“Art washes from the soul the dust from everyday life.” That’s a quote from artist Pablo Picasso.
It’s likely many other artists thought the same. Art has great effects on your mental health. Art is something relaxing and calming that can take you away from the stress of the world. Art allows people to express their emotions onto a canvas. Art can even be a great therapy option to help with anxiety and stress. It’s something calming that anyone can do.
So what is art? This may seem like a mindless question, however when you think of the word art what is the first thing that comes to mind? Most likely a canvas, some paints, and paint brushes. While yes, that is a form of art, art is so much more than just that. It can be shown in so many ways. You don’t have to make award winning paintings or sculptures to be considered an artist. You can be anyone, anywhere with let's say a pencil, paper, and a creation of your own. And you would still be an artist. Not only that but painting and drawing are not the only art forms. Dance, sculpting, music, design, and even more are all considered a form of art. In an article it quotes, “The expression or application of creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting, drawing, or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power” (Herman). This proves that art is an expression of anything that is simply there for entertainment, competition, or joy. And art can be anything, even a huge triangle in the middle of a canvas, although it most likely didn’t take much effort, it’s still a form of art. It’s something that doesn’t have to be over thought. In all, art can be anything you want it to be.
So with that information, what is so great about art? Art is relaxing and a great way to express yourself. Art feeds your creativity and intelligence, it prepares you for the future, and it gives you a better understanding of the world around you. When working with art you learn how to work with colors, shapes, form, and creativity. Art assists children to learn geometry and perspective. It builds Incredible communities and entertainment for the world, for example art classes, museums, contests, shops, and performances. In an article Wagner writes, “Art strengthens focus and increases attention, develops hand-eye coordination, requires practice and strategic thinking, and involves interacting with the material world through different tools and art mediums''(Wagner). There are so many examples of why art is so beneficial. Many believe that art is stressful because they feel they can never be as good as others. But that shouldn’t be the point, people shouldn’t always look over at their peers' work only to compare it to theirs. It’s something that should be your own, you don’t always have to share your art. It can be a memory or a simple for something that happened in your life. In brief, art is an amazing subject that is influential for many reasons.
Lastly, how is art beneficial to mental health? Art is actually great for stress, many people enjoy coloring to handle stress. Not only kids but adults as well. Another example is dance. For some, dance is a calming and a pressure free activity to do. There are so many studies that prove art has a positive impact on handling stress. In an article it states, “Studies have shown that most people who try art as a form of therapy or stress relief have experienced significant reductions in their cortisol levels when doing so” (Campbell). This obviously shows that art can have a quality effect on many lives. Art therapy is actually a very popular type of therapy that can greatly influence people and help them when handling feelings. Art therapy is proven to higher self- esteem levels, and a great way to let loose and express yourself. This form of therapy assists people to get in touch with their emotions. Finally, how does art soothe mental disorders such as, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and many more? Art can restore individuals by creating a special space for connection and well-being. Art can improve the way that people socialize and creates communities where many are able to feel comfortable being themselves. Art has had a convenient way of helping people communicate and has even led them to being diagnosed with a health disorder, and getting them the important help that they need. In brief, art has many astounding effects on mental health.
In the final analysis, art has a great effect on your health. Art comes in many different forms, art is an enjoyable activity that you try out, and take part in, and art has outstanding benefits to mental health. So after hearing the effects of art, will you take part in learning more art forms to soothe your stress? I definitely will start taking more time to paint or sculpt.
It’s all up to you.
Cites:
https://www.sa-health-beauty.co.za/portal/article/1837/how-art-can-help-you-relax
https://bebrainfit.com/benefits-art/
https://drawingonearth.org/resources/10-reasons-why/#:~:text=Ten%20Reasons%20Why%20Art%20is,a%20Love%20of%20Learning%20%26%20Creativity.&text=Art%20strengthens%20focus%20and%20increases,different%20tools%20and%20art%20mediums.
https://sageclinic.org/blog/art-relieve-stress/
https://www.vectornator.io/blog/types-of-art
