Reflections on Creativity and Why Art Matters

Hello, Dear readers,

I thought I would share some reflections on my journey with art and creativity with you.

Let me start by saying that I believe we are all born artists in some way, our expression may differ, but we all intrinsically need to communicate our experiences of the world.

My formal journey as an artist began with seven intense years at art school. It wasn’t what I expected, it was a competitive environment, brimming with ego and often lacking soul. A place to measure who was ‘best’. Yet, I think the abrasive challenges of art school taught me to believe in myself and to truly value my own artwork, my own expression and ideas.

During this time, I was beginning to ponder the purpose of art in our society and more broadly, the world. I could see a society that valued products, status and achievement, a world overwhelmed by information, and this caused me to question; Why does art matter at all? Why do we create? Why do we enjoy viewing art? What value does it add to our lives?

At times, being an artist just didn’t appear to have any value in society, and perhaps it is still sadly seen by some as an indulgence. For me, there was no immediate income to be drawn from it; one had to be self-motivated by personal ideas, creating work without knowing if those ideas would ever amount to anything. Ultimately, my practice was a solitary endeavour. Although I successfully launched projects, I remained unsatisfied with the why of it and kept asking myself: what is the true purpose and function of art in our society? I was looking to connect with a deeper motivation to continue.

Fortuitously I stumbled upon the book "What is Art For?" by Ellen Dissanayake, an anthropologist who explores the purpose of art in native cultures and societies. She views art as "a universal human endowment that goes beyond modern Western notions that disregard other cultures and ignore the human species." This discovery was profound. Dense in its ideas, it was deeply connected to the notion that, as humans, we have always had an innate impulse to create and express our reality and experiences beyond words. This awakening led me to discovering art therapy and opened up a world of creativity and a new way of experiencing art that was previously unknown to me.

Through art therapy, I have come to realise that, at the core of my work, creativity bridges what might appear to be two different worlds: my creative artistic world and my therapeutic work. This bridging is not merely a convergence of two disciplines, but a profound integration that allows each to enrich the other. I know that creativity can serve as a powerful connector between these worlds, embodying a way of being that is ever-present. It allows me to tap into the deepest layers of my humanity, where my emotions, memories, and aspirations live. I believe this connection to the raw essence of being human is where true artistic inspiration and therapeutic breakthroughs occur. Perhaps more importantly, this integration can offer a spiritual experience, a sense of communion with something greater than oneself. I feel that in the act of creation, whether in art or art therapy, there is a transcendent quality that can elevate the seemingly mundane to the sacred. It is in this space that I find a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment, knowing that my work is not just about creating beauty or facilitating healing, but about weaving these threads together to form a richer tapestry of personal experience.

After many years of offering art therapy in medical and community settings and eventually starting my own practice, I have realised that I am not just offering art therapy or art alone. I now understand that creativity is intertwined and as essential in our lives as eating, exercising, working, and finding pleasure. It is a powerful bridge to our deeper selves.

These realisations led me to create The Creative Continuum, a platform that offers a range of creative opportunities for participants as well as for creative facilitators wanting to share their skills. It has become a meeting place for both, where people can engage and share in various art mediums, processes, and methods, putting us in touch with ourselves in an authentic way. It is a space to experience self-leadership, to listen deeply to ourselves, and to create the life we want rather than reacting and living according to someone else's values.

For me, art and creativity connects us with our unique individual selves and I have witnessed countless times the amazing outcomes of creative engagement, where the discovery of one's unique relationship with oneself is affirmed, consolidated, and available to be offered to the world. This is my deeper motivation, and for me, why art matters more than ever.

Happy exploring!

Until next time,
Tania