Finding a voice—artistic expression and practice development

Abstract

AbstractThe present paper describes the development of art activities in a practice development unit in Nottingham, UK. The authors offer theoretical underpinning of their work by discussing the relationship between mental distress and creative expression. It is acknowledged that although there is much interest in the arts in mental health care, research into the subject is in its infancy. It is asserted that by objectifying distress, that is, getting it ‘out there’ instead of holding everying inside, the individual may find release, catharsis and—most importantly—feel listened to. Art enables people to find a voice. The authors argue that people who receive mental health services need more holistic and creative therapies. Whereas holism may be taught in nurse education, the regard for the spiritual or poetic is easily neglected in practice. Two examples are given from practice, first, some illustrations represent some of the work achieved by a group of female mental health service users. Although never intended to be a therapy group per se the work was indeed therapeutic. Six women met for a number of weeks in order to express their feelings about the impact of mental illness upon their lives. The results of their work were later displayed in the Trust's own art gallery in Nottingham city centre. The exhibition was a great achievement for the women. The second example given is an exhibition of the work of Arthur Ride, who has been a mental health service user for his adult life. Arthur's work is a series of self‐portraits documenting his ups and downs and periods in acute psychiatric care. A broad understanding of human experience is called for, a view that may encompass the beauty and pain of mental distress. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.