Hi guys!
Lately I’ve been really getting into art. Well, I wouldn’t say “getting into”, but I have been really inspired by a lot of art recently. Especially a lot of DIYs (Do It Yourself) projects. I love art so much! That’s a fun fact about me that not a lot of people know. I find so much peace and solitude in it, and even though most artwork does not physically “speak” or showcase words, somehow it always manages to just speak to me.
When I was younger I drew a lot of pictures. Specifically, anime pictures, and if you are not familiar with what anime it is, it’s Japanese animation (and it is awesome!). I was a big bookworm (and I still am) growing up, so picking up art was just another hobby for me that I decided to adopt all because of my big brother. He was (and potentially still could be) the artists in the family. While I was spending a lot of my free time going to the library checking out books to read, he was back at home in his room drawing anime characters. It’s because of him I took on the hobby of drawing in the first place.
I drew a ton of anime pictures in my teenage years. I had multiple sketchbooks (all of which never got completely filled), and when I got into middle school I even took an art class, something I never imagined I would do. It was there where I actually made my first sketchbook! At the time, I thought this was completely unique (making your own sketchbook) and I was taken aback by the talent that existed within me. I didn’t’ think I would have been able to make a really colorful and creative cover, and stuff a bunch of computer paper inside it, stitch it all up and be ready to use it, all in a day! but I did, and it was awesome, and it was the first real accomplishment I had in my creativity as an artist.
Again, I knew that I could draw and was proud of the work that I was able to produce, but I had no idea that I would be this quick of a learner when it came to art! I definitely didn’t think that I would love it as much as I did.
In high school, I avoided the art classroom for the first two years. Mainly because I really wanted to put a heavy focus on my acting (but that didn’t turn out too well, another story for another time). So instead I waited until my Junior year when I decided to take ceramics. I didn’t think I would like it at first but to my surprise I ended up loving it! In fact, I loved it so much I often questioned myself as to why I waited so long to take it. I finished out my high school career taking ceramics class, and that would be the last time that I ever personally indulged in art.
These are my two greatest forms of art. Drawing anime characters and making art pieces from clay. I really enjoy doing both of them, but as I mentioned earlier, I haven’t done either one since high school. This is mainly due to the responsibility toll that my higher education took on me, as well as me really putting more of an effort and dedication to my acting. It’s not something I regret, just one of those things that brings back good memories.
And who knows, maybe one day soon I’ll find myself doing these things again! After all, they are one of the many things that I consider to be an enjoyable hobby of mines.
I’ve never considered myself to be good at drawing or at ceramics (though my art teachers would say different =/), but I guess compared to everyone in my family (besides my older brother) I am a good drawer. However, compared to many people in this world who have been drawing for practically their whole life, I am what I would consider decent. I’m good enough to take pride in my work, but not good enough to really present it as a gift, a giveaway, or just simply showcase it for others to see.
Which is where my appreciation for art really comes to light.
I feel like everywhere I go, and everything I do, I’m seeing some type of art. If I’m on social media I’m stumbling upon awesome, creative drawings. I’m also running into a lot of art pieces made from clay, and even super fun and creative DIY projects. The DIY projects have actually been my favorite as of late.
I’ve never considered myself to be a DIY junkie of any type. I do make homemade soap and candles from time to time, but that’s about it. However, lately I’ve been looking into a lot of DIY projects, and thanks to Pinterest there are so many to stumble upon!
My point here is that art is expressive in so many different ways and on so many different levels. If you can’t find a way to appreciate the art that you give to others, you most certainly should have the heart to appreciate the art that others give to you.
Here are a few reasons as to why you should embrace the creativity of others.
You open yourself to new experiences
Art is one of the many ways we are able to connect ourselves to others. Like I said, art is expressive! Therefore, every piece of art that is created will speak to at least one person in this whole entire world.
It’s a great way to get inspired
In addition to art being relatable, you can get so many great ideas from the creativity of others. Maybe for a unique birthday gift you decide to draw a portrait of yourself to give. Despite how “good” or “bad” it may be, you know that it’s the thought that counts. Therefore, you take pride in your courage to be able to do so.
It can challenge you
Art not only inspires and can spark personal creativity, but it can also challenge you in creative ways. Maybe you put a creative spin on your bedroom decoration, or instead of going with a typical white fence you decided to add some color to your yard. Either way, art sparks creativity in multiple dimensions.
It can be relaxing
One thing I really appreciate about art is that it can be so relaxing. To just be able to take in the creativity of someone else and not have to feel any pressure to impress, or to uphold some unnecessary responsibility at the moment, is honestly one of the most freeing things in this world.
You see the world in a different light
Since art is so expressive and accessible to everyone around the world, art is going to be expressed in many different ways. Especially when that art is coming from a different part of the world that you may not have been exposed to.
You’ll be supporting the artists of this world
One thing I can say about art is that not everyone can do it as well as others. There will always be someone who is just a little bit more creative and expressive than the next artist. This isn’t a bad thing, but buying, viewing, embracing and most certainly expressing your appreciation for it is a great way to support all artist, because all they want is to be recognized for their hard work.
Bonus! You’ll be supporting the artists of this world…
And that support will definitely build upon their confidence. That confidence could potentially inspire and encourage more creativity. That spark of creativity could potentially lead to more artwork from that artists, which means more amazing pieces of art for you to look forward to (and to continue supporting).
It can teach you discipline
Art isn’t easy…well not out of this world art anyway. It requires a specific discipline to be able to work on something day in and day out, putting all your time, blood, sweat, tears, and sometimes money, into making something beautiful to expose to the world. That teaches you a special kind of discipline to stay committed and see your projects through.
Art is such a beautiful part of this world. When you really think about it, we all are pieces of art in some fashion. That art can be seen in the way we dress, how we do our hair, our choice in style of tattoos, the kind of cars we choose to drive, and so much more. Art is literally everywhere we look and go, so why not just embrace it!
Embrace it and appreciate it for what it is and all that it can offer. That’s the greatest form of flattery. Appreciation.
So, embrace the art that is in you, the art that makes you who you are, and the art of others. This world would be pretty boring if we didn’t have all the creativity that we do to color it interesting. So, don’t take it for granted, there’s so many amazing possibilities that art can give us.
And we should want nothing less than greatness. Not only from ourselves, but from others.
See you soon!
-xo
Kimora