The Re-Imaging/Imagination of Anatomy Through Movement Responses to Bowen Therapy.
Objective
My overall aim for this project is to develop and bring together my skills as a Multi-Media Visual Artist and Bowen Therapist/Instructor and create new imagery that both expands and deepens our understanding of anatomy and physiology and contributes towards a more expansive, connected and integrated conception of the body. My focus is directed on creating anatomical imagery that shifts the thinking away from a mechanised and pathology driven model of the body towards an appreciation and recognition of the human form as an interconnected and creatively directed organism, one which is in constant transformation, transition and renewal with itself and the world around. This project is influenced by experiential anatomists and movement practitioners such as Angela Olsen, Miranda Tufnell, Rudolf von Laban, Matthias Alexander, Moshe Feldenkrais, Russell Maliphant, and Deborah Hay
Methodology
I ‘treat’ movement practitioners to a series of Bowen moves and ask that they respond to their embodied experience of this therapeutic touch ( in whatever way they feel is appropriate ) and use it as a way of exploring new directions for movement (or stillness as the case may be) and the means and inspiration for finding new shapes and forms for the body. I am interested in utilising the Bowen touch as a choreographic and/or somatic stimulus/tool, and modelling new anatomical imagery and artwork from the interpretations of experienced body workers to this particular soft tissue treatment.
I record each research and development session with multiple video recording devices, drawing and photography. The aim is to use this documentation and develop the imagery through drawing, painting, sculpture, animation and film in my studio. This is an exploratory and improvisational project and the outcome is yet to be defined. In saying that, I see the potential for a book, exhibition, documentary and/or performance work as well as the research having educational and therapeutic applications.
What is Bowen Therapy?
Bowen Therapy is a type of treatment that uses very gentle pressure to stimulate the brain to reboot the body. The practitioner uses thumbs and fingers on precise points to perform Bowen’s unique set of rolling type moves that activate nerve bundles below the muscle and soft tissue of the body. The Bowen experience is subtle, healing and relaxing. By stimulating meridian points in a specific order and with careful pauses in between, the Bowen Technique promotes the body to reset, repair and balance itself. It is one of the fastest and most effective modalities for treating pain, chronic illness and improving overall health. Bowen is not just a ‘physical’ treatment, it integrates mind-body connections and helps restore the body’s ability to heal itself.
For more information please refer to the following websites:
This project places contemporary dance as the conduit and key modality connecting visual art and touch therapy and allows movement practitioners the opportunity to:
-develop new knowledge about fields of practice that they have not previously engaged with (ie. Bowen Therapy)
-create new research and devising processes
-develop new movement pathways, choreographic material, and dramaturgical content
from touch therapy and use it as a point of departure and subject.
-the opportunity to listen deeply to the well-being impacts of artistic work and have this feed into its development.
-discover new modes for articulating experiences of movement and anatomy.
Laura van Tatenhove 