Why art?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about why I make art. What draws me into the studio nearly every day? Why do I feel such a strong need to use color and lines and marks? Is it for the simple enjoyment of mixing colors and patterns in new ways? It is to create work that will sell? Is it to establish myself as an expert of some kind? Is it to prove myself in some way? To leave a legacy? To inspire others? Maybe some or all of the above?
For me, making and creating is essential to my mental health. Creating something that never existed before gives me a sense of accomplishment and strengthens my confidence in my ability to face the big and small challenges of everyday life. The process of choosing the medium, deciding on a color palette, and laying out my tools is a kind of ritual that helps me center my heart and mind. It forces me to focus my attention and allows my busy brain to rest.
My studio is my sanctuary. This practice of making art is how I comfort myself. It’s how I soothe my soul. It’s the process I use to work through tough decisions and where I go when my attitude or expectations need a little adjustment. My studio is a safe haven where no one expects anything from me. My private little island.
I do my best work if I do a little tidying up beforehand. I move any unfinished projects out of sight if possible, and lay down some clean under-paper on my desk. I don’t light candles or play any special music. The TV is off and my phone is on silent. Hopefully, I’ve already decided what I’ll be making for dinner, because once I begin working, time will cease to exist. Five PM will arrive much too soon and I will probably need to scramble to wash paint off my hands before I have to start chopping vegetables. I don’t meditate. I make art.
My reasons for making art may not be your reasons for making art. I love a good list, so I made one of all the reasons why making, crafting or creating anything is a good thing.
Good reasons to make stuff:
It’s fun!
It relieves tension and stress
Quiets the mind-chatter
Stimulates the brain
Strengthens problem-solving skills
Increases self-confidence
Boosts concentration and focus
Documents our lives
It helps us learn about ourselves
It helps us learn about each other
Satisfies our curiosity
Calms anxiety
It helps us explore thoughts and ideas
Allows for self-discovery and expression
Discover new strengths
Learn new skills
Expand our thinking
New ways to communicate
Record memories
Leave a legacy
Tell a story
Inspire others
Generate hope
To belong
To be known and understood
To share beauty
It helps us imagine possibilities
An escape from reality
To express values or beliefs
To teach a lesson
To share a message
It’s relaxing
It can boost energy
There are no rules
Did I mention it’s fun?!
You don’t need a reason to practice art or create anything that you enjoy making. My wish for all of us is that we make time in our lives to explore the things that light us up inside and allow that spark to shine out into the world. Creativity is contagious!
Thinking about my reasons for making art has sparked my curiosity about why I love some mediums more than others, and why you might enjoy them too. So watch this space for future ramblings about some of my favorite art materials and tools.
