Artist Statement
Creativity and movement have been integral parts of my life for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I found solace in making art, moving my body, and connecting with nature. Without realizing it, I was naturally using these tools—art, exercise, and meditation—to manage the stress and frustration that came with my dyslexia. My personal experiences have fueled a deep passion for raising awareness and advocating for individuals with learning disabilities. This passion inspired me to develop a hands-on, interactive resource designed for those who face similar challenges. By integrating wellness practices with expressive arts therapy, my work seeks to create a holistic approach that nurtures both the mind and body. Through this fusion of creativity and mindfulness, I aim to empower others to find balance, resilience, and a sense of calm in their own journeys.
Thesis Abstract
This thesis will explore the use of expressive arts and integrative health practices through practicing physical movement, mindfulness techniques, and art based activities to help manage stress for people who have learning disabilities. One in five people in America have a learning disability, making this difference in learning more common than one would think. People with learning disabilities often experience poorer emotional and mental health. Engagement in integrative health practices and the arts reduce stress, anxiety, and frustration related to the learning challenges that this population faces. The methods for this thesis involved daily journaling, art making, meditation writing, and physical activity. In result, a self-published workbook was created focusing on integrative health and expressive arts to help people with learning disabilities feel more calm. The use of integrating expressive arts and integrative health practices for people with learning disabilities is further discussed.