A Picasso a Day Keeps the Doctor Away ~ Black Canvas

This article was brought to my attention by its author as they left a comment on a previous post. I would recommend you read as it is a very thoughtful reflection on how art and the creative process can be beneficial for one's physical, mental and emotional well-being.

http://blankcanvasdesign.com/art-theory/a-picasso-a-day-keeps-the-doctor-away/

I certainly feel that writing poetry provides me with an outlet to channel my emotions- be they good or bad - and helps me to communicate complex feelings. This can be very healing- I feel renewed sometimes after writing. I also get a lot of emotional boost when people read my poems and respond positively. 

Regarding this article, I wanted to highlight some particular lines that resonated with me:

"Imagine having a bedroom wall full of canvas art prints, or large posters of serene places you could only dream to be in at that very moment. Would that not be a joy to wake up to?"


"Great art helps create a positive mindset that will benefit you through the rest of the day"


"...or you could be taken aback when the first thing you see as you look into a mirror is a grumpy face or worse, you could actually feel so lazy that you end up feeling ill..."


"....according to the American Art Therapy Association: “Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages"...


"Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy.” ~ American Art Therapy Association


"London born Adrian Hill, the man known to have coined the term “Art Therapy”, used art to cope with tuberculosis which turned out to be an extremely crucial part of his healing process speeding up his recovery."


"Looking at a blank wall does not give you anything at all while looking at an image of the sunset triggers certain emotions that translate into happy, serene, peaceful, romantic and relaxing."

"Art is known to be a stress-reliever and stress is a known cause to most illnesses. Not only does it keep the mind busy and stimulated but it also is a form of self-expression in which some people use art to convey what they cannot articulate in words."

"That said, you really do not have to be an art aficionado or an artist yourself to be able to appreciate art and improve your well being. Art is everywhere."

 


Many thanks to the author for writing and providing me with the link to this very wonderful piece - it certainly does convey a lot of my thoughts and beliefs about the worth of art in enhancing one's well-being!