Anita Max Wyn’s Reviews > Using Textile Arts and Handcrafts in Therapy with Women: Weaving Lives Back Together > Status Update

"Exner also reports that people separated from those
they care about show an increase in texture responses. If texture
is the main motivation for handcraft-making, we should consider
whether fiber artists have intense feelings of isolation."

"Texture is implicitly part of textile-making. The Exner system
describes texture responses, for example tactile sensations that
describe the surface (such as smooth, rough, grainy, sharp, furry,
and bumpy), as corresponding to loneliness and a lack of contact
comfort."

"Luscher’s and Dewey’s approach relies on individual colors, but the specific hues, values, and chroma are not in the public domain."

"Cultural associations with color may also have completely opposite meanings. White is frequently used as the color of purity in the USA; however, in Japan, China, and India, it is associated with death. Green suggests safety in the USA but possibly criminality in France."

"People are just too complex to reduce their individual color preferences to a cook-book typology."

"There always exists a tension between
the not-for-profit academic world and the private sector. Clearly,
the Luscher and Dewey systems have not been subjected to peer-
reviewed journals to substantiate their claims, but have each been
a market success. However, given the lack of published research
findings, it is fair to seriously doubt their validity."

"The Dewey system asks about favorite and least favorite
colors, to create an astrological-like description of the individual.
The Dewey system claims to be associated with individual
preferences, making it helpful in vocational support. It is also
patented and copyrighted. "

"Blue is frequently reported
as representing peace, tranquility, and calm; green is seen as
demonstrating nature, the environment, health, and vigor;
red is seen as implying danger, desire, violence, and anger."

"Color is an important variable for most handcrafters. Some women
will embrace the dynamics of color; others will have nothing to
do with it and stay with neutral tones and/or black and white.
It is important to discuss this concept with your client. What is
her preference for certain schemas? What meanings do particular
colors hold? Are some colors more provocative or more emotive
than others?"

"Emotive artists had more than three times the incidence of mental disorders than artists in the formal category (75% versus 22%). Although it is not “diagnostic,” clients who make functional, formal pieces may be more grounded, psychologically, than clients who create textiles as a means of self-expression."