Creativity Can be Therapeutic

Written by Keppy Arnoldsen

Did you ever wonder why you feel so relaxed after painting a picture, working with clay, or coloring with children? There is a unique mental stimulation and expression that is coupled with art, and it is very relaxing, both mentally and physically.  Art has a healing effect on our bodies and minds.

Art has been used for thousands of years as a way to express our thoughts and document our human culture.  From cave men to modern muralists, paintings and drawings have been used to tell stories, relay messages, and express feelings.  Today art has become a means to help promote healing by relieving stress and providing a creative outlet for expression.  The field of therapy that uses this medium to help with healing and personal development toward well-being is know as “art therapy”.

Art therapy is a growing field that was first started in the 1930s when psychiatrists became interested in art as a therapeutic tool for mental healing.  They were intrigued by the hidden meanings behind the art created by their patients.  They learned that they could better analyze them through artistic expression and that patients felt much more at ease following sessions that included art therapy.

Today, art therapy is a certified field with rigid requirements established by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc.  Most certified art therapists have a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and thousands of hours of direct client contact.  Some of the modalities they use include painting, drawing, sculpting, and clay building.  They must also pass a challenging written exam.

This is more than most of us would care to pursue, but don’t be afraid to try some informal “therapeutic” art at home.  The next time you want to foster well-being and create something enjoyable in the process, try an art project!  Just find a relaxing and enjoyable art form, grab some supplies, and dig in.  Most importantly, don’t worry about “how good it turns out”.  We can’t all be Rembrandts or daVincis, but we CAN really have fun trying!  Remember that it is the process that heals, not the product that is created.

Art therapy is beneficial because creating beautiful art that expresses our innermost feelings is personally gratifying and brings a calm sense of accomplishment.  Even if the “art” turns out less than perfect we still feel relaxed and less stressed afterwards.  Let’s face it; in a world full of fast-paced deadlines and hectic schedules, we can all use a little stress reduction.

Art therapy has been especially helpful for children, particularly those with difficulties in expression or limited language skills. It can also provide a great outlet for adolescents or adults who are hesitant about discussing thoughts and feelings.  The art sessions also allow for “quiet time” which in itself is emotionally nourishing.  In the profession of art therapy, there have been many successful programs involving correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals.  These benefits of being creative are open to all people.

There are several ways to add interest to your personal “art therapy” efforts, such as having group projects.  Maybe the whole family does a painting together with a common theme, but each person gets their own space for self-expression or perhaps their own color. This encourages group dynamics.  You can have goals or guidelines to direct the overall project, but try not to be too rigid.  It is best if there is maximum room for creativity and personal expression.  Still certain loose guidelines are often helpful in making the final project have some special significance and congruence.  With group projects a common theme is a fun way to approach an art project.  At Earthen Art, our studio on Standing Stone Avenue across from the Veterans’ Field, we often have “art roundups” where a block of clay is transformed by a group into the theme of the day, such as creating seashells, animal boxes, environmental tiles, or even “stick” letters.  It gives us a goal, but with few “rules” and gives the overall effort a unifying theme.  Be creative with your art projects, as you are only limited by your imagination!

Here are some suggestions that can be used for home projects, school programs, family get-togethers, and even business activities:

1) Create a mosaic tile or sign from tidbits you have around the house by giving them a “creative” spin.  For example: try making a house number plaque for the front of your home or office using seashells, buttons, nuts and beans, stones, etc.  Simply glue them onto a painted or preserved plaque of wood or other durable materials using waterproof glue.  Then grout them and shellac when dry for durability in the weather.

2) Create clay animals, paperweights, or containers in a small group gathering.  It can be helpful to have pictures of animals or plants handy to help visualize.  Either hand-mold the clay or roll out a thick slab (about 3/8 inch thick) and carve into it with pencils or other commonly found tools.  There are clays available on the market that can be baked in a home oven or that harden without further treatments.  These can be painted later to extend the activity and add color to the pieces.

3) Paint with oil, watercolors, etc., or use crayons, chalk, or even dyes on a piece of canvas or paper.  Everyone can sit around a common piece and take a section for their own or interweave individuality by jumping around the canvas and painting wherever they desire.  These are most fun without restrictions as to what each person can bring into the piece.

Whether at home or at Earthen Art, may you enjoy a “healthful” art session soon!