Natalie Houston

Project title: Creating Sanctuary: The Subtle Impact of the Environment In Therapy. A Scoping Review.

Natalie is a practising Artist and emerging Art Therapist, currently based in Brisbane, Australia. She embarked on her creative journey by earning a Bachelor of Fine Art from QCA and a Graduate Diploma in Experiential and Creative Arts Practice from the MIECAT Institute. Passion for her craft led her to pursue further training, she is now honoured to be graduating with her Masters in Mental Health, Art Therapy at UQ. Natalie believes the creative process empowers individuals to convey and contemplate their thoughts and emotions in a manner that transcends the limitations of words alone. Her personal interdisciplinary practice combines painting, large and small scale sculpture, installation, moving imagery and performance. Natalie explores themes of the psychological aspects of human experience, such as trauma, healing, desire and mortality and their relationship with primitive behaviour.

Natalie’s Research Thesis explores how a therapist can create an atmosphere of comfort and safety in the studio space. It suggests that the physical aspects of an environment play an influential role in shaping the client's therapeutic experience. The scoping review encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary investigations, to illuminate the current state of knowledge on the topic and identify gaps in understanding, and offers valuable insights into potential directions for future research.

Natalie's inquisitiveness about her research subject has deeply inspired the essence of her artistic creations, drawing upon her interior design sensibilities and crafted with the explicit purpose of kindling a sense of calm, she invites discussion on how material objects can evoke peace and comfort for the beholder. The works speak harmoniously with one another through a symphony of textures, awash in soothing whites and creamy hues, the geometric and natural shapes seamlessly blend, often blooming from a central focal point, to elicit a sense of balance. The artworks reverberate a gently feminine touch with tribal influence, often hinting at sacred symbolism and ritual. Natalie’s artistic intent comes full circle as she embraces the meditative process of handcrafting repetitive patterns, imparting an intimate quality to her work with attention to detail. During the meditative process Natalie reflected on the ancient wisdom that human life is interconnected and flowing with its surroundings, and hopes this shines through her artistic expression as a means of interpersonal dialogue, resonating with the viewers innate primal urges for connection with each other and the environment.