For me artistic expression is therapeutic. Arts and crafts give me the opportunity to express my emotions in a safe way or just relieve stress. There are many options that are convenient, easy and relatively inexpensive. Photography, painting, drawing, crocheting, quilting, stone carving and woodworking are several to consider.
After I lost my mother, father-in-law, uncle and grandfather, as well as several friends in a matter of months, I needed a way to process the grief. My camera became my constant companion and photography my main medium for about 3 years. There is something about walking on the beach or in the woods, looking for that special image which tells the story in my heart. It is an all-consuming experience each and every time I go for a walk. For years it was lone objects that interested me, most of them in the final stages of life or broken, forgotten objects. They told the story of the frailty of life. The images also captured the deep loneliness and loss I was experiencing. Photography is relatively inexpensive today. The convenience and availability of cameras on phones and tablets make this the easiest artistic expression. For those who really enjoy photography, there are wonderful cameras at reasonable prices. I started with a used digital camera for about $150, which serviced me well for about 5 years. Now I own a Canon Rebel T3i because I wanted better visual quality when printed in large sizes. Images don’t need to be printed to be therapeutic, but when that special image is taken, printing is reasonable at companies like Walgreens, Shutterfly and Snapfish.
Acrylic paintings, watercolor and mixed media are interesting creative mediums. Each and every medium has its own texture and method of application to help express feelings when there aren’t words. These three mediums have something in common – “almost” instant gratification. They dry relatively fast, but have enough flexibility to give you time to make adjustments. Acrylic can be painted over and watercolor can be lifted and reworked. I often painted alone, but sometimes I invited friends and we create together. On occasion, when I finished a project I know others will enjoy, I assemble a group of ladies and show them how its done.
Drawing is its own animal, often one of the most intimidating and misunderstood of the art forms. Talented artists seem to have such a grasp on drawing that it sends most people screaming in terror when offered the opportunity to try. But drawing is a skill that can be learned with practice. A good teacher can help, but isn’t necessary. Practice is the key. Graphite pencils, colored pencils, charcoal and ink pens are inexpensive, lightweight and portable. Sketchbooks come in many sizes and for the prudent shopper hobby stores offer coupons for better pricing.
I’m a firm believer in preserving the crafts of our ancestors. My family has a history of crocheting that dates back several generations. Talk about portable and inexpensive with big return. There is nothing like making a blanket or baby booties and seeing the joy of gifting them to others. This craft pays dividends in hours of stress relief and joy. It’s not the easiest thing to learn, but like drawing, practice and patience with yourself is the key… and if you know someone who can teach you all the better. If not, check out YouTube, many have shared videos that can help someone learn this unique craft.
Quilting is as old as time. It can be done by hand or with a machine. You can purchase fabric or use old clothes, bedding, tablecloths or curtains that can’t be used anymore. There are patterns for beginners and experts and every town has quilting groups you can become a part of where you will find like-minded people who love to help others improve their skill.
Stone carving is a great way to relieve stress and express myself, while connecting with others. A Dremel tool, an extension cord, a dust mask and some diamond bits are all a person needs…well and some flagstone or moss rock. A quiet space outside or in a garage makes great workspaces. I made a wonderful friend who enjoys stone carving, so we get together, working separately in the same space. Few words needed to be spoken; time spent together its own reward.
Although woodworking isn’t what I would call a reasonable art form, it has by far been one of my favorites. It is an all sensory experience for me – the smell of the wood as its cut, the tactile nature of sanding, the visual beauty of the wood, and the sound of power tools…. there’s nothing better. Joint projects with my husband in our workshop give us time together doing something we love - making gifts for others, not to mention the dates we take shopping for the right wood for each project. We’ve been known to drive to around Texas shopping for wood.
Artistic expression is indispensable for me. It helps me through difficult times in life. It’s a way to reach out to others and share my experiences; precious family and friends taking trips to the beach and arboretums to use my camera, watercolor and acrylic classes, and relief carving into stone with a friend and a trusty Dremel tool. Art forms like drawing, photography and watercolor are portable and easy to learn. I hope this blog has inspired you to try something artistic. There are artists in every city who offer classes in just about every medium you can think of. They provide the equipment and materials to give you the opportunity to try something new. And don’t give up if you aren’t excited by your first experiences. There is a medium out there for you, keep looking, because once you find it your life will be enriched.