School
of Creative
Industries

Ingrid Grace Tatham

Ingrid Grace Tatham

MA Art Therapy
2018 — 2020

Ingrid Tatham has lived and worked in Singapore for the past 16 years. She had a successful career in international consumer goods marketing, during which she explored her creative and caring side by designing and making quilts, playing the sax and trumpet, studying and practising reflexology and finally finding her métier in painting watercolour portraits. She desired to refresh her life purpose and find the best way to contribute to the well-being and development of others, when the opportunity to pursue MA Art Therapy at the LASALLE College of the Arts arose.

Work

Twenty Art Therapists

Watercolour paint
*180 x 60 cm
2020

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Thesis abstract

A new fish in school: the impact of art therapy practice in a special education school for adolescents with mild intellectual disability

The purpose of this thesis was to explore and understand the impact of art therapy practice in a special education (SPED) school in Singapore. The research question was: what was the impact of introducing art therapy services in a SPED school for adolescents, aged 13-14years and diagnosed with mild intellectual disability (MID)? A qualitative arts-based and practitioner-led approach served as the impetus for this research. Participants included students, class and art teachers and the trainee art therapist, as an immersed participant. Data, gathered via observations, student artworks and teacher interactions during weekly group art lessons between July-November 2019, was analysed into four key themes: space, relationships, art-making and ethics. Findings highlighted that the development of a dedicated therapeutic space, embracing a therapeutic way of working, empowering and unleashing student creativity and implementing inclusive student practices were the key impacts of art therapy practice in the setting. This study might serve as a bridge connecting the practice of art educators and art therapists and be insightful to those working or planning to work in SPED school settings. Further research is recommended to explore related topics in art therapy practice specifically in an art classroom setting.

Work experience

2019 – 2020
Art therapist trainee at a special education school
Provided art therapy interventions for male and female adolescents with mild intellectual disability.

2019 – 2020
National Art Gallery
Art therapist trainee
Observed and assessed the pilot study of a Silent Art Tour program developed for populations with special needs.

2015 – 2018
Distell
Marketing and commercial consultant
Marketing and project management of commercial and joint venture projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

1997 – 2014
Diageo
Country and regional marketing director roles
Leadership of multinational teams responsible for the marketing of global spirit brands across the Eastern and Northern European and Asia-Pacific markets.

1977 – 1996
Stellenbosch Farmer’s Winery
National marketing manager
Leadership of a diverse team of wine, spirit and cider brand managers responsible for the marketing of global and local brands across South Africa.