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  • Shriya

    Member
    December 28, 2023 at 12:55 am in reply to: Art and Personal well-being

    Art as an Oasis: How Creativity Can Wash Away Your Worries

    Art isn’t just about pretty pictures on a wall; it’s a powerful tool for boosting your well-being in mind, body, and spirit. Think of it as a hidden oasis in the bustling desert of daily life, a place to find solace, joy, and a renewed sense of self. Let’s dive into the ways engaging in art can be your personal well-being superpower:

    1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation:

  • Coloring bliss: Studies show that coloring, even for adults, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and lowering stress hormones like cortisol. So grab those crayons, markers, or colored pencils and let your worries melt away with each stroke.

    Opens in a new windowamazon.com

    Adult coloring book

  • Mindful brushstrokes: Whether it’s the rhythmic dabbing of a paintbrush or the focused precision of a pen, art activities can induce a state of mindfulness. Your attention becomes fully absorbed in the present moment, pushing worries and anxieties aside.
  • 2. Increased Happiness and Confidence:

  • Creative expression: Creating something beautiful, whether a painting, a poem, or a piece of pottery, releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter. This boost in dopamine can elevate your mood and leave you feeling happy and accomplished.

    Opens in a new windowmedium.com

    Person painting

  • Mastering new skills: Learning a new art form, like playing an instrument or sculpting, challenges your brain and builds confidence as you master new techniques. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.
  • 3. Improved Cognitive Function:

  • Memory boost: Studies suggest that engaging in artistic activities can help improve memory and cognitive function, especially in older adults. So keep your brain sharp and your mind young by picking up a paintbrush or a musical instrument.
  • Problem-solving skills: Art often involves creative problem-solving, whether it’s figuring out how to mix the perfect shade of green or finding a unique way to express an emotion. This can hone your problem-solving skills and make you more adaptable in other areas of life.
  • 4. Building Community and Connection:

  • Shared passion: Participating in art classes or workshops can connect you with like-minded individuals who share your passion for creativity. This can be a great way to combat loneliness and build a supportive community.

    Opens in a new windowmchenry.edu

    Art class

  • Expressing yourself: Art allows you to express your emotions and experiences in a way that words sometimes can’t. This can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and connection with others who resonate with your artistic voice.
  • Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do art. It’s about the journey, not the destination. So, embrace the messy, the imperfect, and the unexpected. Let your creativity flow, and watch your well-being blossom like a vibrant flower.

    Ready to explore your inner artist? Here are some resources to get you started:

  • Online art tutorials: Websites like Skillshare and YouTube offer a plethora of free and paid tutorials on various art forms, from painting and drawing to music and writing.
  • Local art classes and workshops: Look for community centers, art studios, or even your local library for classes and workshops that cater to all skill levels and interests.
  • Join an online art community: Platforms like DeviantArt and Instagram offer spaces to connect with other artists, share your work, and get inspired.
  • Remember, art is for everyone, and the path to well-being can be found in a myriad of mediums. So, unleash your inner Picasso, strum your soul’s melody, or write your heart’s story. Let art be your oasis, your wellspring of joy, and your ticket to a happier, healthier you.

    For a more specific viewpoint, you can take a look at my answer about how I personally find Paint-by-Numbers art therapeutic.

    https://members.kidpid.com/ask/topic/art-is-therapeutic-how-paint-by-numbers-washes-away-my-worries/

    • This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Shriya.
  • Shriya

    Member
    December 28, 2023 at 12:42 am in reply to: ORIGAMI

    Boxes and Containers:

  • Masu Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd5Z8hmcb10
  • Origami Envelope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEyVExBMKXo
  • Mizuhiki Knot: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cIvgs7K7KiU
  • Lucky Star Box: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QOBgDGevpos

  • Fun and Functional Gadgets:

  • Origami Phone Stand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZqRWJ1nymE
  • Origami Bookmark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lhePFhRyRg
  • Origami Coaster: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YLXQfqaUjME
  • Origami Envelope Wallet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjFA88telGo

  • Household and Organizational Tools:

  • Origami Paper Clip: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wofez2uOcXk
  • Origami Gift Bag: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WOYt32JvJfI
  • Origami Drawer Dividers: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lKoDqhJRf0I
  • Origami Book Cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCGUEbAvY7Y
  • Remember, depending on your skill level and preferred style, there may be multiple videos showcasing different folding techniques for each example. I encourage you to explore and find the one that suits you best!

    I hope this makes your origami journey even more fun and functional!

    • This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Shriya.
  • Shriya

    Member
    December 28, 2023 at 12:00 am in reply to: Art and Culture

    Visual Storytelling: Painting with Light and Emotion

    Visual arts aren’t just pretty pictures on a wall; they’re powerful tools for weaving narratives that dance across our senses and spark the imagination. They can whisper secrets in the curve of a brushstroke, shout emotions in a riot of color, and leave us breathless with the unspoken words they paint with light and shadow.

    But how, you ask? How can these silent canvases tell stories? Let’s delve into the toolbox of a visual storyteller:

    1. Composition as Character: The arrangement of elements, from the dominant figure to the lurking shadows, becomes a stage play. Each object, each brushstroke, takes on a role in the narrative, guiding the viewer’s eye through the plot. Think of Guernica’s fragmented bodies and anguished cries, or Van Gogh’s swirling stars whispering tales of cosmic anxiety.

    2. Color as Emotion: A fiery red bleeds with passion, a melancholic blue whispers of loss. Color palettes become emotional landscapes, influencing our interpretation of the scene. From Monet’s sun-drenched Impressionist gardens to Munch’s angst-ridden “The Scream,” color becomes the language of the soul.

    3. Light as Revelation: Where light falls, and where it hides, reveals secrets and builds suspense. A spotlight on a lone figure isolates vulnerability, while diffused light bathes a scene in mystery. Caravaggio’s dramatic chiaroscuro, with its stark contrasts, and Rembrandt’s intimate portraits bathed in warm pools of light, are testaments to the power of light in storytelling.

    4. Symbolism as Code: Hidden meanings and cultural references weave a web of intrigue. A wilting rose speaks of lost love, a solitary crow evokes ominous foreboding. From Bruegel’s allegorical “Hunters in the Snow” to Frida Kahlo’s surreal self-portraits, symbolism adds layers of depth to the visual narrative.

    My Story in Pixels:

    In my own pixel art creations, I try to capture fleeting moments, memories that shimmer like fireflies in the darkness. A lone figure silhouetted against a neon cityscape speaks of urban isolation, while a child’s laughter, rendered in vibrant blocks of color, evokes the joy of simple pleasures. Each pixel, meticulously placed, becomes a fragment of a story, a whisper in the digital void.

    For Further Exploration:

  • The Power of Visual Storytelling: https://www.canva.com/learn/visual-brand-storytelling/
  • 5 Ways Artists Tell Stories Through Visual Art: https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-techniques/composition/telling-a-story-on-canvas/
  • TED Talk: The Art of Storytelling: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YbV3b-l1sZs
  • Explore the Met’s collection through the lens of storytelling: https://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/met-tours/storytime/storytime
  • Educational Videos on Visual Storytelling:

    1. The Power of Visual Storytelling | TEDx Talk: This TEDx talk explores the impact of visual storytelling and its ability to convey complex narratives in a compelling way.
    2. Understanding Visual Storytelling | The Art of Photography: This video delves into the principles of visual storytelling in photography, providing insights applicable to various visual arts.

    Artistic Communities and Forums:

    1. DeviantArt: A platform where artists share their work and engage in discussions, providing an opportunity to explore diverse storytelling approaches.
    2. ArtStation: A community of professional artists showcasing their portfolios, offering a glimpse into different narrative styles and techniques.

    Further Reading on Visual Narrative:

    1. Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud: A seminal work that explores the art and theory of comics, shedding light on visual storytelling principles.
    2. The Elements of Visual Style by Chris Baty: This book delves into the elements that contribute to a visual style, providing insights into crafting compelling narratives.

    These resources offer a mix of inspiration, education, and community engagement to deepen your understanding of visual storytelling and enhance your artistic journey.

    • This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Shriya.
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