Art Therapy

pencil, color, art

In this day and age, technology and computerization have disconnected us even more from our own bodies as well. Many people are now merely “walking brains”.

Art therapy is becoming an increasingly common way for clients at

rehabilitation centres to express feelings, communicate personal trials

and tribulations and allow one to further uncover one’s true self

As the concept of art therapy develops, its proven effectiveness is

demonstrated time and time again in treatment facilities

Art therapy is a melding of traditional art practices and theories

of psychotherapy for alleviating stress and sharing feelings through the creation of images.

Regardless of personal feelings about artwork, artists or what makes a piece

of art effective, art therapy is an incredibly popular and effective

Using mediums such as paint and clay or processes

like drawing or sculpting can help individuals

communicate feelings, express emotions and

promote quiet, careful introspection.

Using art therapy to become in touch with one’s

feelings regarding the process and what path may

have lead one to such a place in life can work wonders in uncovering

and unveiling emotions and clearing the path to recovery.

Art therapy can pave the way to clean living and a happy, healthy life long

Possibly the most common form of creation in art therapy is painting, a universal

art form practised all over the world. Painting

is often favoured in art therapy for its use

of broad, bold colours.

Accordingly, there are many different paints

that can be adapted to show a wide range

of emotion.

  Acrylic and Oil paints can be used to show bright colours and express many different feelings and thoughts, allowing for a spectrum of images and messages.

 

 Water colours are often

used for the soft, serene feelings such

muted hues can convey.

 

Whether the creative process

triggers feelings of sadness, anxiety or

anger, painting can be a cathartic way to reveal these sentiments.

Art Benefits for Children

Art and creativity have the power to enhance a child’s mental development and broaden their scope of imagination. In this age of technology, computerization and the competitive pressure to perform on all levels has created a disconnect from their bodies and complete brain utilization. Art creates a connection between the right and the left-brain hemispheres towards innovative thinking. Art for young children can help in the development of Visual Processing, eye motor co-ordination, balanced cognitive behavior, sensory awareness and integration, problem-solving skills, identification and expression of feelings, and increased self-esteem.

For children, art can be beneficial even at a young age. A large part of a child’s development is being able to be creative and learn how to express themselves. Art gives children the opportunity to do both in a safe environment. Positive learning experience in art develops imagination, promoting creativity and innovative thinking in a natural and man-made world. It also increases self-esteem, confidence in problem solving and logical sequence of developing ideas. Art and creative drawing have the power to enhance a child’s mental development, broaden the scope of imagination and exploration of hidden creative talent. Some common art therapy goals for young children are sensory awareness and integration, problem-solving skills, identification and expression of feelings, and increased self-esteem.

How well one draws depends on how well one sees. Art training can tremendously help in the development of Visual Processing – the foundation of the human learning process.

Unfortunately, the present education system places emphasis on mathematics, sciences and languages but not on art.

 Children should be encouraged for art lessons or other creative pursuits, not because they want to be artists one day, but to equip them to live their life to their highest potential for their future success, Provide them with a balanced learning experience

Prepare them with means to self-expression and tools to destress in the stress to today’s competitive high expectation achievement driven society pressures.

There is no better way for preparing our children. Without art and creativity, they are incomplete. 

Art is beneficial for senior people. It keeps them occupied and helps in their cognitive and hand motor co- ordination function. It is relaxing and therapeutic for them and can be developed as a hobby after retirement.