Art can be a meditation of sorts...
Each of us is born curious and creative. Just watch a baby sometime. Curiosity and creativity abounds. I watched my grandson working with building blocks. He made an improvised platform on which to climb to get to another toy. He was only 18 months old!
Creativity grows as we grow into childhood as long as it is allowed to grow. Kids are not afraid to experiment and get creative. That is until they are told to put it away the crayons and paint. Maybe because they are too messy. Maybe because growing responsibilities get in the way. Then it slips away from us.
Our structured lives pull us away from the paint, the play dough and the crayons. Whether it's schools that focus on test results or work that just takes too much time, the real world can limit our creative options. It can stagnate the spirit and frustrate the soul.
After years of parenting I've learned the best way to calm a child is to keep them busy with crayons, paper, paint or anything that can become an art project. Excited children become focused. Bored children become interested. Kids are innovative and feel a sense of satisfaction. It makes for happy children!
I believe it is the same for adults. I know it is for me. When I focus on my artwork it becomes calming and I loose myself in my work. I find myself meditating on the colors, the brushstrokes, the composition. The sense of satisfaction when I complete a work brings me a sense of joy like no other. For me it is much more effective than any meditation I have ever tried! Try it sometime. You'll find out just how important art can be to you!
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