Research Paper: How Using Art Making as a Coaching Tool Supports Client Learning

Common client goals and direct applications using art

Following are two examples of art making used towards the achievement of goals that clients frequently bring to a coaching relationship. In the first example, clients work towards life Balance through painting mandalas. The second example describes how client Confidence may be explored through mask making.

Finding Balance: creating a mandala

The practice of making a mandala (Sanskrit for “magic circle”) is said to bring order and balance to a chaotic state of mind (Malchiodi, 2002, p. 164). In order to complete a mandala drawing or painting, one simply creates an image within any circular space. A client seeking balance in a given context would begin by drawing a circle as large as they choose. Inside of this circle, the client might then be encouraged to paint or draw with colors, forms and shapes that represent their current challenges, along with any possible courses of action that address those challenges (Barber, 2002, p.54). Alternatively, an individual could simply paint in a more free-form way, aiming simply to bring order and balance to their circle. The client may even wish to draw or paint outside the confines of the circle in order to complete their image. The coach may then assist the client in designing actions out of any insights they gained from the exercise, and from the calm state of mind this exercise is said to produce (Malchiodi, 2002, p.167).

Developing Confidence: building (and moving in) a full face mask

Some clients may wish to work on building their confidence around a specific issue or increase their level of general confidence. The simple act of creating a tangible product from any art exercise may increase a clients’ general confidence level, because creating something can be seen as an accomplishment in itself (J. McCracken, telephone interview, June 13, 2012). Creating and wearing a full face mask can also provide a more focused way for clients to develop confidence. Vicky Barber explains in her book, Explore Yourself Through Art, that she has found that “wearing a mask gives [individuals] an opportunity to become whatever [they] want for a while,” allowing them to bring that experience with them into their lives (p. 90). In this scenario, clients might begin their mask making process by thinking about a character they would like to be, or by choosing a positive trait that they would like to develop. Out of that choice, they would construct their mask, using paints, pastels and other materials, adding features that support their vision. Once the mask is complete, the client would wear the mask and engage in any number of exploration-based activities. Moving around (walking, dancing, etc.) in the mask might extend the client’s physical awareness of the mask’s traits, thereby allowing them to incorporate these attributes into the client’s learning, not only cognitively, but also kinesthetically and emotionally.

Conclusion

While many tools are available to coaches in supporting their clients, introducing artistic projects into the coaching space can add perspective and dimension to a client’s exploration of self awareness, future visioning and goal setting. Tools like expressive painting, sculpture, drawing and dance are already being used with success to help clients gain positive and meaningful coaching experiences. Coaches and clients open to utilizing art making in their sessions have access to a powerful tool for deepening personal development work.

References

Allen, Pat B. (1995). Art is way of knowing. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, Inc.

Barber, V. (2002). Explore yourself through art. New York, NY: Penguin Group.

Cassou, M., & Cubley S. (1995). Life, paint and passion. New York, NY: G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

Javier-Cerulli, M.A., G. (2012). Sandtray creations.

Madson, P. R., (2005). Improv wisdom. New York, NY: Random House, Inc.

Lee, J., (2012). Why expressive arts?

http://www.artizencoaching.com/coaching/art-visioning.html

Malchiodi, C. A. (2007). The art therapy sourcebook. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Malchiodi, C. A. (2007). Expressive therapies. New York, NY: The Guilford Press

Malchiodi, C. A. (2002). The soul’s palette. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, Inc.

Nathan, A. A. & Mirviss, S. Therapy techniques using the creative arts. Ravensdale, WA: Idyll Arbor, Inc.

Ragan, S. (2010). Frequently asked questions about expressive and intuitive painting. http://www.thepaintjourney.com/faq.php

Robbins, A. (1994).  A multi-modal approach to creative art therapy. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Ltd.

Appendix

Interview questions

Interview with Jessica McCracken MPA, Program Advisor for Center for Elders and Youth in the Arts. June 13th, 2012, by telephone.

1. What is the most exciting part of this for you as an individual?
2. What have you witnessed as transformations?
3. How do you get through the fear of making art in your cllients?
4. What artist skills do you use as an artist?
5. How has working with this population influenced your artwork?

Interview with Jamie McLaren Lachman, PhD. Director and Founder of Clowns Without Borders, Lecturer on Play and Storytelling. June 21st, 2012, by telephone.

1. How have you used art to achieve the goals of your organization?
2. What do you believe are the strengths of art in this context?
3. What are the specific benefits of storytelling in this context?

Interview with AlexVeston, Arts Teacher and Artist. June 25^th, 2012, by telephone.

1. What is special about art to you as a teacher? As an artist?
2. Describe the specific benefits relative by art media (painting, clay, mixed media sculpture).
3. Do you find that art-making is involved in any student transformations?
4. If yes, please describe these instances using specific examples.

Interview with Soni Tiounoff, MA, Expressive Arts Therapist. July 23rd, 2012, by telephone.

1. Please describe some of the future-oriented activities you have used with your clients.
2. Describe the specific benefits relative to art media used (painting, clay, mixed media sculpture).
3. Does creative activity enhance self-awareness? If yes, how so?
4. Describe any resistance to art making activity by your clients.
5. What kinds of clients are most receptive to art making activities?