Published

30-4-2025

Type of Work

Book Chapter

Project Affiliation

QUT

Abstract

New affordable head-mounted displays and interactive virtual technologies provide opportunities for researchers and practitioners to create and experience mindfulness. The use of virtual reality for art-based mindfulness practices is novel and promotes full-body, immersive experiences to improve mood, however, researchers and practitioners have a limited understanding of mindfulness and creativity in the virtual environment. This paper identifies the research gap by examining how active art-based mindfulness practices in virtual reality promote mindfulness, compared to passive methods such as viewing a virtual image to experience relaxation. Fourteen participants were interviewed in the qualitative ethnographic study. Methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observation, video-cued recall and thematic analysis, which were informed by flow, immersion and presence theories. The six main emerging themes from the participant colouring experiences included: (1) mindfulness; (2) mark-making; (3) space; (4) depth perception; (5) sense of time; and (6) agency. The data presented evidence that participants experienced mindfulness while colouring a virtual mandala and the emerging themes were intertwined with experiences of flow, immersion, and presence. The study benefits researchers and practitioners in understanding how creativity can enhance mindfulness in interactive virtual art environments.

Citation

Puhakka, Heli. (2024). Virtual Reality and Creativity: Evaluating Immersive Painting Experiences and Art-based Mindfulness. In Sade, Gavin, Brown, Andrew, Barclay, Leah, Seevink, Jen, Tyurina, Anastasia, & Wright, Rewa (Eds.) Proceedings of the 29th International Symposium on Electronic Arts: ISEA2024 Everywhen Proceedings. Volume 1: Academic Papers. Queensland University of Technology and ISEA International, Brisbane, Qld, pp. 598-609.

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