To See Who I Am: An Arts-Based Research Project on the Identity Formation of a Spiritual Care Practitioner

• Author / Creator

  Salomons, Wenda Annette

• Research on the identity formation of spiritual care practitioners has been based primarily in the field of Christian theology, using Biblical models and sources. In our increasingly secular-humanist, multi-faith society, alternate approaches to research in this area are needed. The aim of this research paper was to explore how art making paired with reflective writing might function as a pathway to identity formation in spiritual care practitioners. Using an arts-based research methodology and methods, the author engaged the primary research question stated as: How might visual art practice in(form) the identity formation of a spiritual care practitioner? Employing a set of metaphorical statements as catalysts for visual explorations, the author created a mantle and a series of ceramic bowls. She engaged literature from religious and cultural sources and reflected upon the process of making the objects. She identified emerging themes related to her personal and professional identities and integrated her findings with her own spiritual care practice. Results are presented in written and visual formats and suggest a viable, alternative approach to research in this area.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Identity
  • Arts-based Research
  • Chaplaincy
  • Spiritual Care

• Graduation date

  Fall 2018

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Theological Studies

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-ksy8-5n28

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.