The aim of the current PhD research is to contribute to new pedagogical knowledge by studying the effects of natural breath meditation on the learning experience of students of art & design. Within this context the research will investigate the inter-relationship between mindfulness, creative learning, motivation and wellbeing.
Definitions of mindfulness vary but most agree on the significance of intention and attention, which are purposeful, focused on the present moment and accompanied by an attitude of acceptance. Debates within this sphere highlight the importance of appropriate and sensitive application of mindfulness teaching within new contexts.
Evidence indicates that mindful meditation practice has wide ranging mental health benefits, particularly reduced anxiety, depression and increased wellbeing and emotional resilience. Studies in HE suggest that mindfulness interventions play an important role in addressing the mental health needs of students and may improve attention, interpersonal relationships and academic performance. The affective domain of education is concerned with emotions, attitudes and values. This research investigates whether natural breath meditation has measurable benefits for students of art and design and therefore a role to play in an educational approach that acknowledges affective learning and its impact on the creative response.
The literature surveyed supports the hypothesis that mindfulness could have a beneficial effect on student creativity. Cognitive flexibility, insight problem solving and divergent thinking are important markers of creativity and learning. They are positively correlated with open monitoring styles of mindful meditation practice. Positive affect has been found to enhance creativity and is associated with the psychological benefits of mindfulness practice.
This is the first practice-led PhD to investigate the effect of breath awareness meditation on students of art and design. Initial findings suggest that particular transferrable skills and attitudes which are important for students creative learning that can change as a result of mindfulness practice.
Publications:
The Bhagavad Gita
The Folio Society, August 2011
Rhymes for Ranga
Random House India, August 2010
Midnight’s Children
The Folio Society, 2009
The Birthday Book
Jonathon Cape, November 2008
Pictures and Words: New Comic Art and Narrative Illustration
Laurence King, September 2005
The Perfect Digital Portfolio
AVA Publishing, April 2003
Exhibitions:
‘Then, Now, After…’
Brighton University Gallery, January 2013
Pilgrimage
Wiltons Music Hall, November 2012
Cardiff Design Festival
The Old Library, September 2011
AOI Images 34
London College of Communication, London, September 2010
A Delicate Point
Osilas Gallery, New York, February 2010
L-Machines
Gallery OED, Cochin, India, November 2009
Anomolies
Rossi and Rossi, London June 2009
Wonder What the Others are Up To
Gallery OED, Cochin, India, April 2009
Convulsive Illustration
Market Gallery, Glasgow, November 2007
Sultana’s Dream
Exit Art, New York, August 2007
Erasing Borders
The Queen’s Museum of Art, Flushing, New York, February 2007
The Artist’s Book
QBOX Gallery, Athens, Greece, November 2005
Poem as Image
The Studio Gallery, New York, September 2005
Pictures and Words
Magma gallery, London, September 2005
Sargam
New York University, New York, April 2005
Fatal Love
The Queen’s Museum of Art, Flushing, New York, February 2005
Enter the Lions Den
Circus gallery, London, August 2004
Ambit
Chelsea Arts Club, London, August 2004
