Having a creative outlet in times of stress and uncertainty is vital. People of all ages have found comfort in their newfound or rekindled relationship with art. Similarly, many who consider themselves to be less artistic have found solace and pleasure in the work of others, ranging from film and animation to jewellery and ceramics. Here’s what you should know about the power of creating and enjoying art during the pandemic: how the phenomenon began, how significant the benefits are, and how we can learn from the past to utilize creativity in the future.
Written by Tavie Johnson
A New Wave of Creatives
Thinking back to the beginning of the pandemic over one year ago, memories of baking bread, consuming copious amounts of media, and practising painting are bound to be familiar. With more free time to concentrate on personal values and interests, many people began to experiment with forms of artistic expression that they had previously been unable to pursue because of their jam-packed schedules. The slow down of life in lockdown enabled countless people to explore the simple elegance and satisfaction of various art forms, including painting, filming, singing, sculpting, dancing, writing, and more. People were able to communicate with others about their newfound passions, as well as maybe make a modest profit during times of economic distress, thanks to this creative freedom. The diversity and accessibility of art forms allowed for anyone with intrigue and motivation to find their niche and hone in on their creative talent.
The Power of Storytelling
Art is always deliberate, inventive, and subjective, which is why it is so beautiful. It may provide a much-needed vision for the future that speaks to each individual in their own way. By bringing people and ideas together, art cultivates communities. During the pandemic, art became a method of raising awareness and educating the public about numerous issues. For example, large public murals of health care professionals prompted many to recognize and support those who are vital to our society, as well as to follow health protocols to protect our frontline employees and other community members. The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is exemplified with such displays, as viewers can interpret the pieces in a variety of ways and apply their findings to their own lives. Telling your story through art can be incredibly healing and may help combat a variety of mental health issues. In a time when anxiety, loneliness, and frustration are rampant in our lives, finding inspiring and personable ways to channel this energy into a positive force can be the most powerful tool for healing.
Understanding Past Lessons
In times of economic despair and societal fragmentation, investing in art can provide solutions of unprecedented scale. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the U.S President of the post-Great Depression era, proliferated the creation and expansion of art programs in the New Deal. Due to an increase in public financing for the arts and direct government assistance to those in need, the Works Progress Administration was at the forefront of this, enabling tens of thousands of craftspeople to find meaningful work. As a result, art was instrumental in galvanizing the public and organizing millions of people to assist the Second World War effort. A similar effect is likely to be witnessed in the near future as a result of growing public engagement with a range of creative genres today–rallying the public to combat COVID-19 and other relevant crises like climate change, unaffordable housing, and systemic racism. We must all play a role in amplifying and uplifting artists, especially marginalized people, and encouraging our political leaders to provide support directly to them through innovative and expansive policies. Every person’s creativity will be essential in recovering from the pandemic.
I implore you to pick up a camera, paintbrush, or pencil, and begin or continue on your journey. Your creativity is vital to maintaining mental wellness, telling a powerful personal story, and mobilizing the public to take action in light of unifying crises. It’s never too late to start.
Works Cited
Stower, Hannah, and Marianne Guennot. “Art in a pandemic: a digital gallery.” Nature Medicine, Nature, 15 Mar. 2021. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41591-021-00009-5. Accessed 8 Apr. 2021.
Cohut, Maria. “What are the health benefits of being creative?” Medical News Today, 16 Feb. 2018. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320947. Accessed 8 Apr. 2021
“Why We Need Art in Times of Crisis.” Artwork Archive. https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/why-we-need-arts-in-times-of-crisis. Accessed 8 Apr. 2021
Klein, Seth. “A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency.” ECW Press, 2020.
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