I was inspired by an artist, Jeff Nachtigall, who worked with the residents of Sherbrooke Community Center, a long-term care facility in Saskatoon. Jeff spent close to a year helping them come out of their despair and regain their sense of self-identity through the creation of art. The most amazing transformation is that the differently abled found new purpose in their life and the potential to be an artist without limbs, experience, nor training. This experimental work has inspired me to integrate a model of art therapy into art education.
Students in need are everywhere. Some of the difficult students also struggle with their self-identity in family and school. Adolescence is the most critical transitional period between late childhood and adulthood, school life and social life, and from a dependent and independent life. Students who lack help, support and acceptance may fall into depression and even commit suicide. Better understanding of their inner chaos and identity helps young adults assess their cultural and social roles.
During this inquiry-based research, I am going to explore the connection between art, healing, and self-identity through the questions below:
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