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Art is such a diverse medium that it can encompass a wide range of creative processes. Art can be expressed through many different mediums; drawing with colored pencils, painting with watercolors or acrylics, crayons or anything you feel comfortable using, and on different surfaces.
Often art takes on a life of its own once you get started, it is whatever we want it to be, do not be fearful or critical, just start making marks on the paper or canvas! You are in charge. That in itself is the beginning of a healing process, the choices you make about colors and topics, are all about your own unique life, and you are experiencing the benefits of creative self-expression.
People who are passionate about doing art or even others who just simply make art out of boredom experience the healing power of art without realizing it. Ultimately, the aim of art therapy is to make use of the creative process to guide and help individuals with their exploration of self-expression, which involves emotions, self-awareness, coping skills, self-esteem, and social skills.
An author who has been enriched by her own artwork and is provided with a healthy balance in her life authored The Art of the Inner Journey healing art book. Margaret Carpenter Arnett is an art therapist who wrote it as an informational book concerning one way to use art as a form of processing in a therapeutic way.
She remarked that art therapy bears a much more expansive scope and that this is just one aspect. Certainly, she strives to help people express their emotions, especially during difficult and transitional times. As a result, this concept she found interesting fabricated a purpose, which was to pursue and embrace the interest in art as therapy.
Creating Your Own Healing Art: How to Start the Creative Process
a sketchpad with colored pens and other drawing materials on the table
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The significance of art never ceases to amaze us. One of the primary benefits of creating art which supports its healing power is it enables us to express ourselves and release negative emotions and thoughts. With that said, it can be a form of escape way where we can withdraw ourselves from problems and the horrid realities of life.
However, creating art for healing can be a challenging endeavor to begin with. Here is a how-to guide which involves some tips we can utilize, concerning the use of art for healing.
Start With Choosing the Materials That Resonate With You
This is the initial step where you choose a material you like or whatever bursts your bubble. It involves experimenting with a variety of materials and tools to enable you to find the best one for you. Being able to play or work around with the materials that truly and authentically resonates with you boosts your enthusiasm and artistic drive.
Seek for a Creative Space You Can Work In
Finding the perfect spot and comfortable space for your creative endeavors is a crucial part in creating art. Your creative space is what inspires and motivates you. If you are creating art in a place that disturbs you, you are unable to work on your art properly and productively.
Start the Process
Go with the flow as you start your creative art-making process. Immerse yourself in the very depths of your creativity and imagination. Let your hands and materials wander wherever they feel worthy of acting. Let your emotions and thoughts take over with an open mind and heart.
Reflect About What You’ve Accomplished
This is an significantly important step which requires you to observe and reflect. From the finished output, you may reflect on your experience creating the art and define what your art signifies. What were you trying to release? What message are you trying to impart? And at last, how do you feel about your art? You may share your reflections to people you trust or write it down.
Keep It or Let Go of the Art
After you have finished and accomplished creating your art, there must be a certain message or essence the art is holding. Either it signifies a certain negative emotion or traumatic experience, or other attached feelings and thoughts, it can even be positive, you have the choice to either keep the art or disregard it.
Art as a Tool for Healing: Accessing the Mind, Body, and Spirit Through Art
Now that we have gone through the basics on how to start creating your own healing art, we can conclude the significant value it immensely grasps within its very confines.
Finally, The Art of the Inner Journey Symbol as Healing Agent by Margaret Carpenter Arnett is a highly recommended read that will surely enlighten you with valuable information you can employ in your daily life. To purchase your own copy today, you may click right here.
"The Art of the Inner Journey" (FULL COLOR EDITION) by Margarett Carpenter Arnett is now available through:
