DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/9ST9-EP81
Defense Date
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Graphic Design
First Advisor
Jamie Mahoney
Second Advisor
Roy McKelvey
Third Advisor
Derek Chapman
Abstract
Through research, inquiry, and an evaluation of Recovery By Design, a ‘design therapy’ program that serves people with mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities, it is my assertion that the practice of design has therapeutic potential and can aid in the process of recovery. To the novice, the practices of conception, shaping form, and praxis have empowering benefit especially when guided by Conditional and Transformation Design methods together with an emphasis on materiality and vernacular form.
Rights
© Cassandra Ellison
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
4-24-2018
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Aesthetics Commons, Art Education Commons, Art Therapy Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Cognition and Perception Commons, Cognitive Psychology Commons, Community-Based Learning Commons, Community-Based Research Commons, Community Health Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Disability and Equity in Education Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts Commons, Graphic Design Commons, Industrial and Product Design Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Interactive Arts Commons, Interdisciplinary Arts and Media Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Philosophy of Mind Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Printmaking Commons, Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Commons, Recreational Therapy Commons, Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Social Work Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons, Theory and Philosophy Commons, Theory, Knowledge and Science Commons
Comments
This thesis is documented in five books combined into a single PDF. Book I covers over arching themes, framework, and the Richmond-based context of the work. It also serves as an introduction to my work. Book II explores the concept of design as therapy and discusses efforts to enhance aspects of design that promote well-being in the Recovery by Design program. Book III describes the benefits of physical tools, methods, and materials for the practice of design. It includes an essay on improvisation which outlines the history of craft in the United States including the disappearance of manual skills and the emergence of contemporary maker movements. It builds a case for all types of creativity that make use of what is at hand. Book IV situates my thesis in the context of Conditional and Transformation Design while providing a brief overview of design history. Book V is a photo essay that illustrates the content of this thesis related to the Recovery by Design program.