Coping Through Creativity: Artmaking During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges to well-being, including heightened levels of isolation, anxiety, and stress. Even amidst social distancing measures and isolation, there was a sudden and widespread surge in artistic activities, as people turned to artmaking in the face of these unprecedented challenges. This thesis examined how self-directed artmaking aided in coping and enhancing well-being during the pandemic. While previous research has explored the benefits of art on well-being, this thesis focused on the specific role of self-directed artmaking to cope during the novel crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), I conducted interviews with five participants, including both professional and non-professional artists, who engaged in art independently without formal guidance. The analysis revealed that participants used artmaking as a crucial coping mechanism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three overarching themes, Art for Survival, Art for Revival, and Art for Revolution, highlighted how artmaking facilitated creative connections, embodied healing, emotional processing, self-reflection, and personal discovery, while also serving as a platform for advocacy and social justice. These findings demonstrated art’s capacity to support well-being in multifaceted ways, helping participants navigate the complex challenges posed by the pandemic. Implications for government policy, education, and counselling psychology are discussed, including the potential of artmaking as a versatile, practical, and independent tool for enhancing well-being during challenging times, and importance of art-based initiatives in public health strategies and educational curricula.