ART is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty (aesthetic) or emotional power. It usually is limited to drawing, painting, sculpting.[1]
Young children start at an early age to put forms, colours on paper. They draw, make paintings, create sculptures, without worrying about their creative, artistic competence and the aesthetics of . They lose this capability when they get older. Adults typically have complex, ambivalent feelings about art and art making; common responses range from dismissal and derision to awe and sometimes shame about their own lack of artistic skills. We become viewers of others’ art rather than being active creators, and we lose the many benefits of creative self-expression. (American Scientist)
ART offers a guidance in connecting or reconnecting with the creative practices that support mental health, and that help people to deal with life challenges and uncertainties and to become more resilient.
The meaning for using art is 1) Healing or coping with mental or physical health problems, 2) increase creativity and create new things. 3)expressing oneself in a painting, drawing, sculpture, 4) develop better / other perceptions, 5) improve interpretation of objects and processes. Besides, art can be used to develop co-creation capabilities.
ART is an important tool in making people feel better, find more inspiration and energy, and can be more creative, have a higher productivity and/or increase the retention, make people more resilient.
Results from a University of Essex study[2] showed that participants who worked in an enriched office environment, arranged with art and plants, worked 15% quicker and had fewer complaints than those working in a boring, corporate cubicle where all is done to avoid distraction. In an empowered work-environment, in which they could select and arrange the art and plants themselves. ART offers moments of distraction, a moment of escape, moments of re-energising.
Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce, and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.
[1] The term Arts includes also music, movement, writing, drama and other creative activities
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2016/jan/21/art-works-how-art-in-the-office-boosts-staff-productivity
