There has also been a resurgence of fibre art, a sub-category of textiles, with Porter's follow-up major project "Fiber: Sculpture 1960-Present" and Anni Albers's full-dress retrospective at TATE Modern in 2019.

Many galleries are now opening exhibits dedicated to craft works, including textile and scultpural works that don't neatly fit into a certain category.

Today, craft processes are heavily utilised in the textiles field of the art world, including embroidery, knitting, weaving, and sewing (Chirico S, 2011). These processes are historically women-dominated, resulting in them being seen as less than in the art world by male artists and critics due to Sexism within the Arts (Chirico, S, 2011).

Fine art originated in the classical Western world, with artists creating works using painting, sculpture, and architecture that were intended to be appreciated for their emotional impact and beauty, with a strong emphasis on individual expression and creativity (Rogers K, 2023). Eastern cultures believe that craft and fine art are mutually exclusive, as they crafted their objects to be both functional and beautiful (Rogers K, 2023)

Therapeutic Art Making is about experimenting or learning something.

(Worden M, 2024)

Art Therapy is a profound therapeutic approach that intertwines psychological theories with the artistic approach to explore new paths for emotional expression and healing (Grey R, 2025).

1. Drawing and Painting (Fine Art)

2. Sculpture and Clay (Craft)

3. Collage (Craft)

4. Photography and Digital Art (Fine Art)

5. Music and Movement Therapy (Other)

Techniques:

1. Free Association

2. Mandala Creation

3. Art Journaling

4. Therapeutic Storytelling

5. Body Mapping

(Grey R, 2025)

The practice of sculpture within Art Therapy is a form of expression used in psychotherapy during training workshops targeted towards a therapeutic project. This discipline has become a valuable aid within family treatment and in improving the health of a person with mental health concerns. Sculpture therapy uses the senses of touch and vision to create a three-dimensional expression through using modelling, pottery, stone or wood sculpture to provoke the emergence of emotions in a patient. Sculpture therapy releases blocked emotions through the creation of these three-dimensional forms. Aesthetics are not important; liberation is the goal.

Researchers have found that sculpting can help improve people’s moods and reduce stress levels. The creative process of sculpting is said to connect people with their emotions, allowing them to express themselves through self-expression. Sculptures are often used in group settings, where the participants are allowed to communicate with each other by creating a sculpture together. This type of activity allows individuals who may not normally interact under different circumstances to talk about their feelings without judgment or fear of being criticized or judged by others. By providing an environment where individuals have the freedom to create something new together, participants can discover what makes them happy. (Helton J 2021)

Alongside verbal therapy, sculpting with clay can become a powerful metaphor for personal growth and development. By shaping the clay, individuals symbolically work through their own life experiences, kneading out the tensions and difficulties, and reshaping them into a form that reflects their inner state. The malleability of clay makes it an excellent tool for self-reflection, as it can be endlessly reworked and adapted, mimicking the continual process of change in our lives. The act of creating with clay parallels the stages of self-improvement, from initial concept through trial and adjustment to final form, similar to the way people grow and evolve.

Clay therapy has a significant impact on mental well-being. One of the most notable outcomes is the improvement of focus. The singular concentration required in manipulating clay can quiet the mind, offering a respite from the chaos of intrusive thoughts. Moreover, art therapy involving clay is a proven method for stress reduction.

The process of working with clay requires a degree of presence and mindfulness which can lead to a reduction in anxiety levels and better emotion regulation. By engaging in an art form that offers focus and stress relief, clients can find a safe space for healing within the context of their unique experiences.

Therapists have observed that the process of working with clay can enhance coping mechanisms. Individuals tend to project their internal experiences onto the clay, working through emotions as they manipulate the material, thus finding tangible ways to address and adapt to life’s challenges.

In various therapeutic settings, clay has facilitated a journey of healing. Case studies have shown that clay work can enhance the therapeutic alliance, with therapists and clients working collaboratively on projects that embody the clients’ personal stories and struggles. This joint creative process cements trust and understanding. Additionally, the nonverbal nature of sculpting allows for expression beyond words, an essential aspect of therapy for those who may struggle with verbal communication. Utilizing clay can give voice to complex emotions, contributing to a deepened sense of self-awareness and progress in therapy.

(Spotted Rabbit Studio, 2024)

Clients can use materials that are significant to them, such as scraps from their daily lives (e.g., tickets, receipts), images that speak to them and cut-outs from media.

(Stuckey A, 2021)