Date of Award

Spring 5-18-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Madoka T. Urhausen

Abstract

This community art project presents the development and implementation of a clay workshop designed to engage families in intergenerational storytelling and joint creation of storyteller sculptures, inspired by the storyteller figurines created by Pueblo potter Helen Cordero. The paper presents research regarding the positive impact of intergenerational storytelling on family members' mental health, well-being, self-esteem, and identity formation. Additionally, there is a review of research that points to the transformative qualities of clay, which can enhance people's overall well-being, their sense of presence, wonder, and joy, and their ability to self-reflect. Since this project was inspired by the artwork of a native potter, it is guided by articles that suggest an ethical approach inspired by indigenous methodology, and includes the practice the author developed to approach the research and the workshop design with cultural humility. This project is grounded in a narrative therapeutic approach which views people as constructing their realities and making meaning through narratives. Participants' engagement in this workshop seemed to indicate a yearning for opportunities to connect and share stories, and highlighted the potential of using clay in art therapy practice. Future research could further explore the utilization of clay art therapy in enhancing intergenerational connections, as well as conducting similar workshops with populations from varied backgrounds.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Download

Share

COinS
 

Rights

The author owns the copyright to this work.