In many cases the disabled are not capable to express what they are thinking or feeling the same way others do. It is hard for them to be accepted by society and often they feel left out and "different". Through painting, they are able to express themselves and share with the rest of the world what they believe in. Art helps them to get educated, as they learn how to complete something they created by them self. It gives the artist a rewarding feeling once one has accomplished one's own artwork and helps to deal with other problems simultaneously.
Art makes it easier for the disabled to learn simple things, such as reading a map. What seems common sense to most of us, is hard work for them. By learning to draw and making maps, at the same time they learn how to read a map and become more independent. Furthermore, learning the different colors also helps them identify different objects or situations. For example a red light will indicate to them that there might be a dangerous or alarming situation, where as green indicates that it is safe. To many people again, this is something we do not even think about anymore and comes naturally, to them it is a proses they have to learn.
That is actually a really beautiful way to think about art - so you are right, it is definitely not obvious to (I dare say) most of us!
ReplyDeleteSo encouraging people who are either disabled, or who are psychologically ill, suffer, or who can't cope with problems their personal artistic activity is not only limited to be a hobby or an expression of aesthetics but an outlet for negative feelings and thoughts...
To be honest I mostly thought of art as a hobby of either a sensitive creature or some crazy artist! But this interpretation and probably implementation of giving those people the chance to express themselves is way better, open-minded, and beautiful! :)
I strongly agree, that art is important aspect of human lives and it gives a chance to get creative and to express our feelings or the way we perceive the world and todays society.
ReplyDeleteArt is for everyone, and I'm pretty sure almost everyone can recall a situation from childhood when he/she used to spend some time drawing or getting more and more coloring books, because art does enhance individual's creativity and perspective.
Disabled people are limited in many activities, especially children, but art gives them an opportunity to create their "world", it becomes a part of their therapy and some of them are actually great artists. Art therapy has proven to be very effective mainly for kids with autism. There are a lot of centers helping autistic people, organizing art exhibitions and this way giving disabled people opportunity to express themselves and also making other people happy because of their art works they made with passion and interest.
Very nice post, it is important to realize these, lets say "side effects" really do help some people, I would just like to point out that it does not have to be disabled people but it can be anyone anywhere. Most of people like to do something creative or something that shows their originality and uniqueness and art is the most likely tool to be used .
ReplyDeleteChristina, I am absolutely agreeing with you. The attitude towards art changed so much on the last decades. It was the greatest pleasure and hugest respect that people used to have. However, nowadays we are forgetting how much art can do for us, people. The disabled is a great example of how art is a vital source of inspiration and appreciation of the gift that was given to us, ability to express ourselves with art. It's is a common practice now in a lot of mental institutions, and a really helpful tool in improving lives of disabled people. I think we should not forget how crutial it is for us to be able to express ourselves, our thoughts, feeling and dreams, other way but through language. And what an amazing and helpful way the art is.
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