In the past, I have written about how creating art can have a positive impact on your mindset and overall emotional vitality.  Art can evoke emotions in the creative with every mark made on the paper.  We can get lost in the mood, and get carried away in our thoughts and the feelings behind every stroke of the brush, pen, or pencil. 
I remember with the loss of a family member in 2023, I locked myself in my studio and painted, remembering last words, lost memories and feeling bewildered and alone.  The paintbrush and colours played on the panel as the tears streamed down my face.  The emotions were raw, and the painting was just what I needed to do at the time. 

Sight, smell, sound and touch are senses that can trigger memories both good and challenging.  I am sure you have heard a song on the radio, and it has transported you back to a time far, far away.  A smell has taken you back to a family holiday by the beach, or the scent of a fragrance reminds you of your Mum.

Art can evoke emotions as we view the finished piece, it can transport us back to a time once forgotten, a missed opportunity, a true love, or a person. Art can bring about tears of joy, tears of triumph or tears of loss.  A friend of mine is an incredibly talented artist who, amongst other things immortalises on paper animals for those that have lost their pets. I am sure those artworks would spark emotions for the owner.

Next time you are engaging with a piece of art, feel the emotion and enjoy the process. It truly is a blessing. 

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Featured Artwork: Down by the River
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I know the saying well, "life gets in the way".  Back in mid-March, we signed the papers to have some work done in our house. By most people’s reckoning it is small works which includes new flooring and painting throughout the house.
I decided the following weekend to get a head start on culling what wasn’t needed anymore.  I was going along quite well and then we headed to Perth for my dad’s special birthday celebrations. Unfortunately, both hubby and I got sick.
Nevertheless, on our return we started the arduous task of packing up a house that we moved into seventeen years ago.  Oh, boy! Enough of the scene setting……….
Throughout this time, I mostly have only been able to create artwork at classes. Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful I have this opportunity.  Creating art in classes is very different to creating art on my own in my own space and mostly in silence.  I enjoy the solitude and quiet time creating. Occasionally I may play a podcast or some quiet music but mostly I work in silence.  I also can play and experiment, paint over explore colour options and develop ideas in my space.  One final thing I have noticed is I miss that relaxation time.
Life has certainly taken priority over the last few months and will continue to for at least another 5 weeks.  I am missing my creating for me time, I do know it’s not too far away.  Thank goodness for art classes, I get to enjoy creativity with a great bunch of people at the classes.

As the work picks up in the house this week, I am hoping to pick up the paint brushes in my art shed and get the creativity flowing again.
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Have you had a time where life got in the way of your hobby, desire or plans?  Share any strategies or your tips in the comments below.We would love to see them.   

​Featured artwork:  Waterside
   

I can sit and while away hours lost in paint, brush and thoughts. Often, I get lost in the art, conjuring up stories or scenarios that fit with a scene. Take the piece pictured to the left.  I imagined myself on this secluded beach, nestled in the rocks with a book, the sun glistening on my skin and the gentle lap of the ocean coming up to the shoreline. I transport myself to that place, if only for the time I am creating, even though it may be raining and windy outside. 

Some people create art for their pleasure, a form of relaxing, rejuvenation of the mind and soul and a pleasure entirely for themselves.  There is no intention for the completed artwork, only for the moment.

Hobbyist's create for the joy of a hobby that keeps them active, connected and enjoying their pursuits. Often,joining a group with likeminded creatives.

There is also the part time or full time artist who creates art for not only the joy but for the purpose of selling their works. Some are creating for the purpose of their work to be hung in a gallery or museum.

Ask yourself, am I creating this piece for:
it to be in a museum?
it to be in a gallery?
to be sold?
to hang on my wall at home?
me to have no expectation?
me to enjoy the time relaxing, having fun and forgetting what is going on in my life?
 
There is no right or wrong to any of the reasons we create art. When I am in the studio or out an about creating, I don't have anyone in mind, I don't create with the intention to put the piece up for sale.  I create for the joy, the experieince and the sheer enjoyment and pleasure of creating.  I personally think, for me, it takes the pressue off, it allows you the freedom to explore, break the rules, have fun, create without expectation.  If someone loves what I have created enough to purchase it, take it to their home and enjoy it, that is all I can ask for beyond my pleasure.    

Are you a creator or an admirer?  Leave your comments below.

Can creativity positively effect your mental wellbeing?  Well, in my humble opinion, yes it can.  I have talked about this before in classes and on the socials, how returning to creativity helped me through the COVID lockdowns.  For those in Melbourne, you would understand what it was like to live through the lockdowns, as one of the most lockdown cities in the world. 
I rediscovered art during this time and found I lent on it to relax me and take my mind off what was going on.

In the art classes I run, often there are comments such as, "where did that 2 hours go?", "I got lost in the painting.", or "This is my happy place, I forget what is happening in my life." "This is my me time to relax and enjoy some quiet time."

Just 40 minutes of art can help to reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone in your body. There is a fabulous book, Your Brain on Art; How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross which goes into great depth.  It is well worth a read. You can check out the link under my favourite tools. 
​Art therapy is now found more in mainstream mental health services as the benefits of art and creativity on wellbeing is being highlighted more and more. 

I have found when I run an evening art class, I sleep better that night, participants of the night programs have also commented they have the same restful night's sleep.

If I have had a particularly busy day or really have been under the pump, I take some time out for 20 minutes to half an hour to sketch or dip into some watercolour, it can have a profound effect on my mind, mood and wellbeing.   Sometimes, taking a short amount  of time can be all you need to shift your mood with a simple sketchbook or a simple watercolour palette, a few brushes and an art book.   
Have you found art has helped your wellbeing in anyway?  Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.  
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