The influence of artistic materials and techniques on the creative process: review of art therapy paradigms

The aim of this study is to analyse the repercussions of the properties of artistic materials and techniques on the creative process, to identify the most appropriate media to promote certain emotional, cognitive and behavioural aspects. For this purpose, the study is based on a bibliographical review that includes some of the basic theories on the choice of artistic media in Art Therapy, to contrast empirically those postulates through a descriptive observational research. The sample is composed of 304 university students from Education Degrees (UPV/EHU), who recorded their experiences during the creative process by means of self -observational reports. The results confirm that the theoretical postulates on the effect of the physical properties of materials on the creative process are largely fulfilled. However, there are other elements that also have an impact on the creative process, such as the individual characteristics of the user, the context (setting) and the professional's view of the artistic production.