By Casey Zeiler, Gryphon Place Staff
Art therapy has been on the rise in recent years. While there is a need for continued research and regulations, the studies completed thus far are exhibiting how therapeutic arts are a vital form of therapy that could be beneficial for many demographics. It improves mental health of people who are dealing with addiction, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation, low self-esteem, PTSD, trauma, schizophrenia, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and many more.
The main mediums of art therapy being utilized are clay, drawing and painting. While drawing and painting are useful mediums being taken advantage of, clay is becoming a greater focus for many studies as it has a unique tactile effect that the other two do not.
Benefits Of Clay
As a ceramicist, I am continuously surprised by the number of positive effects this profession has on mental health. Personally, I have found that it improves my patience, reduces my stress, and promotes my emotional regulation. Additionally, it can reduce anxiety and increase mindfulness.
The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine says making or even just seeing art can impact the brain. Art can:
Increase serotonin levels.
Increase blood flow to the part of the brain associated with pleasure.
Foster new ways of thinking.
Clay Therapy Effects on Depression
A study by Joshua Kinman Nan, MA. M.Div., Ph.D., ATR, a registered art therapist located in Hong Kong, outlines the benefits of clay art therapy (CAT) in adults with depression. This study shows how CAT improved mood, decision-making and motivation in a six-week timeframe. The results indicated that even short-term treatment could aid in emotional regulation and reduce depression.
An Alternative to Traditional Therapy
Clay allows people to find a new way to express emotion and work through feelings in a non-verbal format. For some individuals expressing emotion through words can be difficult, and traditional talk therapy can be challenging. One demographic I have specifically studied benefiting from clay therapy is military personnel and veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, substance abuse and low self-esteem.
Art holds a story. Every step of the creation process, from the prep to the design, to the detail in construction, to the color, to how it is displayed, tells you something about the creator. With practice and a keen eye, you can see the emotion in a piece and the person behind the work. This shows something that might be too difficult to put into words for the artist.
Builds Self-Esteem
Molding clay in your hands and utilizing creativity provides a sense of accomplishment. There is a sense of purpose and pride that comes from creating a piece of work from scratch and seeing it through the entire process. Additionally, having a consistent project that you work on over the course of several sessions creates a sense of attachment to the work for the participants, and gives them something to look forward to; a sense of hope.
What Does the Traditional Clay Process Look Like?
For those who know nothing or little of pottery, here is a quick, simplified breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Clay Prep & Clay Consistency – This can be simple or complicated depending on where you are sourcing your clay from.
Step 2: Deciding what you want to make.
Step 3: The fun part; creating your piece.
Step 4: Allow it to become leather hard – this is the stage of clay where it is still flexible but firm, this can take a few days from when you make it. This is the ideal time for adding any additions like handles or other embellishments.
Step 5: Allow the piece to become bone dry – meaning there is no more moisture left in the piece. The time for this can vary depending on the size of the piece, but it usually takes about a week or two for an average piece like a mug or bowl.
Step 6: Bisque firing – the pieces go into the kiln for the first firing at about 1830℉ - 1940℉. After this firing the clay cannot be recycled or reused.
Step 7: Glaze – This is when you add color(s) to the piece.
Step 8: Glaze firing – this vitrifies your piece so that it can be used. A mid-fire goes to about 2124℉ - 2264℉, which is what I fire my own work at. There is also low fire (1700℉ – 2000℉) and high fire (2305℉ – 2336℉).
Once cooled and taken out of the kiln, you now have a completed piece.
Ways To Start Creating
There is so much flexibility when it comes to working with clay. If you want to try your hand at making something for yourself, here are a couple resources of where you can start regardless of your experience level. All you need to decide is if you want to try wheel-thrown pottery or hand-building.
Take a pottery class, a few local places are Hot Flash Pottery or at the KIA
Take private pottery lessons, Kalamazoo ARTisans and C. Zeiler Art
Try air dry modeling clay at home
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