The Process of Art Creation Among Mothers from Ontario Who Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence
Abstract
Mothers who have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) face physical, mental, and social health implications. Participating in artmaking has the potential to reduce these consequences. An arts-based study including in-depth interviews was conducted with 13 mothers with histories of GBV. The creative processes involved in artmaking amongst mothers with histories of GBV were explored. Mothers demonstrated using symbols, thoughtful colour selection, and choice of artistic medium when creating their artforms. Moreover, mothers’ experiences of storytelling experiences of GBV through art were examined. Mothers described using art as a means of communication, emotional processing and healing through art, and the process of concept development in artmaking. Overall, this study found that artmaking was beneficial for mothers who experienced GBV. Therefore, considerations for furthering an understanding of artmaking amongst mothers who have experienced GBV in nursing practice, education, policy, and research should be made.