Exploring Artistic Expression Through The Eyes Of An Eighteen Year Old Woman
In a world full of blockages and barriers that often dominate our daily lives, many individuals are yearning for unconventional forms of relief, to find solace and healing. As a young woman who is constantly thriving in a cycle of creativity, I have witnessed plenty individuals of all ages, overlooking artistic expression, on the daily. What frankly speaks to me is the interpretation of art and its usage in the therapeutic world. There are several circumstances where art, literature, and philosophy can provide insight into this world. Art is in every place, and it is more meaningful when you can recognize, pursue, and admire it. One avenue that gains heavy attraction is the route of art therapy. Art therapy is a therapeutic practice that harnesses the power of promoting emotional wellbeing and psychological healing. Whether it is sketching, painting, sculpting, or modeling that you are intrigued by, art offers a unique outlet for self-expression and discovery. In this article, I delve into the therapeutic power of art or creative activity and explore how it can be an impetus for healing and personal transformation.
From the seed of artistic creation, art therapy has highlighted focus on the process of creation, rather than the end product. Within the act of creation, individuals are encouraged to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a nonverbal or symbolic way. This expressive journey can be particularly beneficial for those who may struggle to articulate their emotions verbally or who feel overwhelmed by traditional talk therapy. The therapeutic process of art therapy shows engagement with the mind, body, and spirit. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which can circumvent the limitations of language. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience and empowers individual, communal, and societal transformation. During a session, an art therapist works with clients to understand what is causing them distress. Then the art therapist guides the client to create art that addresses the cause of their issue. The American Art Therapy Association describes its main functions as improving cognitive and sensorimotor functions, fostering self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivating emotional resilience, promoting insight, enhancing social skills, reducing and resolving conflicts and distress, and promoting societal and ecological changes. There is increasing evidence in rehabilitation medicine and the field of neuroscience that art enhances brain function by impacting brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system. In addition to this evidence, art can also raise serotonin levels. Art accesses many of the advanced processes of the human brain, such as intuitive analysis, expressivity, and embodied cognition. Artists are often better observers and have better memory, which may be due to how art affects the brain’s plasticity. These benefits do not just come from creation, they also occur by experience.
The remarkable aspect of art is that it can tap into the subconscious mind and unlock buried emotions and memories. Many people find that engaging in these artistic activities allows them to release feelings that might be pent-up or blocked out. By producing art that contains innermost thoughts and struggles, individuals can gain new insight into their own experiences and begin healing from past traumas. This process of catharsis can be extremely liberating, providing a sense of relief and emotional release. Through experimentation and exploration, individuals can discover hidden talents, strengths, and resources within themselves. In addition to this, they learn to trust their instincts and embrace their inner creative voice. This sense of agency can have immersive effects, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and pursue their goals. As people engage in the creative process, they are invited to be fully present in the moment and immerse themselves in the act of creation without judgement. This approach to art therapy encourages individuals to focus on their sensory experiences and engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way. By tuning into the senses created by the artistic process, participants can cultivate a sense of relaxation. This state of mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety and promotes greater self-awareness and emotional resilience.
At the end of the day, art contains the power to connect people across ages, backgrounds, cultures, education, and more. Art therapy provides an inclusive and supporting environment where individuals can come together to share their experiences and creative insights. Community based art activities hold a sense of belonging and camaraderie, helping participants feel less isolated and more connected to others. Through collaborative projects and collective expression, people learn to appreciate the diversity of human experience and find strength in solidarity. In a world that usually feels chaotic or overwhelming, my overall advice is to open your creative eyes and explore the art sanctuary for healing and self-discovery. Art has the power to transform lives and nourish the soul and as we embrace the therapeutic potential of art, we open ourselves to a world full of possibility and transformation.
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