspire them (Henley,
Clay is a versatile art material. In this paper, “Clay-work” is defined as the overall process and outcome of the process, from handling, manipulating, and modeling clay to the final artwork. Several types of clay are commonly used in art therapy. (1) Clay is natural art material, which consists of organic content. It is reusable even when dry. (2) Air-dry clay hardens and becomes stronger with time. Baking or firing is not needed for air-dry clay, and it can be painted after drying. (3) Model Magic is light and easy to manipulate. It is clean and does not stick to skin or surfaces. It can also be painted after it has dried, and the white colored Model Magic can be pre-tinted with markers. Each has its own characteristic so a therapist may choose the proper medium depending on the population and provides time to explore the clay.
Working with clay in a therapy session develops personal imagery and facilitates coping through diversion. The product of clay-work is three-dimensional and can be appreciated from various viewpoints. Mistakes …show more content…
It promotes conversation and motivates communication in group therapy (Henley, 2002). This can also be applied to art therapy within an individual setting between a therapist and a client. The “third hand” of a therapist assists the client throughout the session. Clay-work with children requires the therapists’ third hand in various ways. Some children may not have fully developed their motor skills, so working with clay can be frustrating for them. Through the third hand, clients may feel that they are cared for, thus promoting empathy toward themselves and others (Franklin, 2010). It helps to establish secure therapeutic rapport. The antecedent discussion before making artwork is also considered as the therapist’s third hand. This help clients to be inviting to the theme and to inspire them (Henley,