The use of computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones in art therapy has been greatly
debated. The majority of art therapists surveyed about their willingness to adopt digital
media were not as much concerned with their digital nature as they were with the
therapeutic potential of these means of expression. Digital art has been disparaged as
cold, impersonal, and as lacking the sensory healing qualities of traditional media. On the
other hand, digital processes have been acclaimed for their ability to easily correct
mistakes, to encourage the participation of the disabled, and to include isolated clients.
Research on digital applications, found three qualities that art therapists believe are
essential for an art app to be effective in art therapy. Research suggests that the ideal art
apps for use in art therapy are intuitive, simple, and responsive to speed and pressure. In a
sense, it seems that the art therapists wanted the app to function in the hand like
traditional materials. In the final analysis, the relative effectiveness of digital media
needs to be further studied but there seems to be potential for therapy applications.
Adapted from: Expressive Therapies Continuum by Lisa D. Hinz
Art exercise:
Visit the site: http://jacksonpollock.org/
Students will take turns creating digital paintings using the above Jackson Pollock
app, being mindful of the pressure, speed, and movement of their fingers on the laptop
pad as the splashes and drips are created. Tap the pad once and the color changes.
Press more firmly and the size of the drip increases. Tap twice or use the space bar to
erase everything and start again. Participants should get two to three minutes to play
and create an original abstract digital painting. The facilitator will take screen shots
to save the work once the student is satisfied with their paintings.
How was the experience of using a computer versus traditional media? Was it a cold and
emotionless experience without the physical, tactile element? How was the experience of
painting a picture without a brush? Did you find it empowering to be able to make changes
digitally and start your painting over with ease?
Does wellness require speed and convenience? Does the ability to have instant results
create problems or solutions in your wellness? Name some ways you can improve your
life and wellness using digital media and apps.
debated. The majority of art therapists surveyed about their willingness to adopt digital
media were not as much concerned with their digital nature as they were with the
therapeutic potential of these means of expression. Digital art has been disparaged as
cold, impersonal, and as lacking the sensory healing qualities of traditional media. On the
other hand, digital processes have been acclaimed for their ability to easily correct
mistakes, to encourage the participation of the disabled, and to include isolated clients.
Research on digital applications, found three qualities that art therapists believe are
essential for an art app to be effective in art therapy. Research suggests that the ideal art
apps for use in art therapy are intuitive, simple, and responsive to speed and pressure. In a
sense, it seems that the art therapists wanted the app to function in the hand like
traditional materials. In the final analysis, the relative effectiveness of digital media
needs to be further studied but there seems to be potential for therapy applications.
Adapted from: Expressive Therapies Continuum by Lisa D. Hinz
Art exercise:
Visit the site: http://jacksonpollock.org/
Students will take turns creating digital paintings using the above Jackson Pollock
app, being mindful of the pressure, speed, and movement of their fingers on the laptop
pad as the splashes and drips are created. Tap the pad once and the color changes.
Press more firmly and the size of the drip increases. Tap twice or use the space bar to
erase everything and start again. Participants should get two to three minutes to play
and create an original abstract digital painting. The facilitator will take screen shots
to save the work once the student is satisfied with their paintings.
How was the experience of using a computer versus traditional media? Was it a cold and
emotionless experience without the physical, tactile element? How was the experience of
painting a picture without a brush? Did you find it empowering to be able to make changes
digitally and start your painting over with ease?
Does wellness require speed and convenience? Does the ability to have instant results
create problems or solutions in your wellness? Name some ways you can improve your
life and wellness using digital media and apps.
