THE ART OF SELF-CARE: THERAPEUTIC ART USING FOOD REMNANTS WITH SENSORY PRACTICE

Abstract

In the realm of emotional well-being, the value of art as a therapeutic tool has been known for a long time. Before this research investigation, the researchers underwent a study with the Pakistani undergraduate students that focused on connecting emotions with creative narratives through the amalgamation of organic materials and other ingredients. Learning the effectiveness of these media among the Pakistani students, the researchers sought to expand these ideas into a new environment. The possibility of conducting an online workshop with thirteen students from China's Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts provided a distinctive chance to research this therapeutic art practice in a unique educational and cultural context. By incorporating Gillian Judson's Imaginative Ecological Education (IEE) theory, this research aimed at studying how delving into these abstract nature-inspired artistic practices can stimulate self-discovery and emotional well-being in individuals. Being Qualitative research, the researchers used observations and unstructured interviews as research tools to gather rich, detailed feedback from the participants. Through this research, the focus was to examine the therapeutic value of working with organic materials, i.e., food remnants, along with their sensory experiences in developing one's emotional healing and narrative building. The results showed that these artful activities motivated participants to connect with their unexpressed emotions more deeply, finding solace during the process. Through sensory experiences, the participants showcased heightened engagement and mindfulness during the activity and found comfort in their creative explorations, thus enhancing their narrative building. In conclusion, this study brings forward the impact of art in therapeutic practices through the lens of Judson's IEE theory. The findings suggest that creative experimental amalgamation of food remnants along with sensory experiences can be a powerful means for an individual's emotional and psychological growth. Further research could explore the broader applications of these practices across varied cultural contexts to deepen one's understanding of emotional well-being.