Creative Therapy
In a previous blog post I mentioned that learning art and being creative is a type of therapy – I have benefitted in this way from my own art. Let’s look into some of the benefits and the thinking behind them.
Art reduces stress
Sometimes it may not seem like art reduces stress. If you let it, art can be frustrating if you are struggling to get paint to behave as you expect – more about this later.
Making art can help take your mind off things that might otherwise worry you and reduce anxiety, depression and stress. In that sense it acts a bit like meditation – it draws your concentration away from everyday worries.
What counts as art?
When you think of artistic hobbies, drawing and painting spring to mind. But what about sculpting with a block of clay? How about wood carving? Photography perhaps? Or my own particular interests felt making, batik, and painting with alcohol inks?
Whatever form of art you choose there is always the danger that you try to run before you’ve learnt to walk! A great way to add to your stress levels is to have an idea in your mind’s eye and not be able to achieve it. So don’t be too rigid and definitely don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go the way you want.
Getting started.
Here are a five thoughts to keep in mind as you get started.
1. Remember art is supposed to be fun. It can be a challenge at times but that shouldn’t take away from the fun.
2. You don’t need to go out and purchase the very best equipment when you are starting out. So forget that high end camera with all the bells and whistles and see how you get on with the camera in your phone first. Equally, you don’t need the finest sable brushes to do your first watercolour (they can be VERY expensive!).
3. On the other hand, don’t skimp on materials – student quality will be fine.
4. If you can, join a class to get you started. This is especially useful for something like batik where you get to try out the art medium with a good tutor who supplies the equipment you need to get started. Felt making is another example where your tutor will supply all you need as well as sharing years worth of their experience. Besides which, learning in a group setting is fun in itself.
5. Learn to go with the flow of the medium as you learn what you can and can’t do with it. In this way you start to develop your own style as well as reducing your stress levels.
No bones about it!
Art is fun as well as great therapy, so don’t dismiss it as something you could never do. Many folk have missed out on the pleasures of being creative because they “didn’t have an artistic bone in their body”. Luckily for you, you don’t need bones, artistic or otherwise. You have a sense of touch, you can see things around you, and if you can pick up a pencil and make a mark on paper you are all set to go.
Give art a try and discover it has many benefits.
