Art is a Powerful Healing Force

“Evening Promise” by Kansas Artist, Author and Artrenpreur Michelle Leivan

In the last few posts I have discussed how art in an innate need we have and how we use art to communicate complex emotional concepts but art can do so much more. Whether you create or simply experience art it can have a powerful healing force. An image can be soothing and relaxing, it can invigorate and stimulate us and it can even be used as a tool to heal.

I am personally driven to create even if I was stuck on a desert island and had no way of sharing a piece with anyone, I would still paint. It is a way for me to work out emotional and physical issues. Throughout my life I have used creativity to sort out teenage anxiousness and bewilderment to managing my pain from my fibromyalgia as an adult.  I can escape at least for a little while by sitting in front of my easel and painting. I had never considered that my work would actually work as a catalyst to heal another person’s pain.

Years ago was strolling through the bookstore and was approached by one of my patrons. To my surprise I discovered that my artwork has provided spiritual comfort and growth when hung in private sacred spaces. This particular patron, Debra Fisher told me her story that I would like to share with you.

Debra was going through a divorce and suddenly lost her only daughter Claire in a car accident. One day to her surprise she saw “Evening Promise” (pictured) in the window of a gallery. It reminded her of Claire with the colors and the mood it created and she couldn’t help but look at it every day as she drove to and from work. Drawn, she inquired about the piece. She was pleased to discover the name of the piece because it solidified her connection because evening was a special time of day for Claire. All of her original art was gone from the divorce and this piece was her first purchase to rebuild her collection. Taking it home, she placed it in the bedroom in which she had created a sanctuary. Every morning as she woke and evening before bed she would gaze upon the piece and feel closer to Claire and gain strength to face another day with her other trials. As time went by her divorce was finalized and she began to heal from the year’s losses. She discussed the comfort the piece gave her and the healing progress she was proud of and in response, her friend pointed out, “It’s no wonder the painting helped you heal, its Echinacea which is a healing flower.”

Her story nearly brought me to tears. When painting these pieces I can never anticipate how they will find their way into people’s lives.  This is the role of art in our lives it can help us stay in touch with our whole being, find the courage to heal and move in positive directions and to keep us healthy and happy.

I would recommend searching for art and artists that help you to reflect and heal your mind, body and soul. Then share your story with the artist and all of your friends. A good place to start your search for an artist is on group sites, where several artists are represented such as http://www.artprintexpress.com a place to acquire affordable fine are prints by Kansas artists or create your own reproduction from your own digital images and to expand your opportunity to share your vision through prints.

Please take a moment to tell us what artist or artwork have you found that has helped you heal or if you are an artist, share with us what is your process and how has it helped to heal yourself or others.

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