Toi Ora, Whānau Ora: The Therapeutic Benefits of Creating Māori Art

Abstract

Nature- and arts-based therapies are under-utilised and under-researched in the field of mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa, particularly those informed by Indigenous perspectives. This reflective doctoral thesis explores the therapeutic benefits of te taiao (the natural world) and mahi toi (Māori art practice) from my own perspective as a practising artist and counsellor. My art practice is unique to me, but is based on various Māori artforms such as raranga (weaving) and rauangi (painting). Many of the materials I use are sourced from te taiao, and a strong relationship with the natural world forms the basis of my creative practice. This thesis is a critical autoethnography. It utilises photographs of my artworks, made from native plants, bird-feathers, pounamu, hue (gourds) and paint as a data source. The images presented are illustrative of my artistic explorations, and are accompanied by self-reflective narrative. The results of my study show that my relationship with te taiao and mahi toi has had a transformative impact on my psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. To me, creating art is a vibrant activity—alive, ongoing and ever-evolving. It aids my evolution as a person, moving me toward what is healthy and well, rather than destructive and painful. It facilitates my journey toward the light, away from social dysfunction, family violence and despair. This thesis identifies the therapeutic benefits of creative practice based on Māori artforms. It also explores the possibilities for providing art therapy to clients in counselling practice. This thesis is titled Toi Ora, Whānau Ora: The Therapeutic Benefits of Creating Māori Art. In te reo Māori, one of the meanings of toi is art (Williams, 1971). Ora means to be alive, to be well, and to recover. Whānau means to be born, or give birth (to children). One of the core values outlined in this thesis is the promotion and support of whānau wellbeing. Many of the clients I work with in my counselling practice experienced traumatic events as children. A great deal of the therapeutic work we undertake together is focused on understanding their posttraumatic responses. I encourage people to develop new ways of seeing themselves, and achieve a greater sense of wellness in their lives. The title of this thesis merges these concepts as a holistic whole.