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Arts in Medicine
Over the years, we have found it difficult to explain what happens in Arts in Medicine classes. To a casual observer it may seem obvious that the purpose is to produce beautiful pieces of art. However, when participants are encouraged to write about their work, they often describe how the experience of creating has unveiled insights and options they never knew existed. Just as artists have known for years, there is a connection between mind, body and spirit, which is why creativity can be so powerful. Arts in Medicine classes aim to recognize and  facilitate this connection.
When participants engage in the process of creating, they put themselves into their artwork. The piece can begin to take on personal attributes and in the end speak to, as well as for, the artist. Just as the created work becomes an extension of the artist, the act of creating becomes part of the artist’s healing journey as the process unveils new insights and understandings.
Participants slowly begin to see new possibilities, which can spring from their own innate creativity or from the creativity of others in the group. They are inspired to look at new ways to tackle a challenge or to see things from a fresh perspective. They are often surprised by the wellspring of wisdom, hope and resourcefulness they find inside. For many, the expansiveness of these feelings helps them come to terms with some of the more unhelpful thoughts and feelings they may have felt when first diagnosed with cancer. |
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The PROCESS is More Important Than The Result
We have found that this experience can be greatly enhanced by ensuring that a certain core structure is followed during each class.
Creating art together amplifies the richness of the experience. Whenever groups come together, gems of wisdom are revealed. We may think that brilliant thoughts come only from famous writers or recognized artists. Yet people of all ages and from all walks of life express profoundly inspirational thoughts when given the opportunity to reflect on their experience. New learning can also reveal itself to others in the group simply through attentive listening and observation.
Journal writing provides a vital record of participants’ insights. During the last thirty minutes of each two-hour class, participants are invited to write. In the beginning, most people would sooner avoid writing. As the weeks go by, they come to see the importance of self-reflection in the creative process. Participants are encouraged to focus on their thoughts and feelings as they work on their creative endeavours and to record these in their journal. This process of writing about their creative experience often leads to new insights about their present situation in life. Excerpts from the artist’s journal have been included with most of the images in this book.
Classes are under the direction of a professional support person, in team with a caring instructor. Arts in Medicine classes are different from art programs offered in the general community. While beautiful works of art are in fact created, the important factor is the process whereby individuals experience themselves as they are creating. A psychologist, social worker or art therapist experienced in group dynamics facilitates each session. Instruction is provided by artists who are selected for their expertise, caring and selfless dedication to helping others. This team works together to ensure that participants are given time to write, to reflect and to share their personal experiences in the class.
Quality materials give a signal that the activity is worth doing. We have always believed that it is important to provide quality art materials. Participants often tell us that they have come to see this as a measure of how much they are valued. Having beautiful materials to work with, be they brushes, paints, beads or yarns, often leads people to see the beauty around them. Learning to observe small, yet wonderful things can make a big difference in how we feel each day. It could be light reflecting on trees, a leaf blowing across the grass or the changing colours in a sunrise that give us a feeling of excitement and exhilaration.
Programming is offered over a wide range of creative modalities. Participants need to find a creative medium that suits them. Not everyone aspires to carving a soapstone bear or sewing a storybook quilt square. We have incorporated painting icons, angels and mandalas for those who wish a quiet, meditative modality. People involved in the photography class tend to work by themselves and then share their photographs and stories in weekly sessions. Clay sculpture offers participants an opportunity to dig their hands into the clay and mould something of their very own. This tends to be a personal encounter between the sculptor and the clay.
Emphasis is placed on personal learning revealed through the creative process. Arts in Medicine is about people learning to heal their lives. It is not about keeping them occupied with crafts. Casual observers, struck by the beauty and quality of the work created, often ask whether these “crafts” can be purchased. The depth and importance of the process the participants went through is lost in any attempt to determine the work’s commercial value. When they are asked this question, they invariably reply, “I would never sell this work, because to me it’s priceless!”
Through Arts in Medicine, individuals discover new ways to take charge of the emotional aspects of cancer, to grow from their experience and move on with their treatment and healing. This website shares the images and insights of patients, family members, health care providers, caregivers and volunteers who have experienced cancer. Their stories follow a common theme: they are uplifting, hopeful and compassionate. Certainly, they attest to the learning, strength and healing that can be achieved through artistic and creative accomplishments.
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