Any kind of shift or transformation is as much an art as science. And none of the shifts are possible unless we work on the deeper aspects of our beliefs, assumptions, feelings, and traumatic experiences. Art has the power to enter the unconscious to release the emotions trapped and process the unexpressed and unprocessed emotions around certain experiences (trauma) that is held deep down for years.
Arts have been an important part of our human history. Our historians engaged themselves in various art-based pursuits. As we advanced, we became more engrossed in meaning making, outcome driven and rationally dominated. We started separating art from our identity and looked at it only through a lens of pleasure and indulgence.
Art making as a process is critical to generate multiple internal inquires, questions the unquestionable and brings people and communities together. The art process engages with the whole of self, meaning there is no concept around right and wrong, accepted or forbidden in arts. We often can access resources, perspectives, ideas which otherwise would have gone unnoticed. The act of ‘creating’ is a bridge between our unconscious and conscious self, bringing to light the hidden experiences in all its acceptance.
‘Being in the Arts’ expands the imaginative capacity and opens doors of possibility. Art processes support in moving beyond the limiting beliefs and ideas that we have about self, others and the situation. With a lens to view things in an open and non-judgemental manner, we are able to access a perspective which is more resourceful and empowering. These alternatives otherwise remain unexplored and far from being considered by our rational mind.