Diana Clift

Project title: Art based heuristic inquiry: Reclaiming the self during the transition through menopause

Art can be both imaginative and creative but can also be an altered state of consciousness, a state where the subconscious can become present. I create art because I need to, I do it because I am good at it, it is who I am, and I cannot be anything else. I enjoy creating with a range of different mediums mainly focusing on realism and expressionism in my practice.

I was born in England and my family immigrated to Australia in 1975 to venture on a new beginning and a better lifestyle. Whilst growing up, pursuing a career in art was looked upon as not having a proper job and studying art at university was frowned upon. After having a family and working for many years in the corporate sector, I experienced personal loss and fell into a deep depression. I turned to art. Art was my therapy, my escape and with this realisation I wanted to help others who felt the same as me. I decided to change my career from the corporate sector and finally got the chance to go to university. Studying a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in behavioural science with a psychology minor, I began a new career in the human services sector. Reflecting on how art has helped me through my life, the obvious next step was to study a Master of Mental Health (Art Therapy) and become an art therapist.

The recent psychological and physical struggle during menopause has directed my research to an art-based heuristic inquiry on reclaiming the self during the transition through menopause. The decision to carry out a heuristic study was for my own personal interest and self-awareness. I wanted to investigate how art therapy can help explore the vasomotor and emotional symptoms. The research involves my own journey using art to express the emotions and thoughts of this natural phenomenon which exists in the lifespan of a woman.

The art pieces for the exhibition are the documented reflections of various emotions and feelings produced by the symptoms of menopause. These symptoms invade the psyche creating a sense of confusion, scattered thoughts, dread, loss of identity and others which can be terrifying. Creating these art pieces began as part of a research study but has resulted in a better understanding of menopause which has led me to embrace this phenomenon and has produced awareness and acceptance.