Found object work is definitely not something that I find myself gravitating toward in any sense. In fact, it was not even something that I had knowledge of or considered until I saw peers working in this way in my first year in the program. Even then it would not have been my media of choice. I think this speaks to some of my own personal preferences which deserve to be acknowledged as I consider how these preferences might affect my bias toward working with clients in this media. I personally do not like clutter, and I feel that found object seems to lend itself to requiring small trinkets and cluttery objects on hand to work with. Things that are discarded or no longer functional based on their intended use or design. However, I did relate to the idea, which we seem to be returning to a lot in this course, of transformation in found object work mentioned by Brooker (2010). This idea of discovery and searching for items that may have once had a purpose and giving them new purpose by means of transformation in the art (Brooker, 2010). I found myself engaging with the cognitive/symbolic level of the ETC as well as the lowest level as I touched and manipulated the various materials that I chose to use. The end result of my own piece I would title “Phoenix,” as I believe it is symbolic of coming from the ashes new and refreshed in a container, or nest, built from materials from friends or peers, or even broken items from my own past work. I am supported by my past, and friends and peers, but I am new in this season of life and on my own journey.
I think it is important to consider an idea that I brought up in class of the cultural context of using found object. Many persons might be offended at the idea of engaging in found object work as it may be perceived as working with trash, and this is something that should be taken into account. I like the idea, as presented by Bat Or & Megides (2016), of using found object in work with clients experiencing trauma and stressor-related disorders, specifically children. Trauma naturally elicits emotional responses that we may not have control over (Bat Or & Megides, 2016). Similar to broken items, they may not be able to be put back together, or fixed for their original intention, but there is a something restorative that comes from bringing them new purpose in the art. I think this could be a powerful metaphor for clients from this population.
References
Bat Or, M., & Megides, O. (2016). Found Object/Readymade Art in the Treatment of Trauma and Loss. Journal of Clinical Art Therapy, 3(1), 1-30.
Brooker, J. (2010). Found objects in art therapy. International Journal of Art Therapy, 15(1), 25-35. doi:10.1080/17454831003752386
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