My mom created because she had to. She had an internal need to make as many artists do. It had nothing to do with sensationalism, competition or making money. I know, because I have the same need. Is it possible that making art is something we all need?
Creativity is something we are all born with. Most of us loose it long before adulthood. The debate is why? Being able to see objects, and I mean really see them, is the basis of drawing and rendering. At some point in growing up, humans loose the ability of sight and sensuality. Sometimes, kids stop making art because of the peer embarrassment of being different. Maybe it is the media that is the culprit. We are dizzy and cannot think because of being constantly bombarded with commercials, adds and information with no meaning. We have learned to interact on a very impersonal and looming level with others day to day. Since when have you asked, “How are you today?” and wanted to hear the real answer.
What I do know, is that being an artist has saved me from a corporate non thinking zombie world. My living proof is the adult students that tell me it is the best part of their week when they know it’s class day. During class, they forget everything bad, stressful or even worse and concentrate on making. When they leave class, all the garbage from their life is forgotten. Although, I know we have plenty of camaraderie, laughs and giggles during class, the result of their three hours with me is much more important.
Making art is concentrating. A kind of concentration you only get with meditating. That is why artists can work in the studio for hours and not notice the time. This kind of concentration releases stress and is empowering. Making art leads to greater self awareness and discipline. The artist gains confidence in themselves and their art opens doors to reveal more art to be made. It is no secret that students that have art in their school systems have better test scores and apply themselves in a wider variety of interdisciplinary studies.
Recently, I had the joy of attending a “Girls Summit” at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Miami. The theme was, girls gaining confidence through art education. Considering myself a feminist artist and an activist for art education, I knew this was an important conference to attend. The women I met here were survivors, activists, educators and dedicated. They were women who had seen results and were making their lives richer by helping to change the world a few students at a time. This was a turning point for me, I know that I have been going in the right direction all along. Art for the girls that were taught under these programs, Women on the Rise, The Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade County, SOLHOT and SPARK was life changing. The girls found they could draw what they felt, expressing themselves in a new language that was screaming loud in a room that was safe.
When was the last time you screamed and felt better?
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Nicki Wood 