ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to widen the understanding of biophilia and associated landscape encounters, and how the experience is an embodied one for the individual as both emotional and physical sensations. It considers the role of arts-based practice, discussing how the arts have agency in supporting people to appreciate and experience the qualities of the natural environment and related biophilic places, and explores how arts-based techniques and collaboration provide a complementary pathway to achieving effective deep biophilic interaction. The synergies between arts and the environment are briefly discussed, where the arts are considered important in determining and supporting pro-environmental behaviours, including deeper appreciation of the aesthetic and intrinsic value of nature; the construction of self identity; awakening the biophilic self and fostering environmental awareness. Ideas include the concept of geo-emotionality, the activities of the arts practitioner, examining the perspectives gained and processes involved in moving to a deeper level of engagement involving experiences which have particular emotional intensity.
