Method to the Madness

Welcome to Art and Healing Wednesday!!

I had a friend over for dinner last night and we were talking about some of the art opportunities in town.  He mentioned that the big art museum in town has sold some of its “masters” and has purchased more contemporary and abstract art.  He was disappointed, I believe, because he doesn’t understand modern/abstract art and he felt comfortable because the old “masters” are more reliable.

If you’re not sure about contemporary/abstract art I recommend that u read the book, “Why a Painting is Like a Pizza”.  I too didn’t understand the nuance of abstract art, or why a canvas painted all in green is priceless.  The book walks you through the steps so you can put the artwork in a context…there is a method to the madness.

It’s for this reason that I encourage you to create.  I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met over the years who tell me they aren’t artistic.  There was a study done that I read in “The Crafts Report” magazine.  The study asked kindergarten children how many of them were artists; the entire class raised its hand.  They asked again in fourth grade; only about half raised their hands.  Then they asked a high school class and only two students raised their hands.

It’s unfortunate, but artistry and creativity is not valued enough in our culture.  Being creative is a release for everything we think, feel, and experience.  Our story is what makes this world diverse, interesting, and vibrant.  Crayola keeps creating new colors for a reason; because the box of 64 wasn’t enough.

Following your diagnosis of a chronic or other life-altering illness you need to express yourself.  Your creativity can be the best detoxifier your body has so why not strengthen your creative muscle.  Just like any other muscle it needs to be used so start small and grow into your creativity paws.