The Healing Side Of Art

As a creative who sometimes resorts to other creative forms for muse and healing, I have personally realized the healing power of art and the influence it can have on our thoughts and everyday life. I can attest to it that, art in different forms has shaped my life more than my experience with people. Art is a broad and diverse field that encompasses various forms of creative expression. It is challenging to provide an exhaustive list because, in today's life, anything can be art if you think it is for you. Other people have also discovered art that has not been named yet. The popular ones however include

1. Visual Arts: This includes traditional forms of visual expression such as painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and mixed media.
2. Performing Arts: Performing arts involve live performances that captivate an audience. This category includes theater, dance, music, opera, and other forms of stage performances.
3. Literature:Literature encompasses written works of artistic expression, including novels, poetry, short stories, plays, and essays.
4. Film and Cinema:This category includes motion pictures, documentaries, animated films, and other forms of cinematic storytelling.
5. Architecture: Architecture refers to the design and construction of buildings and structures, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and spatial relationships.
6. Design: Design combines aesthetics and practicality to create functional and visually appealing objects or environments. This category includes graphic design, fashion design, interior design, industrial design, and more.
7. Digital Art: Digital art involves the use of digital technology, including computer-generated images, digital painting, video art, and interactive installations.
8. Performance Art: Performance art blurs the boundaries between visual arts and performing arts. It involves live performances that often incorporate elements of theater, dance, music, and conceptual art.
   8.Installation Art: Installation art refers to three-dimensional artworks created for a specific space or environment. Installations often involve a combination of various materials, textures, and sensory elements.
9. Conceptual Art: Conceptual art prioritizes ideas and concepts over the aesthetic qualities of the artwork. It often challenges traditional notions of art and explores philosophical or social themes.

And there is even an art form known as illusion art. I told you there were a lot of art forms. Others even think the whole of humanity is art and to some point makes some sense. Our bodies, our minds, and the way humanity works is a fascinating work of art that is very hard to comprehend. Yet, the point I am making is that whichever form may exist, there is one that you will find captivating and that it has the power to make you feel relaxed.

Art has such a profound effect that it can change a person's entire lifestyle and social interactions. It is therefore not surprising to hear devotees of various religions caution their followers to exercise caution in what they listen to and engage. Some even caution their followers against listening to secular music because they think it may divert them from God's ways.

Art has grown in the past and is now gaining a lot of recognition in the creative space. Psychologists are adding it to the list of methods of helping their patients heal from their various traumas and mental problems. I don't do well with stress, my body sometimes wants to shut down when I am stressed and it will always show in my face and my body so I resort to my space and usually the forms of literature that appeal to me and are a go-to when I'm worn out are books, poems, paintings, movies, music and sometimes just interacting with nature.

I have not mentioned others because I may have seen and experienced them and they are not a go-to there are others that I have not yet experienced but I am open to having a feel of them. Let me tell you the power art has when it comes to healing both the one producing the art and the one consuming the art. There are even credible sources that back the fact that art is healing and that you just have to open your mind and embrace it.

Emotional Release: Art provides a channel for emotional release, allowing individuals to express and process their emotions safely and creatively. For instance, in moments that I feel down and very unproductive, I sometimes fall back on listening to music, reading or writing poems. It is a creative way of expressing my emotions, well, I do not do this every time. There are times that I vent to someone and the person just listening makes me feel okay. Yet in times that I resort to art, this is what I do. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, engaging in art-making was found to reduce stress levels and promote emotional release.

Self-Expression and Communication: Need I mention that art serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and communication? Engaging in art activities such as painting, writing or dancing improves self-expression. I don't know how many people can relate to this but have you ever ached in your heart that you had to dance to release those emotions? It happened to me in 2020 and I remember it. Furthermore,it has been revealed through research that participating in visual arts-based activities resulted in improved psychological and emotional well-being among participants, facilitating self-expression and enhancing communication skills, communication that goes beyond words.

Stress Reduction and Relaxation: I had a conversation with someone and he was trying to minus music from the world and he just could not spin his head around the world without music. That alone says a lot about the impact of music on human lives, the same is true with paintings, photography films, etc. When we immerse ourselves in the creative process, our minds shift focus away from worries and anxieties, allowing us to enter a state of flow for a minute. It may not solve the problem that you are worrying about, however, it gives you breathing space to relax and see the problem from a different view that may offer better ways to go around it.

Photography as a Tool for Mindfulness and Gratitude: Photography, particularly when approached mindfully, can be a powerful tool for emotional well-being. Through the lens of a camera, we can find beauty in the ordinary, capture moments of joy, and cultivate gratitude for the present moment. By focusing our attention on the details around us, we become more attuned to our surroundings and develop a heightened sense of awareness. Photography encourages us to slow down, observe, and appreciate the world with fresh eyes. As we begin to view life through the lens of gratitude, we can experience a shift in perspective, fostering a greater sense of contentment and emotional well-being. https://www.yelsunniwrites.com/through-the-lens/

Increased Self-Confidence and Empowerment: Art has helped people become more self-assured. They now feel like they belong and are loved by many since they have a voice. Making art can empower people and increase their sense of self-worth. The effect of art on self-esteem is that people who engage in it change the perceptions they have of themselves.

The healing side of art is supported by scientific research and numerous studies that attest to its positive impact on emotional well-being. Through art, individuals can experience emotional release, enhance self-expression, reduce stress, heal trauma, and cultivate self-confidence. Whether you engage in painting, drawing, sculpture, or any other form of artistic expression, embrace the therapeutic power of art and embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.