Painting covid away: Artistic creativity and mental health amongst female visual artists during the pandemic
Authors
O’Leary, Marta
Issue Date
2023-03
Degree
BA in Psychology
Publisher
Rights holder
Rights
Abstract
The pandemic has resulted in increased levels of depression and anxiety worldwide. There is conflicting research on the relationship between creativity and mental health. Research exploring the experiences of female visual artists is limited. This study explores the experiences of artistic creativity and mental health amongst female visual artists specialising in the discipline of painting during the pandemic. Six female visual artists participated in semi – structured interviews. Thematic Analysis of data revealed 6 key themes: power of art, gift of time, blossoming of creativity, positive life changes, environmental factors and loss of opportunities. Findings indicate that creativity had a therapeutical effect by facilitating escape from negativity, maintaining positive mindset, triggering positive feelings and shifting existential meaning. Time gained during the pandemic was a catalyst for creative flourishing. Further research is required to explore experiences of creativity and mental health amongst artists with diagnosed mental illness during the pandemic.