Artist Biography
I spent a large portion of my early life feeling dissociated from the world and thinking I was safer living in my head than I was in my body. I was either overthinking the past, over-preparing for the future, or living in a fantasy world, all to try and maintain a sense of comfort and control amid the uncertainty of the present. Experience showed me that it was only when I indulged my creative spirit and connected with all of nature’s whimsical gifts, that I finally found some sense of peace. With this thesis I wanted to explore the relationship between art, nature, and sensitivity. My goal was to highlight the benefits of sensitivity and explore them through my own creative process. The three core mandalas and their response poems represent my visual and experiential interpretation of empathy, fortitude, and wisdom. The body of work as a whole is meant to show how sensitivity and connecting with nature can blossom into a greater sense of understanding, both of ourselves and the world around us. I encourage viewers to read each poem with care and to observe what, if any, aspects of the art ignite a feeling in their chest that says “I connect with this”. Most of all, I hope this work inspires others to embrace their sensitivity and seize the opportunities that await them in the natural world.
Thesis Abstract
This thesis will discuss how nature and expressive therapies can impact highly sensitive people (HSPs). Approximately 20% of the world’s population possesses a genetic trait known as sensory processing sensitivity that leads to a greater depth of processing and increased emotional responses. Research also shows that extended time in nature and nature-based expressive arts carry a number of benefits such as improved cognitive functioning and overall wellbeing. The purpose of this thesis is to spread awareness about the highly sensitive trait while breaking the stigma and exploring how nature and expressive therapies can positively impact highly sensitive people. Methods included gathering and photographing elements in nature, reflective journaling, and creating art through authentic reflection. In result, three mandalas were created out of natural materials in response to three positive aspects of high sensitivity: empathy, fortitude, and wisdom. Each mandala was accompanied by a poem that emerged during the creative process as well as nine additional images and poems that served as extensions of each theme.