Art as a pathway to empowerment
Engaging in artistic processes places your lived experience at the forefront of learning, emphasising the significance of life events that shape our beliefs. Lived experience encompasses the entirety of one’s history, holding perspectives and influencing personal narratives. Imagine sitting down with a blank canvas, armed with magazines, coloured pencils, glue, scissors, and markers. What would your initial reaction be? Would you hesitate, immense yourself in flipping through magazines, dive into colouring immediately? This spontaneous response warrants close examination as it informs how you see your creative self.
Art serves as a non-threatening conduit for self-discovery, unveiling our thought processes, identifying obstacles, and envisioning paths for personal growth. As Cameron (1993) aptly asserts, "art opens the closets, airs out the cellars and attics. It brings healing."
Throughout history, our ancestors seamlessly integrated various artistic expressions—dancing, decorating, drawing, storytelling, and constructing—to deepen their understanding of the world. Unfortunately, modern society often marginalizes the importance of nurturing our creative selves, viewing art as a luxury rather than an essential part of personal development. This misconception extends to discouraging children from pursuing arts education due to perceived financial impracticality.
Moreover, discomfort around creative expression can be rooted in societal norms, with shame acting as a stifling force against self-expression through art. Cameron (1993) emphasizes how the act of making art exposes society to itself, illuminating both the beauty and darkness within. Shame, in this context, becomes a controlling mechanism to hinder creative expression and conformity.
Art, however, serves as a bridge to embodied ways of knowing that are transformative and empowering. It possesses the capacity to bring unimaginable transformations to one's life. Embracing an artistic life entails simple yet profound acts, such as observing nature during a neighborhood walk. The detail, senses engaged, and creativity involved in such a simple endeavor can lead to a heightened sense of self-confidence and a willingness to take more significant risks.
Nature, with its therapeutic benefits, supports emotional well-being and reduces stress hormones. From observing plants to hugging a tree, allowing oneself to get "weird, wild, and comfortable" fosters a connection to creativity and authentic self-expression.
Art is omnipresent, and cultivating a creative mindset can bring joy and fulfillment comparable to the serenity nature offers. The challenge lies in inspiring oneself to integrate art into daily life, embracing the artist within. Everyone deserves the opportunity to express their unique artistic self, and a mindful, creative approach to life fosters personal growth and catalyzes desired changes.
In the words of Julia Cameron (1993), neglecting our artistic selves can lead to a metaphorical death from boredom, as we forsake our innate creativity for someone else's idea of adulthood. Therefore, the call to action is clear: allow yourself to explore and express the artist within, for only then can true personal transformation occur.
For more resources on how to access your artist within, get started with the Soul Journal under the shop section or simply dive in and try our free recipes for mindful moments with food!
Original artwork by IndiScribbles and prints are available for purchase via
