School
of Creative
Industries
Han Li June
Han Li June’s art practice is inspired by memories and experiences of people and places. Writing about the travails of her life and sharing her art connects her with people from all walks. Her artistic process involves being fully immersed in art materials, letting her intuition and happenstance do its magic.
She is the founder of A Little Blue Studio, where she works with other artists and mental health professionals to bring art to different communities, fostering creative expression, emotional growth and social diversity. She believes that art lends a voice to those without. Li June has a background in psychology and visual art. She is a recipient of the LASALLE Postgraduate Scholarship for MA Studies.
Work
Alchemy
Mixed media (acrylic on canvas, recycled fused glass sculpture, natural scents)
1 x 1.3 m installation
2020
Thesis abstract
Self-enlivening power of artmaking: impact of art therapy of older adults living with progressive illnesses in residential medical rehabilitation in Singapore.
This thesis explores how artmaking in art therapy can provide self-enlivening experiences to older adults who are living with progressive illnesses in residential medical rehabilitation in Singapore. From experiencing emotional distress and having difficulties coping, older adults, through artmaking were observed to develop emotional self-regulation, the ability to express difficult emotions and derived new meanings to manage challenges. A qualitative practitioner-led study, through multiple-case vignettes, investigated the therapeutic factors that might have led to this psychological reawakening. Findings show art therapy provided an opportunity for timely reflection and meaning-making during the transformative rehabilitative period. Art materials and creation provided sensory stimulation, rekindling memories of strengths, social relations and resilience within a safe therapeutic space. Culturally informed artmaking deepened the trust and mutuality experienced during therapy, leading to therapeutic alliance and change. The process of strengths consolidation, emotional re-harmonisation, and being connected to a larger purpose enabled older adults to transcend above current circumstances. This thesis suggests that further research be conducted on the sustainability of enlivening outcomes and how cultural adaptation of art therapy through inclusion of cultural symbols and stories can further enhance the transformative power of artmaking with Singaporean older adults undergoing rehabilitation.