Everyone knows that engaging in creative art is beneficial for kids. But what about adults, especially now, today, in this topsy-turvy world we find ourselves in? Today I’m sharing my 4 reasons why creative art is more important now than ever.
Of course, I could add many more reasons to this list, but let’s keep things simple for today, eh?
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This morning, I headed out my door for my usual walk in the park—a small but tranquil oasis in the Melbourne suburbs. Magnificent elms line the gravel path, casting long morning shadows across the grass.
I walk this way every morning, so today seemed no different. People were out walking their dogs. The air was crisp and fresh, a little windy, but with a hint of a warmer day to come.
Magpies chortled in the treetops, keeping a protective watch on their fluffy chicks who are now out of the nest.
You have to watch out for the magpies in springtime…they swoop and can take a claw to your head if you’re not careful. But they have cheeky, endearing personalities, so I don’t mind their behaviour. I’m in their space, and they are merely protecting their young.
I wear a hat!
Despite this being my usual routine, today felt different.
As I walked, I reflected on how the creative arts have helped me through the past 8 months, much of it spent in lockdown.
4 Reasons why creative expression is more important now than ever
1. Creativity gives us a safe place for emotional expression
2020 has given new meaning to the word ‘bubble’.
We’re all living in our personal bubbles. Perhaps there is only ‘you’ in your bubble, or your family, or (if very fortunate) another special person in your life, too.
When you engage in creative activities inside your personal bubble, you find a safe place—a place devoid of criticism, a place to experiment and explore.
You’re alone with your thoughts and free to interpret them as you wish.
If negative thoughts enter your mind, turn them around to a positive thought.
Instead of saying, ‘It’s my first try, I have a lot to learn‘, or ‘I’m no good at this, it’s hopeless’, wouldn’t it be better to say, ‘It’s my first try, and I love how it worked out! I can’t wait to make another one and get better and better!’.
And it’s not only newcomers to an artform that bring out this negative or apologetic streak, either!
Over the many years I’ve been teaching sewing, textile art, and music, I’ve been most struck by how people new to these artforms approach ideas and techniques they’ve not encountered before.
Their enthusiasm, creativity, and fearlessness are inspiring.
You have the opportunity to work in your creative bubble. In this safe, non-judgemental place, you can do whatever you want.
Living in the moment opens the mind to new ideas.
2. Creative expression is a mirror on our minds
The creative thought process allows us, either consciously or subconsciously, to work through problems, connect with our true thoughts, and find resolutions.
Regardless of whether you decide to paint a picture, make a quilt, bake a cake, build a birdhouse, or tend to your vegetable patch, you are engaging in a creative activity.
‘So what?’ if your soufflé flops or your sponge cake subsides? It will still taste good!
If the bugs eat your broccoli, think, instead, of the benefits…the bugs have their place in the grand life cycle of all living things, and the broccoli you toss on the compost heap magically transforms into new, enriched soil for your garden.
Or if you piece a quilt, only to find one piece back to front? (I’ve done that!). It can be fixed. Why not leave it as a quirky element that inspires conversation?
Why not do something different? Try a new technique, a new skill…remember, in your private bubble, nobody is looking over your shoulder! Embrace change.
When you busy your mind with creative thought, other thoughts cannot get a look in.
Positivity breeds positivity.
The repeated actions of stirring, stitching, dancing, laughing, running, or digging soil boost our mood, and we begin to see the world in a better light.
It doesn’t stop what’s happening around us. We may not have much control over world events, but we can control our own thoughts and activities.
3. Sharing your creativity brings joy
Have you ever watched the face of a child opening their birthday gifts, or on Christmas morning? Magic is in the air! There are few things more satisfying than giving a gift you have made yourself. It’s one of the most enjoyable things you can do.
And the joy of creativity and giving is not limited to gifts. Just yesterday, I was teaching a young music student online, as we’ve done for the past 8 months. This student has had ‘ups and downs’ with enthusiasm and engagement during the Skype lessons, which is only natural. I have, too!
But I’m very proud of how she has coped and progressed, as I know she hasn’t always found the online school and music lessons easy. I’m also proud that I’ve been able to offer her the gift of music when her usual day-to-day activities had crumbled around her.
4. Creative art is a universal language
Ultimately, the act of creative expression is an experience—a universal language that binds us together.
Approaching your creative art with a positive attitude leads to rewarding results.
For sure, there are times when I get frustrated with the creative process:
- Designs not coming together as hoped.
- Stitching errors occur.
- Writer’s block creeps in when writing a book or article.
It’s easy to view these as negative experiences.
But if you take a step back, turn them around, and give yourself a little space, suddenly the path opens up.
You begin to see the way to make things work.
The benefits of creative art, in all its forms:
- Creativity enables you to connect with the beauty around you.
- Engaging in art, as well as physical activity elevates your mood.
- Art stimulates your brain and improves cognitive ability.
- Sharing the making of art, be it sewing, painting, drawing, playing music, or growing beautiful flowers breaks down barriers.
- Creating art is fun!
The language of art is universal, regardless of language, ethnicity, social status, location, or age.
Engage with your artistic pursuits, share your ideas and your work, and you will enjoy a happier day!
My journey today has made me realize how incredibly fortunate I am to be an artist and share this passion with the world.
Hi Debra,
Agree wholeheartedly with all you have said. To create something is wonderful. It may not be perfect but it is mine and it is therefore unique. I m a sewer and the repetition of needle in needle out is soothing. At the end of an hour or so my many stitches have created a picture, or an item of clothing or a useful bag. My mother, who left the horrors of Europe behind after WW2, taught me to knit and sew. I am so grateful that she did. Sewing is my peace, my meditation.
Hi Dana, Beautiful words – thank you. It’s so wonderful we can find comfort, solace, happiness, and joy in our creative pursuits. I, too, am grateful to my mother, who left London after WW2 and passed so many skills on to me.
Thank you Deborah for your inspiring thoughts. I look forward to your emails as I always find them uplifting and inspirational.
Hi Gillian – thank you so much. I have been a bit quiet lately, I know. It’s nice to know that my words are able to inspire others.
Hi Deborah. I’m sitting in my lounge have my morning smoothie breakfast in Derbyshire in UK . The autumn sun welcomed me first thing, but the clouds are beginning to gather so my walk may be a little wet today. A very dear friend of mine was unable to visit some of her family in Melbourne in August because of your lockdown, so I have kept my eye on your restrictions. At least everyone knew what was expected of them. Here in the UK restrictions come and go so quickly we never really know what is current. Your emails over many years have been an inspiration to me and I can loose myself in thread and sketch painting, but doing it my own thing. I have purchased two of your online courses and love the idea I can go back to them time and time again. If anyone is wondering whether to purchase one of Deborah’s course, do so they are easy to follow. Fellow sewers where ever you are; keep safe and keep those machine and hand needles working. Regards
Hi Pat, what a beautiful message. I can imagine your autumn sunshine, with perhaps little spray of rain, in beautiful Derbyshire. I’ve only passed through that part of the UK once, but have spent a little time in West Yorkshire, where I have relatives. The day when I can return to the UK, and travel in general, will be a happy day! I understand your frustration with restrictions–it does appear a little confusing in the UK. The guidelines here have been reasonably clear and our state government has held their course. The good news came this afternoon that our restrictions are being lifted from Wednesday, after 133 days in lockdown. It’s been worth it. I just hope people don’t go crazy and do the wrong thing. We will still have a few rules to follow, but we’re getting there. Let’s hope we can keep it that way.
Thank you so much for your generous comments about my courses. I appreciate that.
Deborah
Good morning Deborah
Your email this morning brought tears to my eyes. Particularly the zero new cases of COVID in 133 days. Wow!!! Fingers crossed this can continue for you all.
I live in rural Nova Scotia Canada which is part of our “Atlantic Bubble” and our restrictions are thus far working so we have many freedoms at the moment. Currently we have very few active cases and are doing our part to keep everyone healthy. It is indeed a topsy turvy world.
My passion for sewing has served me really well these past few months and there is rarely a day goes by without a few minutes (or hours) sitting at my machine or fondling some fabric 🙂 And of course a daily walk if possible really adds to the creative juices for me. I totally agree with Pat about enrolling in one of your workshops. I just finished “Creative Machine Sketching” and absolutely loved it!!!!
I’m not quite sure which will be next but there will definitely be a next.
Your words are just so inspiring and kudos to you for sharing.
Lovely to hear from you again, Bev, and that you are safe and well in Nova Scotia. We in Melbourne got the good news this afternoon that our restrictions are lifting from tomorrow night (Wednesday morning)…it feels strange, to be honest. There will still be a few constraints, but nothing onerous, in my opinion. Let’s hope every country can reach this stage until a more permanent solution is available.
I’m very chuffed and excited for you at how well you progressed through the Creative Machine Thread Sketching course…you really did amazing work and I look forward to seeing what you make in the future. Keep those creative juices flowing, stay safe.
Deborah
Deborah,
Hello! I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your thoughts on creativity and the important role it has in our society.
Living in the middle of the United States I can say this current state of things is leading to a lot of frustration and anxiety. Our leadership is not handling things the way yours is and we are heading into a very hard winter. We already have freezing temperatures and snow on the ground, so many of our outdoor gatherings will be ending. I am so thankful for the time in my studio. It’s my happy place and where I go to deal with this craziness. Over time I’ve really worked on being easier on myself. I tend to be a perfectionist when I work on things. So I especially liked your thoughts on easing up on ourselves and just enjoying the process.
I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts. Thank you!
Hi Linda, It’s so wonderful that you have your studio to escape to, especially with the way I’m seeing things go in much of the US and Europe at the moment. It’s been such a tough year for everybody, for myriad different reasons. Yes, be easy on yourself. When my mind is turmoil (which is often!) I escape into sewing or music or writing…they are my happy places, and they help me calm the buzz going on in my head. Our long lockdown has been OK, I guess (if rather isolating when you live alone!), and so, so hard in others. Many businesses have suffered. But we are heading into summer, so spending time outdoors is easier now. Our lockdown officially ends tonight (yay!!) and we’ve just had another ‘zero’ day announced for today. There will inevitably be bumps and flurries of outbreaks along the way, but we’re getting there. I truly hope the countries that are not doing so well manage to turn a corner soon. This virus isn’t going away anytime soon, so we need to find a way to live with it for the time being. Stay safe, and keep up the creativity!
When I make something there seems to be memories captured or made for those who receive the item. It kind of seals the moment or history and can bring joy and comfort that shares my love and care. One of the things I enjoy about your newsletters is the freedom you remind us of that we have to create in our own mind’s eye, thanks for that, Deborah.
Hi Pegi, yes I agree about capturing memories. It will be interesting to look back in a few years and review what we created during this bizarre year. And yes, we do have the freedom to guide our thoughts to positivity rather than the opposite. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth making the effort.
Stay well!
I often play meditation music while I work on a project. The project in itself is therapy but with the music added I get more creative and relaxed at the same time. It also keeps me from getting frustrated when things don’t go as I’d planned and helps cope with this seemingly never ending covid. Thanks for the inspiration
Hi Marlene, yes, music plays an interesting role in visual art, as I think it inspires and reflects our mood, thoughts, the colours we use, and even our energy. Listening to a different style of music may result in a totally different piece of art, without us even being aware it’s influencing us.
Hi Debra I want you to know that I created my Sankofa piece after reading the thread arts techniques books I bought on Amazon. It came out beautiful and I am very happy!
Your article is right on time. I am enjoying my creativity bubble every single day!
Hi Leanora, I’m so happy for you that you have been inspired to create and finish a piece that you love – that is an achievement! Thank you for your kind comments about my book and article. Please stay safe and keep creating.
Hi Deborah,
Always enjoy your posts. Your last comments on creativity explain so much that I have always felt but couldn’t put into words. Thank you. I will be signing up for one of your online courses very soon.
I live on Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Our Covid numbers were quite low in BC but sadly have started climbing after the summer. Glad yours are under control.
Last year I went through breast cancer but have come out of treatments and surgery with a clear scan. God willing, it will stay that way for a few years. Friends, faith and quilting and fabric art have kept me going through it all.
I quilt and design for the JOY it brings. I also love sharing what I have learned with friends…as so many generous quilters have shared with me over the years.
Many, many Thanks!
Jean
Jean, my goodness what a year or so you’ve had. It’s so very wonderful that you’ve been given the ‘all clear’ on your cancer. Having a supportive community around you has obviously helped you on your journey, and I’m sure you’ll all continue to support each other through the Covid period. Stay in your creative/supportive/joyful bubble and stay safe!
You are so right, Deborah! It is wonderful to be creative.
I need to get back to my ZigZag Zazzle part 2, but I decided to jump in with my own project. I was having such fun stitching and it was looking okay. The problem was using a dark fabric which required putting down too much thread. So I went to the quilt store yesterday and bought a couple pieces that will work better. I promise to send a pic.
It was last March at the beginning of our lockdown that I discovered your website. That’s one good thing about the pandemic. Summer was busy but the dark winter days are almost here and I will be sewing away.
I am grateful for your inspiration,
Jennifer