Contemporary Practice in Studio Art Therapy

Contemporary Practice in Studio Art Therapy discovers where studio practice stands in the profession today and reflects on how changing social, political, and economic contexts have influenced its ethos and development. This is the first UK volume devoted to studio art therapy, and the writers explore what is meant by a studio approach and how they are adapting art-based practices in radical new ways and settings. It comprises three parts – Part I: Frames of reference explores how particular social, cultural, and political contexts have led to the discourses within practice; Part II: Models of practice gives accounts of current studio art therapy practice, describing rationale for working methods and providing a resource for practitioners; Part III: Curating, exhibiting and archiving considers how the display and disposal of artworks, particularly relevant to studio approaches, may be thought about and implemented. The book includes chapters from North American authors who illustrate a trajectory of practice that has the potential to point to future developments. The book will be essential reading for practitioners and students who are interested in taking a fresh perspective on art therapy and will be encouraged by new ways of thinking about the studio approach in today’s changing world.

This multi-authored book explores the history and development of studio-based art therapy in a diverse range of settings and from numerous theoretical perspectives. There is no comparable UK publication and it makes a valuable and timely contribution to the literature. While its main readership is likely to be practicing arts therapists and students in training, this book contains much that will also be of interest to artists, mental health workers and practitioners from related disciplines. David Edwards: artist, retired HCPC registered art therapist and author of the book Art Therapy This vital and timely book places the Studio at the heart of Art Therapy, updating the studio's historic significance with descriptions of innovative new practices, much of which arises to meet the needs of people suffering the adverse affects of socio-economic and political realities. The thoughtful and wide ranging chapters impress on the reader the centrality of art and art making and the significance of art therapy studios as inclusive, adaptable and creative places. Dean Reddick, Art therapist with Latimer Community Art Therapy; co-editor, Art Therapy in the Early Years: Therapeutic Interventions with Infants, Toddlers and their Families.Art therapy practice initially developed in studios, and this book is an inspiring reminder of their contemporary relevance. The clear structure, engaging chapters and breadth of contexts and client groups make it an essential read. This book will inspire many to explore studio art therapy practice.Val Huet PhD, Director of Research, British Association of Art Therapists & Trustee of the Adamson Collection Trust.Given the importance of different styles of studio to the development and practice of therapeutic art, it is perhaps surprising that there are not more books exploring this important subject. This book will help to fill this notable gap.Susan Hogan: Professor of Arts & Health, University of DerbyContemporary Practice in Studio Art Therapy offers fresh, compelling, multifaceted perspectives on the physical and conceptual significance of the studio in art therapy. Readers are challenged to consider how historical, social, and political contexts continue to shape such practices.Catherine Hyland Moon, Professor, School of the Art Institute of ChicagoThis book offers a truly thought-provoking view of ‘studio art therapy’. Including much-needed contributions from both UK and US practitioners, it presents a complex portrait of changing times, practices, values, and ways of thinking about an eternally evolving field, and the spaces where people can create and become themselves. Judith A. Rubin PhD is president of Expressive Media, author of six books and director of thirteen films about art therapy.

Christopher Brown is an artist and art therapist currently in private practice after retiring from careers in mental health and higher education.Helen Omand is an artist and art therapist working in a therapeutic studio and as a lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London.