The Art of Silence: Researching the Role of Silence in Nature Based Expressive Arts

Authors

  • Alexandra Tegart European Graduate School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18432/ari29473

Keywords:

aesthetics of silence, deep ecology, poetic ecology, opiod crisis, eco-aesthetics, expressive arts

Abstract

This paper journeys into the aesthetics of silence in nature-based expressive arts practice and research. Explored is how nature-based expressive arts (EXA) therapy can help cultivate an embodied sense of silence to nourish and support frontline mental health workers in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside, easing the stresses of assisting a population in the midst of an opioid and overdose crisis. The transformational effects of EXA are discussed as they relate to a short series of workshops with frontline mental health workers from Vancouver’s PHS Community Services Society. We collectively experienced how the phenomenon of silence can help provide a rich resource to care providers and, in turn, inform the nature of our research in vulnerable communities.

 

Author Biography

Alexandra Tegart, European Graduate School

Alexandra Tegart received her MA in expressive arts therapy from the European Graduate School, Switzerland. She is currently a counsellor based in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. She is continually inspired and motivated by the power of the arts to heal and humbled again and again by the resilience of the human heart.

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Published

2019-08-30

How to Cite

Tegart, A. (2019). The Art of Silence: Researching the Role of Silence in Nature Based Expressive Arts. Art/Research/International:/A/Transdisciplinary/Journal, 4(2), 646–676. https://doi.org/10.18432/ari29473