my mind on books

Creative Explorations: New Approaches to Identities and Audiences by David Gauntlett is based on a project in which people used Lego pieces to create metaphorical models of their identity (sounds something like “sand tray therapy“).

The author has posted an extract from the conclusion; here is part:

“I was struck by ‘the will to coherence’ – the desire to assemble a solid and unified view of self-identity. It was also possible to see participants asserting their own distinctiveness within the context of an increasingly globalised and mainstream fashion-led culture. The role of the media emerged as the provider of stories – ethical resources which people use to orient themselves towards aspirations. We saw that the sense of a journey was common, with each person as the hero of their own story, often moving away from historical ties towards greater stability, fulfilment, and engagement with the world. … these goals were not about possessions gained, but about social connections, inner happiness, and a life well lived.”

More on the project at the ArtLab website… and the author’s website….