This week I focused on stress, as a young-adult full time college student in this ever so changing era. Anxiety is always a factor within my life and as a person changes, our coping factors can vary as we grow. This is a common struggle that most of us face throughout our lives. Certain coping methods I have sampled still work but have been noticing the effectiveness has diminished. Equally, I am continuing my path deeper into the contemporary art world, I want to transition my life further as a whole.
Growth is a wondrous thing that can happen.
I began researching basic release methods in addition to what methods I haven tried in the past and currently use. Specifically with stress-releasing, creative outlet release methods. There are foundational tools to reflect on as an artist that are also efficient. These artist tools are a beneficial way to let go of these constant worries, a utility method to let go of those heavy mind-dwelling thoughts.
The exercise I completed:
Focusing with making lines on a blank paper. Don't think about what you are attempting to accomplish. Let your hands do all the work and follow instinct. Keep it simple with whatever writing medium you choose. Stick with one or two colors of pens (markers, etc.), as you do not want to waste time on this distraction. The point is to be in the present. Focusing on simple lines, weights, and forms that will build up over time to fill out the page.
Do not attempt to strategize as to what your first ideals are, whether this derives from the conscious or subconscious. Focusing on this sole task will bring clarity and relieve the worry of what comes next within a creative procedure. Let your mind wander and play with anything that comes to you during, allowing experimentation, and emotional influences to express through.
First Exercise Trial
Black ink only,
Another De-stress Option:
An additional release within art I like to include is whatever emotion, or sensations you are not capable to fully overcome. This could be as a label, category, or rather the feelings that distract you as multiples. In the beginning upon looking at the paper, throughout the creation, or at the final stage. It is whatever the individual(s) chooses within those moments of this tension and headache.
Second Exercise Trial
Black ink. Focused on simplistic lines with a hard edge.