Did you know that art and mental wellness are connected? Either it be creating or being a spectator, art can open doors to emotional well-being in ways we might not expect.
When I first picked up a paintbrush during my twenties, I was not aiming to create a masterpiece, I was aiming to find peace through creativity. I was working long hours at a mutual fund company, held a part-job at a local barista coupled with community volunteering. While I loved it all, I realized I needed to seek more self-care in order to better severe others. Thus, art became a form of peace.
From mixing colors to looking at masterpieces, art gave my feelings a voice. In that quiet space, I discovered a deeper understanding of myself. Art teaches us patience, self-compassion, and the importance of being present. Art invites us to explore our inner landscapes, to sit with our feelings rather than rush past them. It connects us to our inner child, the part of us that still believes in possibility and wonder, no matter our age!
Art just asks us to show up, either at the easel or at the gallery, that is exactly what our mental health needs most. By making space for creativity in our lives, we nurture a healthier relationship with ourselves. In the end, art reminds us that healing is not linear, that self-care can be found even in the creative parts of our journey.
Mindfully curated by Debra Gudema for Well&Co.
📸: Debra Gudema