The aim of this article is to present the partial findings from a doctoral research that examined mapping emotions and feelings while maintaining contiguity with materials, as opposed to developing images in the artistic work. The research deals with the inner system performed by the creator when creating art. Touching materials is a domain associated with early childhood, and even as a sign of developmental regression, since images are associated with higher development. The uniqueness of this research suggests that maintaining contiguity with materials is essential for inner integration and self-fulfilment in the here and now, whereas cognitive images cannot achieve this aim. The research was conducted according to the qualitative phenomenological approach, and employed self-reports and semi-structured interviews about the experience of the creative process. 25 educational studies students aged 25-40 participated in the research. Data were collected using content analysis and categorization and yielded two major themes and four related categories. The findings suggest that touching material is essential for evoking bodily emotions and transforming negative emotions into positive ones. Additionally, the findings suggest that self-fulfilment depends on bodily emotions. In the current technological era, while a lot of funds are invested in cognitive development, this research shows the significance of maintaining congruity with materials to promote educational processes.
