Art and Personal Growth
/I will take this opportunity to make some observations on art and emotional health and why therapy, therapeutic, and art are interconnected. Art, in its many forms, has the potential of healing for the observer, the participant and the artist. Creativity is embedded in every aspect of our life, be it at work, at home, with our children, with our loved ones or in our studio with our loved objects. We need to express ourselves in a real way with others and with ourselves. An experience, artistic or else, would be healing so long as we are honest and not scared expressing our real feelings and thoughts. When we can wipe away our inhibitions and make us look at things in a new way.
Art, and for that matter anything done artfully or artistically—is an avenue for tapping on deep personal needs and dreams some we are aware of and some we are not. Artistic expression helps our awareness of self, others and the world around us. Awareness is the cornerstone of personal-psychological-emotional health. It is also at the core of any therapeutic work and healing process. If one is neglected the other is hindered. Artistic expression could lead to feelings of liberation, of internal freedom, of sharing, being meaningful and making a difference in yours and people’s life.