Studio Update | February 6, 2023

     If you are a patron of the arts or an art creator, what you do is important. It has always been important but today more so than ever. As you know, art has the power to heal and bring joy to our lives. This week was certainly joyful as I was able to spend quite a bit of time in the studio. As promised the final version of the painting I was trying to finish last week is included below.

     I talked about the video that my friend put on Face Book. Watching the original video also reminded me of the resilience it takes to learn new skills and the challenges that young people face in today's world. Through this project, I wanted to showcase the healing power of art and the beauty that can come from even the simplest of moments. Following are five ways that making or viewing art is good for the soul:

1. Providing Emotional Release: Viewing art and listening to music can provide a form of emotional release, allowing individuals to connect with their feelings and express themselves in a safe and non-threatening way.
2. Offering a distraction: Engaging with art can provide a temporary distraction from negative thoughts and emotions, helping individuals to escape their difficult circumstances and find temporary relief.
3. Stimulating the Imagination: Creating or viewing art and listening to music can stimulate the imagination, providing a space for creative thought and exploration. This can help to boost mood and provide a sense of escape.
4. Inducing Relaxation: Both art and music have been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body, helping individuals to relax and reduce stress.
5. Building Connections: Engaging with art can help individuals to connect with others and their community, fostering feelings of belonging and support during difficult times.

    There is evidence that visual art and certain colors can have therapeutic effects and promote a positive mental attitude. This is known as art therapy and color therapy. Specific to art therapy, individuals engage in the creation of visual art as a means of self-expression and healing. This can involve a range of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage. Art therapy can help individuals to express their emotions and thoughts, gain insight into their experiences, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness.

      In color therapy, individuals are exposed to certain colors or light frequencies with the goal of influencing their emotional and physical state. Different colors are believed to have different effects, with warm colors, such as red and yellow, promoting feelings of excitement and energy, while cool colors, such as blue and green, promoting feelings of calm and relaxation.

     Studies have shown that color and light can have direct physiological effects on the body, such as reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormone levels. This is thought to occur because color and light stimulate the release of neurochemicals in the brain that promote relaxation and well-being. Ultimately, the power of art to heal lies in its ability to tap into the viewer's emotions, imagination, and creativity, creating a safe space for introspection, reflection, and personal growth.

     I hope this post brings a smile to your face and inspires you to find your own form of healing through art. As always, I am grateful for your support and look forward to sharing more art with you in next week.

"In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or backward into safety."

- ABRAHAM MOSLOW