A study on artistic empowerment through clay - a case study in a social service center for sensory disability in Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates the process of artistic empowerment facilitated through clay-based art practices among individuals residing in a social service institution in Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study approach, nine participants engaged in a structured series of tactile clay activities designed to enhance selfexpression, creativity, and emotional well-being. Data collection methods included participant observation, visual documentation, reflective journaling, and semi-structured interviews. The findings demonstrate that clay art provided a nonverbal medium through which participants articulated personal experiences, developed confidence, and built a sense of agency. Engagement with clay fostered therapeutic benefits, encouraged self-discovery, and strengthened interpersonal connections within the institutional environment. The study highlights the transformative potential of art-making as a tool for empowerment among marginalized groups and suggests its integration into social care programming. These insights contribute to broader discourses on inclusive art practices and their psychosocial impact in institutional settings.