Rx: Art

This afternoon, a college student friend of mine stopped by the store, and I invited her to make an Artist Trading Card. (This invitation is open to any.)



She hesitated, saying that she's "not creative" and "not artistic". But she noticed the supplies I keep handy for the purpose: colored pencils, bottles of ink, scissors, glue - and a small box of magazine cut outs for collaging.



She began fingering through the cut outs, and came across several she liked. She sorted more thoughtfully, picking words and images and, as she did so, talking about ways in which she found them resonant with her life experiences.



Before long she was dribbling ink into background patterns on a card, and arranging her chosen elements in ways she found meaningful.



Finally, she picked up the bottle of Elmer's Glue and said, "I haven't used Elmer's Glue since I was a little kid. I used to be good at art."



Ultimately, she created a beautiful piece celebrating some of her personal triumphs. At her request, I hung it on the ATC board in my shop next to all the others. She then ran out to get her boyfriend so that he could see it.



This whole incident illustrated, to me, some important truths:



1. We can re-kindle the expressive freedom we knew as little kids. We are every bit as "artistic" now as we were then - but we suffer from greater self-consciousness, self-censorship. If we can summon the courage to push past these barriers, we can tap into the same streams of creativity which flowed through early childhood.



2. Art is a potent means of exorcism. The experiences my young friend expressed were deeply painful - but once she had finished, the work of art gave her delight, pride, and - I think - relief.



3. A supportive, non-judgmental environment can facilitate both of these: triumph (however temporary) over self-censorship, and strength to confront personal demons.



4. Publicity and recognition - even on a small scale - validate self-expression and strengthen the spirit for more.


My friend left with several blank ATC's. I hope she uses them to pursue further discovery and release. Even if she doesn't, I hope this evening's experience will lighten her life's burden, at least a tiny bit.