Background
I am a practitioner working at the intersection of art, experiential learning, and personal development. I’ve developed innovative tools to use art to improve people’s skills and performance. I’ve been doing this in the academic environment[1] as well as within private organizations.
Aims
My goal is to help people bridge the gap between knowing about themselves and becoming themselves. A believer that individuals possess all they need to become themselves within[2], the importance of self-determination and self-efficacy[3], I focus on creating that space of experiencing themselves through art.
Method
John Dewey brings to our attention the importance of aesthetic experiences, the ones that awake emotions in us and make life worth living For Dewey, art is “the most direct and complete manifestation there is of experience as experience."[4]
I adhere to Dewey’s perspective on art as experience. My focus as a practitioner is on the experience component because it is key for art to transform us. Helping individuals learn how to experience art, in any of its mediums, is incredibly powerful as they marvel at their natural capacity to connect with and appreciate a painting, a symphony, a ballet or other artistic expressions. That alone boosts their self-confidence and enjoyment followed by some level of fascination with art. Ultimately, they are connecting with themselves and becoming themselves. This is very rewarding.
Results
Based on my practice and work with people, experiencing art awakes positivity, awe, achievement, clarity, confidence, connection, courage, engagement, encouragement, excitement, fun, hope, openness, peacefulness, positivity, presence, renewal. People become more resilient, open-minded and creative.
Conclusion
Experiencing art rather than seeing art or listening to music is an area that needs more attention when it comes to show then impact of art on well-being.