“Everybody is talented, original, and has something important to say.” — Brenda Ueland

We Are All Artists

Have you ever watched a child sit down with a box of crayons and some paper and make a drawing? Does that child worry about being “talented” and say “Oh! I can’t make art!”? No, that child draws whatever is in his or her mind and enjoys the process. That child is an artist. We all used to be that child. We just forgot.

Art Is Communication

Human beings started drawing on the walls of caves when they discovered that there are some experiences that words don’t completely capture. Art is a non-verbal way to communicate what’s inside of ourselves, our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It can surprise us with new insights about ourselves.

Art Is Stress-Relieving

Playing around with art materials can be very soothing, calming, and centering. Like other forms of centering, it can help us access the wisest parts of ourselves. Or, to put it another way, it’s FUN!

The Finished Product

Art making results in a finished product that mirrors back the thoughts, feelings, and experiences that went into it. Seeing your own life reflected to you in an object can help you get a new perspective on it. We are all amazing people with astounding stories to tell, but we don’t realize it unless we document those stories in some form. Art making provides a way to do that. This not only benefits ourselves, but it leaves something behind that our families can enjoy and learn from after we’re gone.