Maggie Hunt, Caroline Paltin Research

Research Project of Caroline Paltin Ph.D.
and Maggie Hunt
"Creativity in the Field: Examining Artistic Co-Creation in
Gestalt Therapy and the Gestalt Elements of the Artist's Creativity;
A Comparison of Process and Person"

FUNDED BY NU COLS UROP 2019

This study is examining the artistic process known to be a quality of Gestalt Therapy and comparing it to the process of work in artists.

It seeks to understand specifically, the nature of flow and transformational and transcendent experience in both Gestalt therapy and the work of artists and how these practitioner’s conceptualize this process.

This study is not examining the use of these methods specifically in treatment, and is not examining treatment outcomes, but rather examines the lived life experience of the Gestalt practitioner and artist in how they go about doing what they do in artistic creative ways.

Through phenomenological qualitative interviewing of prominent Gestalt Therapists, and prolific artists, this study hopes to shed light on the lived experience of creatives in therapeutic and artistic process and shed light on the similarities of process common to the work of both.

Overview of the study proposal

Assistant Researcher Maggie Hunt's Autobiographical Narrative

Utility of Qualitative Research Interviewing of Artistic Processes.

QUALITATIVE INTERVIEWING IS MOST USEFUL FOR:
* Evaluating programs that are aimed at individualized outcomes
* Capturing and describing program processes
* Exploring individual differences between participants' experiences and outcomes
* Evaluating programs that are seen as dynamic or evolving
* Understanding the meaning of a program to its participants
* Documenting variations in program implementation at different sites
https://cals.arizona.edu/sfcs/cyfernet/cyfar/Intervu5.htm

There is no argument that life is full of complexities. Without hesitation, I surmise that at some point in time through the labyrinth of life, one is faced with emotional trauma. About four years ago, I was challenged with an event such as this—information that uprooted my sense of security and my identity. Mistakes in my past prevented me from completing higher education, but I embraced the role of a wife and a mother to four children. Lacking insight and self-efficacy during this upheaval, I fell into a sensation of hopelessness, darkness, and despair.

Visual art has always been an outlet for me; it is something I enjoy from within, free of judgment. However, I was none the wiser to its significance. It was not until being accepted for this position as a research assistant that I truly grasped how art influenced my choices and directed me to the path I am on now.

In my depression, I would look into the mirror with feelings of hopelessness and feel sorry for myself. I pulled out a pencil and sketchpad and went to work on a self-portrait, relishing being a victim. I would look at this drawing—continuing to feel sad for myself, but unexpectedly, something shifted, and a spark ignited.

Ironically, it was this drawing that gave me strength and inspired me to enroll in college again, even though I was past my prime and working through personal issues. I unknowingly utilized the therapeutic healing aspects that art offers to heal the psyche.

Prominent Figures on Creativity

Gestalt Practioners and Artists on Creativity

https://www.pbs.org/video/cheryl-walsh-ntkxbe/

Fine Art Photographer Cheryl Walsh