‘Art is the evidence!’: Developmental Transformations (DvT) theory and practice applied to art-based research

Abstract

Art-based research (ABR) and Developmental Transformations (DvT) both originate and draw from the theory and practice of creative arts therapies. ABR uses response art (RA) in all art modalities to further understand and give form to intersubjective dialogue. The goal of this article is to demarcate the substantial similarities between ABR and DvT and ultimately to suggest their combined potential for future research. The article provides an overview of the underpinnings of ABR and DvT and then outlines the research design and relevant results from an ABR–DvT pilot study. Finally, a summarized dialogue carried out by the authors underscores the complementarity of the two methods.