Artifacts

The swing project was created in conjunction with the multi-sensory room piece for my Masters of Fine Art Thesis show. The project was completed during a series of sculpture courses at UC DAAP. There was no specific assignment directed toward this project other than the exploration of one’s art practice and how it relates to contemporary art. My exploration was dedicated toward discovering a balance of sensory stimulation while in an environment stemmed from a personal investigation of Sensory Processing Disorder and how I can create a way to ease my son’s symptoms. With his inspiration, my work transpired in the development of therapeutic compression swings and multi-sensory environments for adults in order to achieve a calm for the viewer and participants within the space. While some people engaged the tranquil environment, others gravitated toward the childlike playful nature. This individual response toward the work, the feeling one had while engrossed within the space, and the feeling that they took with them after leaving the space is largely what the art is about. Though the work is not necessarily created to show within a gallery setting, the innervation can be achieved in the gallery insomuch as a therapeutic environment.

Using therapeutic activities and a SIT diet, those with SPD receive stimuli to the senses that help regulate how the brain processes sensations. By receiving sensory input at regular intervals throughout the day, it provides the nervous system stimulation to organize what the senses are absorbing. (Miller, 2006) The input calms the nervous system and allows the body to stay controlled. “Calming sensory activities such as deep pressure under a heavy mat or slow swinging may reduce sensory scrambling and help information to get through to the brain.” (Beil, 2009, p. xii) According to Occupational Therapist, Karyl VanMuers-Juergens, deep compression has the same effect on those without SPD. Serotonin released from the deep compression will create a sense of calm and aid relaxation. (VanMuers-Juergens, 2016)

My compression swings predominately stimulate the tactile/ somatosensory system, the proprioceptive system, and the vestibular system. The first touch of the swing is intended to be pleasurable and inviting to the person interacting with it. It is a soft plush blanket-like fabric that invites one to sit inside. The soft tactile sensation has a calming responsiveness that engages one’s interaction with it. The compression and slow movement of the swing once sitting inside of it allows the body and brain to relax. In the hanging of the swing, a 360-degree rotational device allows a slow soft continuous movement around the tether avoiding tangling and a reversing rapid jerking motion to untangle. The vestibular input from swinging in a swing for fifteen minutes can last in the central nervous system for eight hours. (VanMuers-Juergens, 2016)

The visual system can be activated or relaxed once in the swing. The weight of the person pulls the opening closed to withdraw them from the exterior surrounding creating a tranquil environment. There is an opening at the top to allow light to enter the space but not overpower the restful space. By using a cool color tone on the swings, they are intended to be soothing yet still inviting. The entry can also be folded back to allow more light to engage the space and invite the person to view the surroundings beyond the swing’s sheath.

Each swing has a different intent and design. One swing ((a.) green swing pictured below) is enclosed on three sides and the weight of the person pulls the opening closed to allow maximum seclusion from external distractions. This swing also allows one to pull themselves into the fetal position for a security comfort. The second swing ((a.) purple swing pictured below) is open on the two ends, which, allows one to lie on their back or stomach and receive the deep compression around them with less visual restrictions. The third swing ((a.) blue swing pictured below) is a three point open swing. This allows one to sit upright with compression around the upper legs and back and allow freedom for their arms and shoulders to wrap around and hug the side panels.

This assignment is the foundation of my multi-sensory room research. It has aided in the pursuit of another master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis to better serve those with behavioral difficulties. The combination of these two disciplines allow me to research and collect data on how multi-sensory rooms benefit those with sensory input needs and behavioral difficulties. As I pursue my degree in ABA, I have learned how to collect behavioral data to determine if a behavior intervention is effective. If the function of behavior is sensory input based, incorporating sensory input through the use of multi-sensory spaces into a persons behavioral plan could prove effective in improving their behavior. Baseline behavior data before the intervention would be collected, then the intervention that incorporated the sensory input would implemented. The data would be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the behavior plan. The ABA artifact is an example of how a behavior plan is created, implemented, and analyzed.

References