Participating in Art

art by Eugene Soleyev

from the Plesh Creative Group Design Library

the PCG library holds over 5,000 designs available for licensing

One way to enjoy life more fully is by not only appreciating art but by actively participating in an artistic endeavor.

Art is a form of personal expression. Many say through art what they can’t express with words. There are different forms of art. Personal expressions of art can come through dance, music, painting, sculpting and crafts.  Participation in an art allows you to express yourself creatively.

Creating and communicating through art broadens our imagination. It teaches us to take a more creative approach in our day to day endeavors including the solving of problems. Sometimes taking a purely academic approach to problem solving can be limiting, focusing purely on the rational. But when it comes to creative thinking there are no boundaries or rules -  you can be as imaginative and daring as you want.

Participating in an art form can also be an effective way to combat stress. Through art you can express the things you cannot say in words. Rather than keeping those feelings suppressed within you, art gives you the opportunity to let it out.

There are other positives I could point out but the bottom line is you don’t have to be a professional artist to be artistic or enjoy the benefits of creativity. Art is a part of our lives. We can choose to enjoy and appreciate art through observation  - or opt to participate, in some way, in it’s being.

Searching For New Beginnings

                                  ”

Warrior and Woman    acrylic on canvas    48" x 48"    J. Plesh

As we grow, the events of life contribute to who and what we are. Creating art is somewhat the same. A painting includes a series of events or steps taken to grow the image. And like life, our art continues to grow after each accomplishment. The creative process is one in continual search of a new beginning. The ending is for the viewer. The completed painting tells the artist’s story, but by then the artist is already at a new beginning—exploring, visualizing, seeking a new story to tell. This is the way art is made. This is the creative process—moving in the direction which gives the artist his or her greatest pleasure, excitement and challenge. The painter must render canvas after canvas, searching and perfecting, before he can freely express himself with spontaneity and authority. The freedom that results from these efforts has no boundaries.  Not unlike life itself.