What Art Does
Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 8:26AM Over the last several years my focus shifted from working with others to , yes, focusing on myself...In 1999, I dove in headfirst to the world of painting..I dove into the sea of my lifeltime longing..to become a quality -genuine -honest-talented- colorful- successful- painter..which I have done..Thank you to the essence in me that has allowed me to take such a risk in an economic climate that seems, and I mean SEEMS to, discourage artists. Thank you. Thank me.
I just returned from the American Art Therapy Assn International Conference, this year in Sacramento. I haven't been to one of the art therapy conventions in long while because I have been busy painting and expanding as an artist and haven't felt an interest to sit in an audience listening to clinical presentations analyzing something that I believe can't be put into words. However this year I succomed because the conference was close and I had the opportunity to see dear friends from back in the days of art therapy graduate school at Lesley College.
I am incredibly greatful that I was inspired enough to get myself down to the AATA convention and to spend the big chunk of money on a conference that I could have spent a million other ways. WOW. I got fired up. . I got reminded again about the importance of what I do. I got reminded of the power behind creative expression and the power behind just VIEWING creative expression. And most of all I realized that I not only get to do my work but in a sense I have to...the world needs relief, people want to feel the part of themselves they have forgotten. And I am wired to help in a good way. So I am.
I re- remebered what art does:
Art is good karma ..especially with the help of an art therapist guide, making art can redirect human energy into positive action. Art can prevent us from causing harm to ourslves or others.
Art reinforces the notion that we are not alone In a group we can make images and share them with peers. In therapy we share with a trusted counselor . Alone, we share the image with the muse, and then with viewers . There is always a dialogue with creation, which requires two..hence we always, always have company. Even in solitude, as art makers we experience the ever-Presence of the mysterious Creator
Art feels good Alone, in a group, with an art therapist guide, a teacher, a freind..art links us to the spirit of play, to curiosity, to fun, to relief.
Art is a teacher. Our imagery that we allow is essentially a map to what we cannot talk about at first. It gives form to the parts of ourselves we may not even realize we have, and it contains those surprises in a way we can handle, especially if we have a trusted person (art therapist) holding our hand.
Just looking at visual art is healing. Our brains a wired to respond to imagery. We have bodily reactions to beauty that are enlightening, help us feel good and re-align us with the abundant beauty everywhere in this world including the wonder inside every person. We can meditate on an image and feel God, or the pain of the artist who created the piece, or we can share it with someone as a way to communicate something we cannot describe with words.
Art calms us down Everybody is so busy. We are all worried about something. We're trying to figure it out, whatever "it" may be..We have alot of "shoulds" that we are not doing, being or having. The act of creation requires a decision to stop. Stop and then allow yourself to be open. To let go. To relax.
Art gives us energy Paradoxically, in art making, at the same moment we relax, we are energized. We feel the pulse of inspiration..the creative juices, the flow of ideas from the heart to the hand, seemingly by-passing the brain. It fires us up and feels great.
The more art I make the more I have to give away The more I paint, the stronger the connection "the Source" becomes and I can feel it. With this inner Knowing (my Creative Companion), I get fueled to inspire others to take advantage of their own creative resources. I always have to feed the fire, because you can't give away what you haven't got..and if you try, it shows
Reader Comments (1)
Cynthia ~ A beautifully written, heart felt piece! The message is strong, Art is necessary in experiencing a joy filled life! I am inspired by you and all that you bring to the world. Thank you for being in my life.