Re-introducing Myself

 This blog is now transcending from general art practice to the practice of a Creative and Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, so allow me to reintroduce myself. Hi, I'm Dina I am currently progressing into my third and final year studying on the BA (hons) Creative and Therapeutic Arts  course at USW (University of South Wales). My practice over the past two years has completely redirected itself focusing upon accessibility, wellbeing, diversity and the grounding of my practice. Throughout my degree I have been on a path of exploration and discovery where I have worked towards mastering my practice and gathering relevant theories that influence my work as a Creative and Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, that I will now elaborate upon throughout this blog post. 

D, Hurst (2025) 'Land Art at Ogmore Beach' [Photograph] Ogmore, Bridgend

So, What is a Creative and Therapeutic Arts Practitioner? I hear you ask. The first assumption commonly made about my title when hearing it is "oh, you're a councillor?" or "you're a therapist". Both being incorrect, as although the title may infer that my role doesn't qualify me to do any form of counselling or therapy. A Creative and Therapeutic Arts Practitioner or Facilitator as sometimes referred to in certain settings is someone who draws upon creative practices for example, art, music, drama or movement, to help address emotional, psychological, developmental challenges or just general wellbeing. Which may seem to take me away from my art practice but by incorporating my practice and myself into the workshops it allows me to form connections with the participants and develop relationships, creating a welcoming, safe environment. 

D, Hurst(2025) ' Southerndown Beach' [Photograph] Southerndown, Ogmore 

Another question you may be asking is "How has this changed your practice as an artist?" during the course of the past two years I have embarked onto a journey of self-discovery to find my artistic identity that I wasn't aware I had. I always identified as a mixed media artist who loved learning new processes (which I still do) and didn't have any centre to my practice. But the past two years have taught me that there was always a centre to my practice I just needed to dig deeper and follow the path to self-discovery to explore that part of myself. During this exploration I found what has always lied at the heart of my practice and it was in fact literally that HEART. Through all my years of practice and exploration it always brought me back to what was and still is undoubtedly the most important to me, and that's love, family, connection, memories and relationships. All things that I have always wholeheartedly valued within my life. 

To provide further insight into what it entails to be a Creative and Therapeutic Practitioner I will be exploring previous placements and artworks throughout the next few blogs providing deeper insight into the benefits of using creative arts in response to wellbeing.