The original members of The Art Studio, Inc. included Suzanne Garrett, Greg Busceme Sr. and Sandi Laurette. Photo by John Fulbright.
Each of us, as artists, can attest to the power of making art. Our diligence and skills produce wonders in clay, charcoal, paint and every other material that we have on hand. This aura, this strength that creativity gives us, has notable changes in our minds and our demeanor.
Studies have shown the changes in brain waves as someone creates, and this wonderful mental experience is not limited to skilled artisans. As a matter of fact, simply scratching a pencil on paper, pushing your fingers in a ball of clay, splashing paint on a canvas, will signal the brain that a masterpiece is on its way! How amazing!! The mere mimicking of the process of making art benefits the maker with good chemicals that increase mind function and fills one with an understanding of self. Art is that powerful.
Switch to last year when TASI collaborated with United Way with the Empty Bowls event. Through having groups from various mental and physical assistance programs come to the studio and participated with us, we found a very positive response from the students in playing with clay, drawing, painting, or any activity that the student would like to try. It is such a small step for so much good. Programs do not have to be expensive to have a profound impact and art seems to deliver on both accounts.
I think the arts have some far-reaching effects that can give anyone a sense of satisfaction, a sense of self, and a growing confidence that allows all of us to be comfortable in our own skin. Our exhibition “The Art of Mental Health” gives the rest of us a peek into the thoughts, feelings and struggles of a unique community who benefit so much with something as simple as art.
During these polarized times, mental solace is sought through so many channels, some better than others. We have, in Southeast Texas, a slew of great arts organizations that offer classes in many art disciplines and different approaches to making art. There is bound to be a group you will enjoy. We all need healthy minds and as artists we have unique perspectives on our lives and how we wish to express those perspectives. I know that I get sullen if I spend too much time away from my art, and when I finally get back to my clay, I gratefully thank the universe.
