Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Drawing and the unconscious: a practical workshop in imagination and free association

Parker, D. and Evans, M. (2012) Drawing and the unconscious: a practical workshop in imagination and free association. Workshop presented to: 4th International Joint Conference of the International Association for Jungian Studies (IAJS) and the International Association for Analytic Psychology (IAAP): Jung's Analytical Psychology in Conversation with a Changing World, University of Braga, Portugal, 18-21 July 2012. (Unpublished)

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Workshop)
Abstract: A significant aspect of Jung’s psychology concerns the value of image making through art. As a method for approaching the unconscious, painting and drawing are uniquely placed as vehicles for the exploration of imagery sitting on the threshold between the personal and the collective. Spontaneous/Automatic processes have been utilized throughout modern art as methods of engaging what Analytical Psychology would call depth experiences. By practically engaging with visualization through art making and reading, the connections between inner and outer are made tangible as a ‘third’ communal space - one capable of resonating with a symbolic meaning encompassing both the personal and the collective in psyche. This workshop will provide participants who may have had little experience in drawing and painting to explore psyche as both a personal and collective engagement with the revealing power of art making. Emphasis will be on the development of imagery (seen as both figurative and non-figurative) using spontaneous mark making and a close ‘felt’ engagement with the specific qualities of the media in relation to touch and visual perception. Participants will be encouraged to work without any pre-planning, trusting in the process through aesthetic engagement with that which unfolds in imagination. All materials will be provided. An exhibition of the works produced will be held throughout the conference and, if agreed, may subsequently be uploaded onto the IAJS website to form the focus for theoretical debate via the Psyche in the Arts Network. References: Ehrenzweig A. (1967/71) The Hidden Order of Art Los Angeles: Univ. of Cal. Press. MacLagan D. (2001) Psychological Aesthetics: Painting, Feeling and Making Sense London: Kingsley. Newton. S. (2001) Painting Psychoanalysis and Spirituality, Cambridge University Press
Uncontrolled Keywords: Art, painting, Jung, psychology, spirituality, drawing, the unconscious, process, psyche
Subjects: N Fine Arts > NC Drawing. Design. Illustration
N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) > N7560 Special subjects of art > N8248.S77 Spirituality in art
N Fine Arts > ND Painting > ND1158.P64 Psychological aspects
N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) > N61 Theory. Philosophy. Aesthetics of the visual arts
Creators: Parker, David and Evans, Michael
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology
Date: July 2012
Date Type: Presentation
Event Title: 4th International Joint Conference of the International Association for Jungian Studies (IAJS) and the International Association for Analytic Psychology (IAAP): Jung's Analytical Psychology in Conversation with a Changing World
Event Dates: 18-21 July 2012
Event Location: University of Braga, Portugal
Event Type: Conference
Language: English
Status: Unpublished
Related URLs:
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/4944

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item