You don’t need a reason to make art
Society can sometimes make us feel that time spent making art is frivolous or unnecessary. Or it may question us about how our art is useful. In and of itself, the process of making art is extremely beneficial to our wellbeing and inherent to who we are. If you’re feeling pressured to have a reason to make art, know that you can make art for any reason or even no reason at all.
We often hear that, for adults, making art must have a purpose. Maybe it’s to create a specific item for a specific purpose, like making a crocheted scarf to wear in the winter. Or it could be to sell a piece for profit. We’re naturally wired to make the most out of our activities. For that reason, we typically believe that creative outlets should be money-making opportunities. However, the creative process can be beneficial on it’s own, even without a specific purpose for the product of our art making.
The function of a product does not inspire creativity
Using our individual creative processes is difficult when we are focused on the end product. In art therapy, we often discuss the differences between the art making process, the time and energy spent making art, and the art product at the end of our process. While making art for a reason focuses on the product, we find creativity within the art making process itself.
When we value a product over the process, our process is hindered by decision making that will affect the outcome of the art we’re working on. However, free expression in the process is healthy for us to explore our thoughts and emotions. It’s reason enough to spend time making art.
Making art is inherent in us
Since the beginning of time, humanity has used art making to communicate their needs and wants and to share stories with us.
Generally, we should view art as essential to human life and expression like food, water, shelter, and socialization. Instead, society tends to view art as unnecessary or frivolous. This is especially true if profit is not part of the activity. In a capitalist society, it is rebellious to make art for your own wellbeing, health, and enjoyment. But the push for production of art is not advantageous to the creative mind. Exploring our creative passions naturally, without societal pressure, is something we have done for all time.
The creative process is necessary for us
As individuals, expressing our emotions, connecting with others, and telling our stories can all come through expression in art. Where there are language barriers, communication deficits, or challenges with distance in relationships, art can help us to share our feelings. This happens in the inherent creative nature of expression. Utilizing art as a tool helps us get our points across and provide visuals in important communication.
There are many reasons that we need to make art, but we can also make art for no reason at all.
About Samantha Nolan, MA, LPC, ATR- Barnum Counseling
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