The healing power of art has been well documented in the literature. This is true in terms of the therapeutic value of art from doing art, such as the relaxing or calming nature of painting or the soothing powers on arthritis from weaving. This is also true, however, in terms of psychological impact. This impact of art can come from doing art (dancing, painting, weaving, etc.) or engaging with art (viewing positive imagery, discussing interpretations of art, etc.). As Ben Young (2005, p. 11) maintains, ôWhen you put art in front of people who are in pain, or suffering, it soothes and comforts them.ö This analysis will discuss weaving as a form of art therapy.
The art of weaving is an effective means of art therapy. This is true in terms of physical benefits, like helping keep stiff limbs and joints in motion, and also true in terms of psychological benefits, like helping to calm those with anxiety or preoccupy the thoughts of those suffering from depression. Weaving is one form of art that helps to provide a calm, creative, and positive manner of healing for a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, bereavement and other conditions. As Donnelly (2005, p. 1) maintains, engaging in weaving or the creation of other art can be a positive experience that broadens thought patterns, enhances perspective, and promotes appreciation of nature, all significant elements of healing and therapy: ôIt allows you to improve on reality, to brighten the dull, and to enhance the subtle. It helps you to appreciate the seemingly insignificant, like the shadows of trees on the sidewalk or the diamond-like sparkle on a sunlit ocean.ö
Patients suffering from depression due to bereavement often find solace in weaving. Many choose to weave images that remind them of the deceased or weave together samplers with sayings that inspire them or remind them of positive memories s
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