The Healing Spirit Of Art By Karol Madej
Artwork by Karol Madej
NOT EVERY HUMAN IS AN ARTIST, BUT EVERY ARTIST IS A HUMAN
This simple yet profound statement challenges the conventional notion that artistic expression is confined to a select few. It is worth to break free from the belief that we must consider ourselves artists in order to access the healing spirit of art. Art in its purest form knows no boundaries, and its transformative power is accessible to all.
Throughout history, there have been numerous examples of individuals who engaged in artistic pursuits without necessarily considering themselves artists. These individuals embraced their creativity and made significant contributions to the world of art, even though they may not have identified with the traditional notion of being an artist.
Vincent van Gogh, one of the most celebrated artists in history, struggled with self-doubt and often questioned his artistic abilities. Despite his immense talent, van Gogh did not hold himself in high regard as an artist during his lifetime. He had difficulty gaining recognition for his work and faced rejection from the art establishment of his time. Van Gogh's own letters reveal his self-critical nature and doubts about his artistic success.
"I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it."
Vincent van Gogh
It was a sentence he wrote to his brother Theo. Van Gogh viewed himself as a perpetual learner, always striving to push the boundaries of his artistry. His struggles with mental health, financial difficulties, and personal setbacks further contributed to his self-perception as a struggling and unrecognized artist. However, despite his own reservations, van Gogh's paintings have become iconic symbols of artistic expression and emotional intensity. His distinctive brushwork, vibrant colors, and emotionally charged compositions continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Van Gogh's legacy as an artist has far surpassed his own doubts and self-perception, cementing him as a true master of his craft.
Good example from recent history is Mike Winkelmann, known professionally as Beeple, who embarked on his career as a graphic designer, creating visual content on a daily basis. Initially, he didn't necessarily consider himself an artist in the strictest sense. However, as his creative journey progressed, Beeple's innovative and boundary-pushing digital artwork began to captivate audiences worldwide. Through his unwavering commitment to producing and sharing his artwork every single day for over a decade, Beeple developed a unique style and explored thought-provoking concepts, earning him widespread recognition. This was further solidified by the remarkable sale of his NFT titled 'Everydays: the First 5000 Days,' which made him the most expensive living artist.
While these two examples may appear somewhat extreme, the perspectives that accompanied each of them are relatable and can be easily adaptable to our own needs.
MATERIALIZE YOUR HEALING PROCESS THROUGH ART
By participating in your artistic endeavors, you will eventually bring something to life. This creation can be noticed by others and allows you to see your mental wellbeing from a completely different perspective. Although showing your mental state while combating demons might be difficult, especially for men, approaching it with the healing spirit of art can make a huge difference. According to research published in Art Therapy, forty-five minutes of art-making session resulted in reduced cortisol levels in 75% of the participants, irrespective of their prior art experience.
Art allows you to express your emotions and inner thoughts in a powerful way. It provides a safe space for you to be vulnerable and reflect on your personal struggles. Through art, you can explore your imagination, try out different styles, and tap into your creative energy. This not only helps you discover more about yourself, but might help others who can find an inspiration or hope in your work. Embracing art as a healing tool can bring a refreshing and enlightening experience of growth and self-improvement.
WHERE TO START?
The first step in starting your journey is to embrace curiosity and give yourself permission to explore different mediums, techniques, and styles. Don't be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone.
You have various paths to explore in your journey. You can choose to follow the classic Van Gogh approach and experiment with traditional mediums like pencils, paints, pastels, and charcoal. Alternatively, you may be inspired by contemporary digital artists like Beeple and explore the world of digital tools.
Whichever path you choose, allow yourself the freedom to explore and embrace different techniques and artistic forms to find your own unique expression. You don't have to limit yourself to painting alone. Art encompasses a wide array of creative forms and manifestations, including sculpture, photography, collage, mixed media, and more. Explore and experiment with different artistic avenues to find the medium that resonates with your creative vision and allows you to express yourself most authentically.
Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. Remember, healing spirit of art is all about self-discovery and expression.
Written by Karol Madej
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This article was written in association with Mindless Mag. By partnering with the social change platform Guy Cry Club CIC could connect with their network of global storytellers who then produced a series of articles exploring masculinity, mental health and creativity. Find out more about Mindless Mag and the brilliant work they do below.
