People usually tend to think that art is only for fun and there is no reason behind others’ art,but what if I told you there are many other reasons why people do it?
For many artists,the act of creating isn’t complete without the subsequent act of sharing and showcasing their work. Validation acts as a confirmation that their time and efforts haven’t been in vain. It reassures them that they have an eager audience who appreciates,understands,and values their unique contributions to the world. Each nod of appreciation,every word of praise,serves as fuel,driving them forward affirming their place in the vast and diverse artistic landscape.
Kathelyn Bravo, a junior, stated “my childhood helped me tremendously get into art. Ever since I was a kid I always enjoyed doing art and was good at it.”
Art can be breathtaking,make people emotional, and can both dazzle and hold us breathless. They can also inspire us and make people feel connected to something. Art allows people to share their experiences and stories with others creating a sense of shared humanity. It can also engage discussions,debates,and personal reflections fostering a deeper understanding of others. It can also be a form of self expression allowing people to explore and gain a deeper understanding of others. Also it helps with connecting our own creativity and developing a stronger sense of self purpose.
Bravo stated “my favorite piece of art I did was our spray paint project. For the project I painted tweety bird and used an air brush machine to graffiti over it. But the hardest piece of art I did was my oil painting,only because I would have to wait several class periods for the layers to dry. However,the easiest project would be the spray paint because I had total creative freedom for the graffiti,and it didn’t have to be perfect.”
When doing art you have to have courage because it gives you hope in yourself to know that you can accomplish anything and you can get through any difficult situation that comes your way. Also when creating anything you have to take risks and push your boundaries because it fosters growth. By embracing and pushing your past comfort zones you can approach new and unique crafts.
“Without taking risks and pushing boundaries,art would remain stagnant,and the creative spirit would be wasted on our own fears.” Arts.gov stated.
“There are a lot of people in the world aiming to be a better artist and oftentimes you meet with someone with way better skills than you. You may look at yourself who has only just started to take a step into this world,doubting and blaming yourself that you can’t be as skilled as them. Sometimes you forget that the most skilled person was once a beginner too. You are lying to yourself that you can’t do it because you don’t want to risk the time to practice and don’t want your hard work to go to waste. Don’t give into the voice in your head that says you can’t do it because once you start,it’s just a matter of time but do believe in yourself.”psychologytoday.com stated.
Bravo stated “when I feel like giving up I take breaks,If something doesn’t work out or if I’m just stressed out about my art, I will put my equipment away and do something else then whenever I come back to my art I will have a fresh head to start again.”
Once in the journey you might feel stuck and have no motivation or ideas to draw, that’s because you don’t have enough visual libraries. If you don’t have an idea don’t stop instead rest and fuel your mind with lots of references and other peoples artwork. Be inspired when you sketch because you are building up new connections in your brain and you are making new discoveries about the world around you.
Bravo stated “when drawing I always make mistakes, but the mistakes help me evaluate my ideas better and sometimes inspire me to add changes to my original ideas.”
Some might agree that art is very often all to do with the expression of beauty but throughout history artwork was made for no other explicit purpose than the production of beauty. It involves analyzing artwork within its historical and cultural context. Examining the techniques,styles,and the meanings of different artforms.
The history of art is not just about listing art movements and timelines but can also be about the understanding of social,political,and philosophical influences that have shaped the artistic creation.
Digital art is the most popular art style because it gives a quick primer on each genre’s unique characteristics and points to a few key figures to kickstart your exploration. There are many different kinds of digital art like 3D,data,cyberpunk,digital painting,and etc. 3D art is a contemporary art form that arose from the combined creativity and virtuosity of designers working in commercial 3D software,bending the software’s utility to more artistic ends.
“Data visualization has historically been associated with the need to share information with the public. The use of aesthetics was nothing more than a tool to allow the understanding of this data. Edward Tufte realised the importance of aesthetics for data visualization decades ago Because he emphasized the fact that visual attractiveness may push viewers to find deeper meaning in it. Despite the use of artistic tools, few believe that data remains a purely informational tool.” Medium.com states.
Cyberpunk art is a sci-fi subgenre that is positively bursting with incredible sources of inspiration for graphic designers that love unconventional styles. This aesthetic has had an incredible influence on films,fashion,literature,gaming,anime,and graphic design. Cyberpunk first came out during the 60s and 70s in the new wave science fiction movement. Authors like Bruce Bethke,John Brunner,Harland Ellison,and more widely regarded as having launched the cyberpunk genre and cyberpunk fiction.
Digital painting is a catch-all term that encompasses many different forms of digitally created art like combining traditional art with modern techniques. Digital painting is more convenient than using pen,paint,and paper making it an attractive career path for artists although it still mimics traditional art styles. Digital painting also evolves to become a technique in its own right. Part of this has seen digital painters move between 2D and 3D digital spaces which uses different techniques like blender and zbrush artists sculpt out maquettes to use as a base for their work to help with creating more realistic light and shading. When doing digital painting it has a lot of benefits like flexib and convenience,better productivity,easy collaboration,and easy iterations.
When doing art it can help us communicate,portray feelings,ideas,and arguments to an audience. It also asks viewers to relate symbols and other abstract connections together to interpret a meaning from imagery. This can also be a powerful communication tool in society because it allows people to share their experiences,challenges,and raise awareness about important issues. Art has the ability to capture attention and tell stories through captivating visuals,provoking installations,and compelling performances.
“Art is more than just brush strokes on a canvas or chiseled stone; it’s a conduit for human emotion,a catalyst for introspection,and a bridge to understanding diverse perspectives. From the initial stirrings of feeling when confronted with a piece to the deep introspective journeys that some artworks inspire,art serves as both a mirror and a window-reflecting our innermost selves and opening vistas to the world’s multifaceted narratives.” Artsartists artwork.com states.
Art can help decrease others symptoms of depression and anxiety. Engaging in creative activities such as drawing and painting can help with those symptoms. It can also increase positive moods and overall life satisfaction. Engaging in art can give us a sense of control over our lives and can provide us with the opportunity to express ourselves without judgment or fear.
“Art can be a powerful tool in helping us to manage our mental health and well being. Studies have found that art can reduce stress,increase self-esteem,and improve our ability to cope with difficult emotions. Art provides a safe space for us to express our thoughts and feelings allowing us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level.” cultivategrandrapids.org states.
“Whether from life’s challenges,genetic predispositions or a combination of the two the origins of art therapy go back to attempts to treat soldiers struggling with post-traumatic stress during the 20th century’s two world wars. Today there is evidence that traumatic experiences tend to be stored as sounds,images,and physical sensations in the brain. Art therapy can provide an indirect way to express and externalize those feelings and memories.” the conversation.com states.
If you are exploring art as a new creative pursuit or for well-being reasons engaging in creative activities begins with letting go of unrealistic expectations. Being creative isn’t about becoming a famous artist or a mediocre one, It is about allowing yourself to flex the creative muscle that we all have and enjoying all the emotional aspects of imagining.
Art offers us an invaluable gift of perspective. We immerse ourselves in different kinds of art forms,styles,and worldviews. This fosters a deeper sense of empathy in our globalized world.
“According to global studies 1 in 2 people will experience a mental-health-related education in arts and can help provide a supportive environment for skill development,fostering critical thinking,and connecting them with the art world. Art schools can foster strong senses among students, creating a supportive environment where they can share ideas,learn from each other,and find inspiration. It also develops soft skills such as communication,collaborations,and self-esteem,which transfers to various aspects of life.” Famsf.org stated.
“I do not plan on going to any art schools after graduation, I would say art is more of an enjoyable hobby for me.” Bravo stated.
To be creative is to see something in an original way and be willing to leap into the unknown!
