I love art. I have known that since I was in kindergarten and the "Picture Lady" brought in the Girl and the Watering Can. I have wanted to make art since then too. As a very young person my attempts were highly frustrating exercises. I was never satisfied with my work because it didn't match the picture I had in my head and my hand didn't know how to translate the idea into tangible format. I thought maybe I would never be able to make this particular wish come to fruition.
But I begin to think the cause is not lost. I had a good high school art teacher who gave me a foundation of knowledge about the mechanics of drawing. I still was not pleased with my work but he gave me vital information about translating depth into two dimensions and how light and dark work together to shape things more than lines. I then didn't try art again until college I took an art class and the text was called Drawing on the right side of the brain. This class was a turning point for me. I could actually make a picture look like I wanted it to but you all know how college is and life as a new wife and mother. BUSY. So I haven't really had much chance to do any art but the desire has never gone away.
This last three weeks I have been going to an art class taught by one of the sisters in the ward. I am so happy. When I could finally get my work to look like I wished the process became the opposite of frustrating. It became therapy. My brain feels good after I work on my art. The small bits I did in the times since my college days I can match up to some of the toughest times and adjustments in my life. I didn't really consciously think about my art as therapy but now I can see that I found some peace and control in it. Since beginning this class Thursdays are some of my best days ( class is Wednesday evenings). I have not felt unhappy lately. The Lord has taken excellent care of us in Idaho. I have worked through most of the issues that everyone must to function as an adult and I would not have thought I needed therapy at this point in my life and perhaps I don't but it sure has felt good. I can feel a distinct difference in my mood and stress level.
So I hope you can enjoy the pictures and maybe take a little therapy for yourself. My art teacher is fond of saying that if you are not pleased with your art it is because you need more practice. You weren't very good at walking when you started either but you do just fine now. I like that thought and it fits in with my therapy. My sketches are to the right and the originals are on the left.
But I begin to think the cause is not lost. I had a good high school art teacher who gave me a foundation of knowledge about the mechanics of drawing. I still was not pleased with my work but he gave me vital information about translating depth into two dimensions and how light and dark work together to shape things more than lines. I then didn't try art again until college I took an art class and the text was called Drawing on the right side of the brain. This class was a turning point for me. I could actually make a picture look like I wanted it to but you all know how college is and life as a new wife and mother. BUSY. So I haven't really had much chance to do any art but the desire has never gone away. 
This last three weeks I have been going to an art class taught by one of the sisters in the ward. I am so happy. When I could finally get my work to look like I wished the process became the opposite of frustrating. It became therapy. My brain feels good after I work on my art. The small bits I did in the times since my college days I can match up to some of the toughest times and adjustments in my life. I didn't really consciously think about my art as therapy but now I can see that I found some peace and control in it. Since beginning this class Thursdays are some of my best days ( class is Wednesday evenings). I have not felt unhappy lately. The Lord has taken excellent care of us in Idaho. I have worked through most of the issues that everyone must to function as an adult and I would not have thought I needed therapy at this point in my life and perhaps I don't but it sure has felt good. I can feel a distinct difference in my mood and stress level.
So I hope you can enjoy the pictures and maybe take a little therapy for yourself. My art teacher is fond of saying that if you are not pleased with your art it is because you need more practice. You weren't very good at walking when you started either but you do just fine now. I like that thought and it fits in with my therapy. My sketches are to the right and the originals are on the left.
3 comments:
Oh My! Oh my! Oh my! I LOVE this post Chandra. You pictures are just fantabulous and I feel like you type my own thoughts sometimes! I have just been thinking about how my own creative endeavors are fulfilling me and enriching me, and making me happy!
You are an artist, (but you already knew that!) and it has cemented the idea and wish for the future that you mentioned on my blog a while ago that one day we might be able to have a studio together. I can't imagine anything more therapeutic and enjoyable than working on my creative pursuits with my girls. I love you.
The whole time I was reading this I kept thinking 'yes, this is why I majored in TR!' People think that we learned how to play but really it is about finding the intrinsic value in the things we choose to do. And I am so happy that you have found a way to add to your happiness and mental well-being. We all need this!
I love you and really appreciate how well you express my thoughts. Thanks!
Your drawings are awesome--you give us all hope! I think we all understand your thoughts because we have all found joy in creative moments--if not total immersion projects. When kids were young and there was no time for art classes, I played my piano for therapy. The Sundays when Dolly stretched out under the piano and everyone else gathered in their own place in the living room--while I played are good memories for me! Most of all, I'm glad you are feeling happy.
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