Phenomenological approach: uncovering the invisible

What is this lived experience like?

Today, I want to share an approach we use in Expressive Arts sessions to help notice the unseen. After creative exploration, there's often a temptation to interpret artwork right away, but these interpretations can be limited or misleading because they come from our usual way of thinking. So, in our sessions, we study what just happened before we make sense of it using a phenomenological approach.

When we are hunting for results we often overlook and lose important data. Phenomenological investigation allows us "to stay on the surface". It encourages us to take our time and meet the process and the work we just went through.

What does it mean "to stay on the surface"?

Picture taking a magnifying glass and travelling back in time to retrace the steps of the creation process to understand how the final work came into being. We look closely at how the process unfolded. What decisions were made, in which order, and what preceded what? What worked, what didn't? What triggers shaped the process?

When analysing a piece we examine its characteristics in technical details as concrete as possible: colours, shapes, qualities of materials, pauses, tones, roles, plot structure, etc.

By looking at things phenomenologically we examine experiences "as they are". We notice previously unseen connections and "blind spots". Paying attention to surprises always makes a big difference. Moments when things appear differently than we thought they would. ​​They help us realise our expectations and patterns. It is also a way to get out of routine, preconceptions and fixations, and open a door to new perspectives.

As a fun activity, try reflecting on your day and recall things that surprised you. Examine the surprise - What exactly is surprising? Why is it surprising? What led to it? Is there anything to learn from the surprise? Have fun 🎉

👀Share in the comments what helps you to find "blind spots"

Thanks for reading. Share your thoughts or questions in the comments - what resonated with you, what didn't? Your input helps us grow together.

Considering trying out Expressive Arts? Reach out to me for one-on-one or group sessions.