It came as a surprise to me that doing Art might have healing powers.
When I shared this insight with Leslie I got the “you pitiful creature” look. And what else should I have expected from a full time artist?
Dunno.
Nevertheless, I feel compelled to spread it around. Most of the people who read this blog are probably in the same pitiful category and can use the help.
I Love Art © 2009 by Kofi Ansah, Artist Known As De Godson
There are numerous studies that link emotions to health. The next critical step is to investigate whether Art can be demonstrated to influence the healing process. One group, The Foundation for Art & Healing, is attempting to bring together resources from the Medical and Artistic communities to do just that.
In the past I would have been skeptical. But as a recovering left-brain thinker, I’m more open to possibility. After all, we now know
- Our brains are plastic.
- It’s nature and nurture.
- Music and Art predate everything.
I still see one small problem though.
What do you do about people who have no artistic ability whatsoever. Or are put off by the whole process?
I have a solution.
We Can Blog Our Way To Health!
You heard it here first.
The image above seems a perfect way to illustrate the possibility of Art healing the Heart. It was created by Kofi Ansah. originally from Ghana, but who has spent most of his life in Europe and is now a full-time University student studying 3D Animation in Chislehurst, Kent, UK. Kofi graciously allowed me to post his work; here’s your link to his website.
Not A Mystery 
I did not give you that ‘ you pitiful creature’ look. Remember, I’m the one who keeps saying how creative/smART you are!
xoxoxo L
Posted by Leslie Gelber | July 4, 2009, 3:02 pmI don’t understand why some people choose to explore and comment on subjects they know nothing about. Plastic BRAINS, what!!! If you’re not creative, why would you choose art for healing?
If you’re doing it to get a reaction, this I would believe. And Leslie clearly gave you a wife’s complement and I like the way she spelled smART, now that’s creative.
Anyways, art requires both sides of the brain so I don’t ever have to worry about it. see ya next week
Posted by King Quad | July 5, 2009, 10:04 amGood news. There is a big soft chair for you on the pitiful side of the room right next to me. It’s quiet and relaxing. I’ve reserved it for you. Things will work out.
Posted by Bob Gelber | July 5, 2009, 10:43 amGood question from King Quad who queried, “If you’re not creative, why would you choose art for healing?”
From someone who works with people in creative and therapeutic ways all the time, I can say…
Ironically, it is the less “naturally” or “spontaneously” creative person who benefits the most from engaging art/music/movement as a modality toward health and healing. Creative people often already reap the benefits. Sorry I don’t have time to do find citing, but I know this to be true, and the research is out there.
Sadly, those who are disinclined are also the hardest to persuade. Sometimes it’s a case of “you won’t know until you try.”
So one possible answer to the question: Some hypothesize that an inability to be creative is the source of a great deal of neuroses and other problems (examples are in many autistic individuals). In this sense, however, “creativity” is very, very broad. Not all creativity is artistic. “Problem solving” in management is at least as creative as trying to carve a human form out of a solid piece of granite. And “creative expression” can take place in simple living-room conversation or baking in the kitchen, etc. It need not all look like something that happens in an art studio.
I’ve said too much, I know. 😉
Posted by Heather | July 13, 2009, 10:48 pmHeather,
This is really above my pay grade. Your comment got me to look up the ‘difference’ between art and creativity.
Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music and literature. The meaning of art is explored in a branch of philosophy known as aesthetics.
Creativity is a mental and social process involving the generation of new ideas or concepts, or new associations of the creative mind between existing ideas or concepts. Creativity is fueled by the process of either conscious or unconscious insight. An alternative conception of creativeness is that it is simply the act of making something new.
At least something to think about for a while.
Bob
Posted by Bob Gelber | July 14, 2009, 6:54 amThat’s Great, I’m in, I’ll never make to the other side anyways. Is there more chairs for those who maybe qualified?
Posted by King Quad | July 5, 2009, 11:53 amAlso, thanks for the photo of London’s mini car, keep searching for that mini horse, that would make a great blog!!
Posted by King Quad | July 5, 2009, 11:59 amAs an artist myself, I know producing art makes you and other people who see it feel different ways. People either like or hate it, everyone has their own opinion and that’s about how experienced the viewer is in analyzing the image before criticizing.
The artist however, feels great after finishing an art piece as he wants people to see what he’s done, so Art definitely has emotional “powers” if I had to say.
Posted by Kofi Ansah | July 7, 2009, 1:07 amKofi,
One issue with ART is that the viewer brings their own history to the game. If the ART is good, then there is a big interaction of ‘my baggage’ with the artist’s work. That interaction can go in unpredictable directions, for the viewer and the artist both. As my wife says, it’s always “Just Another Mystery”.
Thanks for your comments, and allowing me to share your work with others.
Bob
Posted by Bob Gelber | July 7, 2009, 7:42 am