Art: More than Just Paint

The best thing about art is that it can be many different things for many people. For some, it’s a messy creative outlet or an energy source. For others, art is a time to slow down, or it makes their home calm and comfortable. It can be a show, a picture, a painting, a sculpture, a building, a poem, and so much more. Art can be so individually catered to our personal interests and talents that it has the power to bring all people of different cultures, ethnicities, values, and passions something to relate to and enjoy.

When it comes to physical art, simple paintings are one of the best ways for all types of people to interact with the creative world. There are no rules when it comes to painting, so filling a page with whatever colors, shapes, and lines is a great way to start. People often believe they have no artistic talent, but just like any other skill in life, art can be taught, learned, and mastered. As talented artist, Bob Ross would say, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.” Art may seem intimidating to try, but there is no going wrong when it comes to painting. That is one of the things Kayla Weise, an amateur artist who often paints in her Bible for fun, loves about it. “Painting allows me to stop amidst the craziness of life and take time to be still with the Lord,” she says. Weise also thinks that “more people should try some form of art. It won’t ever be perfect, but they will have made it, and that’s why it will be beautiful.” Our Creator created us to create, and that is what we should always be doing, regardless of our imperfections and perceived inabilities. Painting is one of the best and easiest methods to experience art, but there are so many other ways to take a break and immerse yourself in creativity.

Dancing is another beautiful art form that is very diverse and versatile! Watching dancers in synch move in creative ways to rhythmic music is both enjoyable and inspiring to watch. Isabel Mistretta, a dancer who has been dancing for 12 years at Shannon Carney Dance Academy, stated, “I think that dance really allows everyone to express themselves in their own individual way.” Dancing not only brings joy to the dancers, but it also draws the audience in with passion and thoughtfulness. Choreographers are able to captivate audiences with beautiful pictures and creative movements, offering something different and exciting every time. Dance is an art that has been around for centuries. It has been a source of entertainment for quite some time. Watching others originate unique patterns of movement and art with their bodies is always eye-opening for the audience. Like many forms of art, dance can bring others joy. Dancing yourself can be joyful. Studies have shown that when we dance and are in tune with the rhythm of the music, our brain releases dopamine and endorphins, which actually make us happier! Mistretta added, “I think that dance provides entertainment and joy to those watching it. It gives people something to enjoy and something to interpret in their own way.” As an audience is watching dance, the dancer’s emotion and passion inspire them to create their own interpretation of the story.

Whether it is painting, dancing, sculpting, writing, organizing, coloring, drawing, watching, or designing, you should take part in more art. As humans, we need creative outlets, entertainment, a means of expression and reflection, and a break from reality, and art can provide all of those things.

Sources:
https://www.banksidegallery.com/news/146-the-art-of-happiness-finding-art-that-brings/#:~:text=Studies%20have%20proven%20that%20the,to%20combat%20stress%20and%20pain.
https://artbusinessnews.com/2021/07/can-art-really-make-you-happier/
https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/how-to-access-your-creative-joy-even-under-stress
https://www.paintingsinhospitals.org.uk/7-art-makes-us-happier-and-more-satisfied-with-our-lives
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/arts-and-health/201109/art-and-happiness
https://www.tapa.net.au/2020/06/01/science-confirms-that-dancing-makes-you-happy/#:~:text=When%20we%20dance%20our%20brain,but%20also%20the%20pleasure%20centers.