Art = Therapy

I have mentioned many times in my life that drawing, painting, crafting and even writing serves as a great form of therapy. You just get lost in the moment. You're so focused, you have taken your mind into a place that is stress free and relaxed, fit to bring out your creativity. I recently have spoken to a few people who have expressed how much they enjoy their hobbies and how it is their therapy. For one who reads, it's like an escape into another world. You get lost within the words and become part of the story. For one who loves to bake, they get lost in the task of perfection, creation and finding that magic touch. We each have our own form of therapy. We get lost in the task. Time seems to stand still, the world fades around us and nothing else seems to matter.

Author, teacher, and artist, Betty Edwards has a way of explaining this theory about art therapy. She calls it "states of consciousness." She explains it like this-  "The slightly altered consciousness state of feeling transported, which most artists experience. You may have observed in yourself slight shifts in your state of consciousness while engaged in much more ordinary activities than artwork. Most people are aware that they occasionally slip from ordinary waking consciousness into the slightly altered state of daydreaming. People often say that reading takes them 'out of themselves'. Many people find that they do a lot of creative thinking while driving, often losing track of time and experiencing a pleasurable sense of freedom from anxiety."

Her explanation is a little confusing at first but think about it. When do you find yourself lost in a daydream or when did time stand still while you were engaged in a task. She goes on to discuss how like when driving, sometimes you don't know how you got to your destination. You were in such an altered state of consciousness because driving has become so ordinary to us and we get lost in our thoughts.

Take a minute and think about what your form of "therapy" is. What takes you into your zone where nothing else matters and you get lost in the moment.

Top Artist

So, I've decided to enter a "Top Artist" competition. I have no idea as to where I should begin, but if I discipline myself enough the next few months to polish up on the basics, simply entering the competition would be a huge step for me.

Renowned Artist and Author, Betty Edwards is a great teacher and her works are a great tool for many. She will be judging the competition which is intimidating, yet exciting and the art entered should be based from her book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.

I will strive to do my very best work in the time prior to deadline. I look forward to pushing my limits and finding strength through practice. Though the cash reward for the chosen "Top Artist" is larger than I can comprehend, it simply doesn't matter. My goal in this competition is to see what I'm made of. Do I have the discipline, desire, strength and courage it takes within myself to show my work to others. This is a step I MUST take to become the Author and Illustrator I aspire to be. I can't rise above if I don't fall. I certainly can't learn if I hide from criticism. The joy of learning is in the use of the knowledge gained.

Remember this:

                 It takes a lot of courage 
              to show your dreams 
              to someone else.
                                                              -Erma Bombeck


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Site to see

As a business owner and previous shop owner on etsy.com, I would like to spread the word about how wonderful it is to make special holiday purchases from etsy.com. There really is something for everyone, a one stop shopping crafters market. It seems there are fewer specialty stores to actually visit these days. The cost is too high to rent and many of the retailers on the site are artists of many styles and specialty products that would hate to jack up their prices just to make rent. There are so many beautiful items people are making that catch my eye. It's very addictive to go from one shop to the next, amazed at such talent people have at their craft. There is a shop for just about everything; Art, jewelry, hair accessories, clothing, baby items, household items, candle making, vintage items.....the list goes on and on and on. When you visit www.etsy.com this shopping season, I know you will end up with something special for yourself as well. I am always able to find something I never knew I always wanted. Shop safe and secure online with Etsy in the comfort of your own home.  Grab a cup of coffee and put your feet up, it's time to SHOP!

www.etsy.com