Emese Hall

2.19 Soul Dusting: A/r/tographic Reflections on Art and Art Education for Wellbeing (Paper)

Emese Hall – University of Exeter, UK

Abstract:

Taking inspiration from Picasso’s famous quotation: ‘‘Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life’’, in this presentation I will draw on my experiences as an artist/ researcher/ teacher – an a/r/tographer (Irwin & de Cossin, 2004) – to share my latest thinking and making on the topic of art and art education for wellbeing. At the heart of all my professional interests, pedagogically and research-wise, wellbeing has always been a constant even when I have not explicitly used that term. According to the World Health Organization, ‘‘Well-being encompasses quality of life and the ability of people and societies to contribute to the world with a sense of meaning and purpose’’ (WHO, 2021, p.10). This definition accords with my recognition of art and art education’s capacity to enhance our lives in a variety of ways. Both micro and macro lenses will be used in my reflections. On a micro/personal level, I will discuss wellbeing through the ‘‘mindfulness of making’’ (Stein, 2021, p. 9) in my own recent studio practice, as well as exploring the theme of professional identity through a heuristic art exchange project with a friend and colleague (e.g., Hall & Payne, 2024). On a macro/societal level, I will consider the role and value of art and art education within the context of a Wellbeing Economy. ‘‘In a Wellbeing Economy, our definition of societal success shifts beyond GDP growth to delivering shared wellbeing’’ (WEALL, 2022, para. 2). As a degrowth advocate, concerned with highlighting and seeking to address the social and environmental injustices brought about by excessive consumption (e.g., Hall, in press), I will illustrate how art and art education has unique potential to promote wellbeing for all, including the more-than-human.

10.18 Wool for Wellbeing (Workshop)

Emese Hall – University of Exeter, UK

Abstract:

This workshop is connected to my presentation: Soul Dusting: A/r/tographic Reflections on Art and Art Education for Wellbeing. Wool is one of my biggest passions, and engaging with woollen yarn and fibres brings me a great deal of pleasure – indeed, it is my self-directed therapy. A long-time crochet enthusiast, I have recently been developing my knowledge and skills in the exciting craft of needle felting. Importantly, I care deeply that wool is a typically underrated fibre with a great deal of creative potential. At some point in the future, it is my aspiration to create a research-led network centred on wool: LAINE – learning, advocacy and activism, innovation, networking, and environmental sustainability. Fusing ideas and activities shared in wool-themed workshops I have offered elsewhere, here I will be inviting participants to explore different types of wool and make something beautiful and meaningful to take away. The workshop is designed to bring joy and spark creative ideas for working with wool as artists, researchers and teachers.

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