We all know that art makes us feel good and is essential as a source of wellbeing, but have you ever wondered if there may be any healing properties to the practice of art, to create and make, can it alleviate the symptoms of our ailments, perhaps focusing our minds away from our problems, losing ourselves for a while?
For Melissa Osburg life was good until an unannounced anxiety attack changed everything. The fear of having another attack grew to such an extent that she became agoraphobic, too anxious to leave the house.
Stumbling upon an online course in neurographic art, a practice in which art is used as a tool to find peace and create calmness from chaos, helped Melissa greatly, providing an escape and an opportunity to lose herself in something other than the stress of living with anxiety. Growing more confident Melissa created a work on canvas for her home, however when someone asked to buy it after seeing a social media post, she was elated and went on to paint more!
Melissa is currently working on a floral series, inspired by the joy we feel from nature and flowers, “I found my passion, flowers bring so much joy” she states. Forming blooms and petals from clay as a 3D element in her paintings, flecks of gold and iridescent finishes, create a result reminiscent of vintage fabrics and ornamentation.
Melissa currently lives in Spring and is sells her work online, www.mosburgart.com, as well as being represented locally by Ardest Gallery, and On A Whim.
Healing through art is a big deal for Hollywood artist Metin Bereketli, he has exhibited his exuberant works internationally, as well as on stage sets for movies and tv shows, including “Diversity 5” which hung on the wall of the Friends café, “Central Perk”.
However, a news report of a child suffering from leukemia touched his heart and although he knew he could not heal this child, he wanted to do something. The first “Healing art” workshop, involved Metin and 25 kids, all dressed in white and working together on paintings, then eventually physically painting each other! A wonderful accomplishment raising spirits and allowing the kids to be kids again, a blessing for the families involved. The paintings were auctioned with all funds going to the charity concerned.
One healing workshop led to more and Metin has become involved with an endless list of charities dedicated to helping others. Working with The Autism Society of America he painted “God Bless America”, a red, white and blue painting, representing freedom, depicting doves in flight and inspired by our star-spangled banner. This painting is one of a collection, used for postage stamps to bring awareness to the ASA. Signed prints and other collectables of “God Bless America” are still being sold to raise funds for the charity today. You can read more about Metins' amazing charity work and art at www.metinbereketli.com.
Indeterminately art may not be a stand-alone cure, but as a component in the healing process it appears to be a credible ingredient in the recipe for recovery.