The occupation of mixed media art and its role in creativity and reflection

Aim: The aim of this workshop is to introduce and explore the occupation of mixed media art both as a means to experience creativity and as a way to reflect on occupational therapy research, education and practice. Background: Dickie (2004) asks how occupational scientists and therapists can support others’ efforts to be creative if we don’t have personal experience of what this means. Trying new media, such as mixed media artwork, can give rise to creativity and new insights (Myers 1999). During my doctoral research, I developed the skills of mixed media art to reflect on my development as a researcher. Reflection is a part of continuing professional development (COT 2015) and the workshop will enable participants to explore creativity and reflection on all aspects of practice. Session plan: Participants will be introduced to a number of techniques such as collage, stencilling and embossing, using a variety of materials including paints, pastels, wool, fabric, paper and found objects. Examples and instructions will be available. Participants will be asked to think about an aspect of practice, education or research on which they would like to reflect. They will be asked to consider this first as a metaphor and then to create an artwork based on this metaphor. Finally participants will be invited to reflect on and share their art and experience of creativity. No previous art experience is required. Resources: A large room with tables and a sink. References are available on request.