Bel Goldie
Project title: Exploring the effects of open-air painting on mood for a mental health worker
I am a local Brisbane artist and training art therapist with a personal practice in representational art. My passion for art therapy was awakened from witnessing the transformative effects of artmaking on myself and others.
My interest in art making began at a young age, when I would focus on drawing my surroundings, and favourite animals. Artmaking became a therapeutic activity while I was studying psychology and found comfort in my practice, especially depicting landscapes, animals and portraits. Overall, it increased my confidence and helped me develop new skills.
My draw towards studying art therapy was clear and united my passions for community and psychological engagement and creativity. In my personal practice, I draw inspiration from the natural world and enjoy creating in traditional and impressionistic art styles. I believe representational art may have many benefits, particularly from the art as therapy approach.
From my various placements and work with individuals with complex mental health issues, I have a growing interest in working with the body therapeutically and in how various art materials and activities can provide unique healing potentials. I believe that all people can grow through tapping into creativity, in various ways.
My research aims to understand the effects of open-air painting on mood for a person working in mental health. Individuals working with clients with complex needs are at increased risk of mood disturbances, and various psychological and health problems. Art activity such as open-air painting, may provide a way to modulate mood.
My art pieces document the phases experienced in the research journey. Imagery was inspired by my study and depicted the natural world. The colours or images reflect the state I was in making them, and my dominant emotions at the time. Blues and purples, for melancholy and mystery, reds and blacks, for frustration and passion, and finally green and brown for joy and renewal. The experience of creating the paintings allowed me to process feelings around my research and gain new insight and awareness around my feelings and how they served me in the research journey.
Oil on canvas
40cm x 50cm
Purple mountains are a recurring theme in my artwork and perhaps inspired this research. There are mysteries in the mist, which I endeavour to uncover. While taking distance I am looking at all the information; deciding how to climb the mountain. Here I am ‘reflecting’ and viewing the ‘big picture’.
Oil on canvas
40cm x 50cm
The artwork depicts a close-up of currents. An examination of the ‘big picture’. Closely looking at the details reminds me that the analytical attention complements the broader thinking. My research does not intent to make great waves, but even a drop in the ocean can have ripple on effects.
Oil on canvas
40cm x 50cm
The fire represents the fury of nature, which can lead to destruction, or perhaps a renewal. I converted my fiery feelings, that arose in conduction the research, into this painting. In painting this piece, I saw beauty in the flames, and how art may be born from the burned.
Oil on canvas
40cm x 50cm
This piece was inspired by a photograph taken in rural Queensland. I stumbled upon these flowers springing from the burnt remains of tree bark and leaves, after a forest fire. Leading on from the former painting, it represents renewal that can occur after the initial burning. It signifies a resilience I resonate with.
Oil on canvas
40cm x 50cm
The symbolism of spring after the cold of winter feels like a rebirth. As the flowers begin to bloom, here in Brisbane, the weather invites us to venture outdoors. Similarly, with my research coming to fruition, I am also encouraged to continue my journey as an art therapist with hope in my heart.
Oil on canvas
40cm x 50cm
Coming to the end of my journey I take in the view. In the distance there are scattered colours, signifying emotions encountered in the journey. Foxgloves spring up in the foreground, reminding me to appreciate the results of the research and my ability to see near and far.