The 3 Assets Of Art

Hello there splendid owls,

As we progress through the modern age, traditional artistry seems to be getting obscured within the midst of all our high tech mishmash. While developments in graphics, animation and lavish tools are a wonderful thing, I think its important to keep the classic paint-pallets alive. Children across the world are now being taught how to create art through technology, perhaps an influence which could sway our younger generations to the 'exciting swanky inventions' rather than the trusty graphite and acrylics. I'm not saying it's being abolished altogether; only that it is obviously a major temptation to reach for the gadgets than the canvas. Not enough of us take time to enjoy the delights of our Galleries; home to an abundance of history and incredible stories, inspiration and tranquility.
But anyway, aside from that, I believe something which is greatly underestimated is just how much art can benefit our psychological well-being. Below is a quick list of those groovy assets. Toodle-oo.

        1. Expression in practice:

My A level final piece- example of self-expression

WIP- art therapy

Seeing that madness is commonly linked with creativity; it's important to consider whether it is the artists who are 'mad', or in fact the use of art itself being a healing force for ordinary human beings with their own struggles. Principally, the arts are often a source of happiness, relief and expression; therefore it becomes a sort of crutch for us to help our mental health. It doesn't necessarily mean that the label of 'Van Gogh the madman' is correct; more so that 'Van Gogh was a troubled man who found relief through painting'. It's a little hard to explain, but this is essentially why there is such a thing as Art Therapy.

Sketchbook expression

Quite literally grabbing a piece of paper and sketching the first thing that pops into your head is something psychologists would analyse. You can be as bold or as intricate as you like, while expressing all your emotions and buried thoughts. Sometimes what we call 'inarticulate feelings' are trapped deep within us and can be discovered and released through the paintbrush. You can reach the unconscious parts of the mind, allowing the screaming, suppressed turmoil free which would otherwise remain silent.
It's even known to reveal things about ourselves that we did not know, helping perceive things from a wider perspective. It is not only self-expression, but self-exploration.

         2. Enlivening in observation:

Final piece, to contrast

Simply the appreciation of art can do wonders for the soul. For example, my mother barely even attempts creating art herself, yet recently (due to persistent nagging from me) found a certain insight through the works. Far beyond the visual surface lies a much deeper meaning, but it is all about your own interpretation. Several people could feel opposing emotion from a single piece, where for someone, they could connect with it instantly.
You could be immersed, inspired and intrigued. It could trigger realization about yourself, or affinity that warms your heart. Art is indeed a wondrous thing, just so misunderstood. It is not always the quality, detail and skill that matters; but how you interpret the piece to suit you.
If we were walking around a gallery and spot a work such as this, I would personally find it captivating and connect with what I see as its meaning. Whereas my mum would cast it aside without a second thought because 'anyone could paint that'. It is how the art makes you think and feel.

         3. Conveying a message:

A level final piece, figure personal meaning

Since art really can hit a person, hard, it is only fitting that it is used to communicate directly to an audience. Through forms of promotion, support or even a cry for help, many artists create with a purpose in mind. You could catch a boy in detention for doodling horrifying illustrations in his maths book, but may simply have been praying that a teacher would notice what struggles he was conveying through the art and help him. On the other hand, an artist could use specific symbolism in a series of works as a campaign to promote something they feel strongly about. It really can prove useful, and of course powerful.

If you ever think you're getting slightly too philosophical about a piece of artwork, don't. There's no such thing as feeling too much from a creation. It's a sign that without realising it, you've psychologically connected with that piece, being insightful, understanding and above all, open.

Anyhow, I think I'm going to have a break from these deep posts for a little while, unless something crops up that I need to rant about! I for one cannot wait until Halloween, gagh everything's s festive at the moment.
I'm off to polish my pumpkin,

Take care,

B x

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