Art
Commentary: Art therapy, a not so new way to help cope with life’s stressors – CHEK
Times are scary right now. We are in a worldwide health pandemic impacting everyone globally, countries aren’t the friendliest to each other, and there seems to be no end in sight for any of it.
Every day is a stark reminder that the world is hurting, and if you are like me, you may feel helpless at times. I have ventured into art therapy to cope with the stress and negative emotions, hoping that it will give me some relief. It turns out, it works. Ever since I was young, I was always writing, taking photos, painting or doing other creative works. It helps me focus my emotions, and sometimes I ended up with a pretty decent result. But, I have discovered, it’s not the result is not what matters. What’s that saying “It’s not the destination but the journey that matters?” Well, whoever thought that up, you are right!
You might be asking what art therapy is. Merriam-Webster defines art therapy as “therapy based on engagement in artistic activities (such as painting or drawing) as a means of creative expression and symbolic communication.” Primarily, you use art to express your emotions and help you de-stress. I have to admit; I was skeptical at first. Until this pandemic hit, and I was forced to stay home, I didn’t realize that I hadn’t done any of that in a few years. Why? Because life gets in the way. I was travelling a lot for work. Several family members and pets had various health issues. I even had some scary health moments, and I was mentally drained and emotionally exhausted. When I’m like that, I feel like I can’t be creative. On the other hand, that’s when you need to push yourself to be creative because it will help you through it.
I have spent the last five months on a self-discovery, self-care journey, using art therapy to help me cope with life stressors, and the results are amazing. I started writing. Publishing my first paranormal romance novel called The Prophecy (now available at Bolen Books in Victoria, BC), I also published a kid’s picture book series about Vancouver Island called Let’s Explore (with more planned), started a website and have picked up my camera again. I have to say it feels good.
Writing a kid’s book, let alone four, wasn’t at the top of my list until my two cousins had babies, and I couldn’t spend time with them on the mainland, and they weren’t able to travel to the island for visits because of the pandemic. It inspired me to share the island with them, and when they can get out and explore, they will be excited to check out the places in the books. It also got my creative juices flowing but helped me immensely to reduce anxiety and stress.
I have always been a big fan of reading, specifically paper books. I love it, from the smell of the pages to holding the book in your hand. Reading is good for your mental health, and that alone is a worthy reason to fill up your bookshelves. The top benefits I have realized are:
- Reading other people’s stories has helped put my own life into perspective.
- Reading actively lowers my stress and promotes relaxation.
- Reading allows me to escape into other worlds and cultivates my creativity.
- Reading has improved my problem-solving skills and enhances my knowledge of the world.
Are my daily stressors gone? No. But, I spend my days ensuring I dedicate regular creative time to what makes me happy because, like Howard Thurman says, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive.” My writing, photos, and other creative hobbies make me come alive. I challenge you to share what makes you come alive with the family, friends or the world, because we need more of that, especially right now.
Please stay safe out there. For more information check out my website www.jenniferdowd.ca.
Jennifer Dowd is a writer, photographer, painter and author of the new novel ‘The Prophecy and the kid’s series called Let’s Explore.’ She has spent many years reading novels and now has written her own. She lives and works in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, and spends her time on her artist’s pursuits, with her family and her two fur babies, Baylee and Willow.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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