The Story Tree: A Healing Arts Project
Crann Lán De Scéalta
Rationale
Newly diagnosed patients and those staying in a hospital, often experience a reduced sense of self-worth, isolation, feelings of disconnectedness with their community and difficulty in adjusting to the normalcy of everyday life. In addition, children are missing the routine of school and the intellectual challenge it brings. This project aims to assist the patients in re-establishing these vital elements in their lives.
Trees are a powerful, yet vulnerable source of life and sustenance for all of humanity. Able to survive the harshest of environments, trees are defenseless against destruction and thus require care, nurture and protection. The very anatomy of a tree suggests a poignant human connection. The personified tree with its trunk, limbs and circulatory system mirrors the human body.
Goal
The central goal of this art project was to facilitate opportunities for learning and expression and to establish healing channels through an exchange of stories, both personal and familiar, between children and their community. Facilitating the expression of an experience using both the written and visual arts would enhance feelings of self-worth and well-being.
Over a period of months patients created a standing tree whose base and trunk are fashioned from a damaged IV stand. The stand was wrapped in plaster bandage, paper mache, colourful fabrics and textured findings. The very action of wrapping the tree trunk and each fine branch represented their hospital experiences and the promise of healing.
Symbols were then created out of a variety of materials and these will hang from the tree (much like a Christmas tree). Each symbol was photographed and corresponded to one of the stories told, developed or written by the participants. The stories were written, or scribed if the child was too young to write, and then typed into the computer and printed. Theses stories and photographs of the symbols were laminated (for easy cleaning for infection control) and placed in a binder near the tree. In essence the tree became a visual catalogue of stories, from which children and the parents can select a story to read together.
Objectives
Children were guided through the story telling process in separate groups or one on one, using a selection of short stories which have been collected from a variety of sources, representing many cultures;
The children created a series of drawings in response to the story that they have heard. Together with the artist and other patients the children had an opportunity to share, draw and explore themes emerged;
The children and artist created a story together using images, found materials and personal experiences;
The child then created a symbol that they could hang on the tree. This was a direct link to the story that they created together.
Outcomes
Children had an experience that brought normalcy back into their lives - the experience of communicating with other individuals;
The children learned from the stories and gained insight into the larger world;
Patients gained confidence. One boy was unsure about his ability to tell a story and to create an image, but after watching the work of other patients, he created his own tale and symbol;
Once installed patients, visitors and staff increased their understanding of the therapeutic value of the arts to the psychosocial health of the patient;
Patients gained an enhanced sense of self worth having participated in the project.
