Indigenous 'Gond' Art in Art Therapy: A Nature-Based Creative Process

There is a growing interest in understanding the connection between Indigenous art, nature, and art therapy, however information on the health implications of Indian Indigenous art practices is scarce. This case study highlights the application of nature-based Indian Indigenous art form "Gond" and explores its therapeutic potential in art therapy. A workshop was organized, combining nature-based guided imagery visualization with "Gond" folktale narration, followed by "Gond"-inspired artmaking using natural pigments and repetitive patterns. Workshop participants' responses indicated that this approach fostered engagement, intense concentration, present moment awareness, a relaxed meditative state, and personal expression. Sensitively adapting Indigenous knowledge, like "Gond" practices, can promote awareness about interconnectedness with nature, artmaking, and storytelling, offering therapeutic benefits for self-care in art therapy.