How Artmaking Breathes Life into Your Soul

Artmaking has a remarkable way of igniting the flame of vitality within us. It connects us to a lineage of creators that spans thousands of years, reaching back to our ancestors who skillfully crafted whatever they needed and expressed their boundless creativity through the deft movements of their hands, from the intricate cave paintings that tell stories of their time to the practical tools and objects that shaped their daily lives.

Scholar Ellen Dissanayake wrote in “The Pleasure and Meaning of Making” that “there is something important, even urgent, to be said about the sheer enjoyment of making something that didn’t exist before, of using one’s own agency, dexterity, feelings, and judgement to mold, form, touch, hold, and craft physical materials, apart from anticipating the fact of its eventual beauty, uniqueness, or usefulness.”

It's a fascinating historical shift that has occurred over the last century, particularly since the industrial revolution. People have gradually transitioned from being the creators of their own necessities and artworks to consumers who purchase ready-made items to adorn their homes. While this shift has brought about convenience, it has also distanced many from the profound satisfaction of crafting something with their own hands.

Another compelling reason why artmaking stirs our souls is that it resonates with the very essence of our being. Our brains are inherently wired to create, to explore, and to bring our inner visions to life. This deep-seated impulse to make and manifest is an intrinsic part of our humanity, and it's what distinguishes us as creative beings.

A poignant example of the transformative power of artmaking is the experience I recently shared with a workshop participant. In the span of less than three hours, she marveled at her own capacity to create, and in the process, she unearthed a wellspring of personal creativity she might never have known existed. It's a testament to the magic that unfolds when we connect with our innate creative spirit.

But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of artmaking is that the primary beneficiary is the artist themselves, regardless of the final outcome. It's not solely about the end product; it's about the journey, the process, and the profound sense of self-discovery that comes with each brushstroke, each sculpting movement, and each artistic expression. The act of creation enriches our lives, bringing a sense of fulfillment and connectedness that is, in many ways, an essential part of being truly alive.

Further reading: “The Pleasure and Meaning of Making” by Ellen Dissanayake