Finding self through acts of creativity

Abstract

In this chapter we explore the place of creativity with a focus on acts of creativity that support our wellbeing and self-care. We view creativity as both a process and product that is deeply positioned as reflective, reflexive, and an act of metacognitive thinking. We share our experiences of being with(in) higher education (HE) as a hobbyist webcomic artist and emerging poet to explore how a regular creative practice can provide students and staff with a means of self-care and self-study - mutually reinforcing activities that promote confidence, wellbeing, and self-actualisation. Together, these case studies explore how creativity can contribute to wellbeing within a higher education environment. We illuminate the act of creation as an embodied experience that encompasses a way of being and exploring how we are, cope with, and move forward in the face of challenges associated with working in HE.

RAS ID

72725

Document Type

Book Chapter

Date of Publication

1-1-2024

School

School of Education

Copyright

subscription content

Publisher

Edward Elgar

Identifier

Narelle Lemon: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1396-5488

Comments

Kight, C., & Lemon, N. (2024). Finding self through acts of creativity. In Research Handbook of Academic Mental Health. Edward Elgar Publishing https://doi.org/10.4337/9781803925080.00030

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.4337/9781803925080.00030