Special Education Students and Documentary Production: A Case Study

Abstract

Seiden (2001) wrote, “[When] approaching materials, [one] must fi rst accept the signifi cance of the nonliving object, matter transformed into some symbolic energy, which is capable of affecting human behavior” (p. 20). He stated that the concept that the art medium is the message implies that canvas, wood, stone, radio, and television are symbolic messages in and of themselves. When artists choose their art media, they must take into account the inherent qualities of the media, as well as the effect these qualities have on the artists and their audiences. Seiden stated that, when working with children, it is important that therapists consider which materials fi t the goals for specifi c individuals, because the right choice of material can greatly enhance the therapeutic or educational process, whereas the wrong choice of material can hinder it. The inherent qualities of the media themselves become a third consideration in the therapeutic process.