Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Art-Making for Healing

"Bright Happy Apple" acrylic on paper, 5"x7"
by Cindy Mott McGarry

"Art is a constant agent of transformation and is indeed the soul's drive to health."
-Cathy Malchiodi

Art-making is a wonderful tool which can be used by anyone for the purpose of healing. Scientific studies have shown that art-making heals by altering a person's biology and outlook. The body biologically shifts from a state of stress to very relaxed. Emotionally, an attitude of fear changes to creative thinking and inspiration.

Inspiration - Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.

There is a huge connection between emotions and healing. Changing sad or negative emotions into happy ones creates a happy and healthy body, mind and spirit. Positive emotions have a positive effect on your whole being. If one can find what type of art-making inspires them in a positive way, then this can be a natural and lifelong aid in healing and staying healthy.

Expressive art in any form transforms art-makers and viewers. The subject matter can be as simple as a blade of grass because it is the unique expressive technique of the individual that is original and magnificent in itself. If a person or patient begins creating, finds it difficult to stop, believes she/he went to a different place mentally and felt lost in deep thought, then she/he has most likely found an artistic way to bring about healing.

I believe one way art-making can help a person out of a hopeless feeling or situation is to visualize their goals. This can be accomplished by using their imaginations to express their ideal situation with the use of art supplies. If self-doubt is present, then offering encouragement to see themselves differently (in a more positive light) can help with the whole process.





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