Art is a way of expression, and there are many forms of art that students do every day, without even realizing it! When talking about the arts, it is most common to include visual and performing arts, such as traditional craft, sculpture, digital art, text, dance, film, literature, music, singing, gardening and the culinary arts. Art can be used for self expression, to relax, and as a coping mechanism. Nowadays being artsy isn’t anything unique. However, the difference between every artist is the art itself. Here at Mountain View there are a great number of artististic students, such as Miranda Burgos and Lydia Curtis, who were recently interviewed. 

When asked, “Do you think art has made an impact on your mental state? If so, how do you feel art contributed to the change?” Lydia’s response was, “Art turned into a coping mechanism. I got transformed into a world of visuals and relief, and that helped me.” Lydia’s experience proves that art can be a way to get the relief you need, whilst keeping yourself safe.  It is interesting that they said they got transformed into a different world. I think for a lot of people that’s what art is: It’s an escape from reality. 

When asked the question, “How has art helped you, in your life?” Miranda replied, “It’s helped me express myself in ways I could never  describe with words.” We all know the saying: A picture is worth a thousand words. That is exactly what Miranda is describing. Drawing and creating gives her the ability to put a face to her emotions. 

In the video, “Art Therapy in Action: Children in Hospital Settings” on the website https://arttherapy.org/art-therapy-action/  Tracy Councill says, “The thing that makes visual arts so healing is that as the artist you’re in charge.” This is why so many people use art as a coping mechanism. “…And that’s tremendously helpful if you can imagine yourself being a medical patient. You know, particularly if you’re a child, you’re in a hospital and you don’t get to pick a whole lot of stuff and you have to do a whole lot of stuff that you wouldn’t choose to do.” Art can help children feel a sense of control, when they don’t have a lot of control in their lives. In fact if you are a child, teenager, or adult art helps you have control and create something to be whatever you want it to be.”

Art can improve your life in many ways. For Lydia it’s a coping mechanism, for Miranda it’s a way to articulate her feelings. One of the benefits of there being such a multitude of art forms is that there is something for everybody.  Everyone is an artist in some way or another. Maybe you could use that to your advantage.