Are You Artistic?

[linasmom]

Hi, I was wondering how many people here are artistic. If you vote yes, list what sort of art you do. In my mind, art consists of writing, drawing, painting, photography, film making, wood-working, sewing, sculpture, music...

If I've left anything off, please feel free to add it when you list your art of choice!

[morgan]

I voted no. I used to create awesome poems and I even drew a little. Sadly all that seems to be lost to me now.

[kers]

I said no. I've always wished desperately for some kind of artistic ability, but it's just not my forte. I've tried drawing, music, dance, photography, pottery...and I'm terrible at all of them! At least I can appreciate the fine work genuine artists can create.

[TLight]

Mostly I write, about nature, about the nature of suffering, about creature.......about the crap too.

[empowered]

I've enjoyed sewing since I was in High school.Although motivation is a problem at the moment! I've just brought a very cute dress pattern for my Grandaughter to see if I can get motivated by doing a small project.

I made my Daughters Wedding dress and Bridesmaid dresses 3yrs ago.

I enjoy singing and have had 13yrs classical training.

[She Cat]

I voted no. Can't draw, write, sing, play an instrument, or chew gum and walk at the same time.

I got left out in that dept......

[Cindy]

I am very creative. I love to mess with all forms of art.

I am not good at some things! But, for me its not the product but the process!

I found in a hospitalization that I really responded internally to art therapy. It was a way to connect with my inside emotions that I struggled with finding them. So after the hospitalization I went out and got differents art supplies. But I couldn't do it alone. I couldn't generate the focus of a project that would dig into my entombed feelings.

Next step, I found an art therapist. Few and Far between. I've been going to her for over a year and it's been a great addition to my process of healing.

As I said - I can really suck at it. But there is always the garbage or the box in the garage to put/hide them in. There are some types of art I would love to be good at and keep trying but it was not meant to be.

I am good at clay hand building, making bead/gemstone jewelry, writing, mosaics, drawing with markers, etc.

Keep exploring different forms if you do not feel you are one of the chosen artistic geniuses.

Here is an easy one for anyone! Make small signs with important personal mantras on what ever material you want and hot glue decorative buttons to the sign. Simple and easy. I use small wood plaques and stain them, hot glue "beach" theme buttons or sea shells to it. Voila

[nie]

I am an actress and a vocallist. I also direct theatre and musical productions.

[2quilt]

I love to quilt, but my work is abstract. My quilts don't look like perfect ones in books or anyone else's work. I have a hard time going by someone else's pattern without changing it to reflect Me. I can't do someone else's recipes either; I change some part of it, or I make up my own recipes and I hardly ever cook the same thing twice the same way. Luckily. husband is a good sport.

[nor]

What a powerful (and almost triggering) question for me to answer.

I will keep to the point though.

Yes, I am artistic. In the past I have painted in oil and watercolors, drawn with all medias, taken all sorts of classes (on my own time-not interfering with my "role in life"-oops, got off track there. sorry). I have crocheted for years, used to knit. Tried to sew, but I grew out of the outfit before I finished it (lol-really!). Acted in plays for years (dramas and musicals).

I will still draw when I am alone, away from home, at the lake-somewhat at peace. With my son and husband, but away from everyone else. Out of judging eyes. The only thing I "paint" now are the walls in my house.

The reason this may be a little triggering is that, when I was young-I LOVED art!!! I would do it ALL the time. I sent in one of those art tests in the back of a comic book-"to see if I was talented". Well, they did call-and my mother got rid of them. She set me up with private art lessons at home every week for a few years. But, all this talent was to be generated for my "spare time only-and THAT was understood". I wasn't to pursue it in life. No art classes when in school-or art majoring. Had to take "business courses to be a good secretary". There was no place for art in a productive life. To this day, my heart aches when I think about it.

My great nephew is graduating from high school this year. He has been drawn to art for quite a few years. His mother and I are the only ones to encourage him to pursue it. The rest of the family looked at it as....a stupid hobby. Well, he is doing something I would have loved to do-he is going to architecture school next year. Besides having a small bit of regret, I'm so much more than just proud of him for having followed himself-and not listen to what I had to hear.

As sad as this poll makes me, I have to say I am very glad to have answered it.

Thank you

[linasmom]

Nor,

I think I understand your pain. I was an exceptional ballet dancer as a child and did very well acting in theater and writing stories. My mother made me stop doing all of it. She used to rip up the poems and stories I would write and put them in the trash.

I ended up dropping out of school during the 11th grade and I have no college degree. I'm not blaming my mother for this but I do think that if she would have allowed me to continue to excel in the things that I was good in, I would have stayed in school and probably pursued a career in the arts.

I checked "yes" to the poll. I taught myself to write poetry, I studied via online forums and read a lot. I have published poetry in various lit journals, but to this day I'm still sad about the lost opportunity that I could have had.

[nor]

"but to this day I'm still sad about the lost opportunity that I could have had"

My oh my, that says so much, so very very much. We grieve.

I give you a lot of credit for not placing blame. You are much further ahead than I. And I don't know if I will ever be able to reach that point.

But, by your getting beyond the placement of responsibility, you have grown into an accomplished writer. Yes, accomplished. To have anything printed in any journal, shows accomplishment. You didn't let your "lost opportunity" remain complete lost. You went out and grabbed some of it back. Whereas, I still find it necessary to hide it.

Feel good about how far you have come--Kudos to you!!!

[linasmom]

Funny - I don't know if I say that I don't place blame because I know it's the "right" thing to do (to take responsibility for my own actions) or if I say it because I actually believe it.

I should bring this up in therapy next week.

[nor]

Absolutely bring it up!

That is why I like this site so much.....while "talking" to others, we jar loose some stuff that should be addressed.

[morgan]

This poll triggers me too. My aunt threw away a box that had everything I had ever written in it. Since then I can't even journal and when I do try it is so difficult to truly express myself. I even have a difficult time expressing myself on this forum because it is in writing form. My diary shows no emotion at all, just the facts. That's the best I can do right now I guess. It sucks really!

[nor]

Even though my mother didn't actually throw out my oil paintings and drawings, she did toss everything else (especially my crayon box which I used constantly). I took the paintings and drawings with me when I moved into my own house-and stored them away.

Very occasionally, I will take one out and look at it-but that is rare.

I haven't painted a picture in 40 years. I have drawn a few times (literally 3), but I have hidden them away. Too embarrassed to let anyone see them. I have tried to take an art class, but wind up dropping out after the first session. Can't do it.

Actually it FEELS like my mother threw everything out-everything. And that is why I still resent her actions.

I no longer have any feeling of being artistic in any way. I always ask for someone else's direction when doing anything decorative.

[She Cat]

Nor,

Go and buy a new crayon box.......

[nor]

Thanks for the giggle, Wendy......lol

[She Cat]

I was serious...She threw away your creativity, so go get it back. Buy a new box....

[nor]

Oh! Sorry- you are right. I should try again. Just never really thought it would be a very successful attempt.

Thanks

[Grama-Herc]

I voted yes.
IMHO art is the ability to create something new. Something that was not there before.
I like to do crafting but not the usual kind. I paint murals but not the usual kind. I am an avid interior decorator but only in my home. An agoraphobic decorator---now that would be a comedy of errors

[linasmom]

IMHO art is the ability to create something new.

Herc, you're full of wisdom.

[wildfirewildone]

I've always been artistic in all sorts of ways....My parents didn't think it was a good thing to be and after the required 7th grade art course.....I was not allowed any more art classes which broke my heart!! unfortunately I have been so overwhelmed the past few months that I haven't made time to do any art....Feeling better and I think I'll go work on the frame that's the gift to my son and his new bride!!!! They've been married since last October.....I have tried a couple of weeks ago to get to work and did dig up the pictures I was going to do on it.....I am a poet and haven't been going to my writing group or taking my "writing time" Even if I have nothing to take I am going to push myself to go any way....I just might get some inspiration!!! AT PEACE AND LOVING IT

[JustJane]

I voted no. Can't draw, write, sing, play an instrument, or chew gum and walk at the same time. I'm in the same boat. I once walked and chewed gum and promptly tripped over my own feet.

[lrs]

What a great thread, I've enjoyed this one.
If you are artistic, or even if your'e not, but you enjoy doing,I think you should do it.
Don't let anybody stop you from doing it. Don't worry if it's good or bad, just do what you are capable of. If you don't think it's any good, don't beat yourself up over it.
I have always been musically inclined, I have played piano, organ, trumpet, baritone, tuba, banjo, guitar, dobro guitar, proficiently.
I've tried other forms of art as well.
In college, I took oil painting, and sucked at it, at first. But I did learn enough to get by. If my life situation were different, I would still try my hand at oil painting.
Today, I'm already stretched out like an ironing board, as far time is concerned.

[lrs]

Oh yes, one more thing. I do have a weak spot for home made quilts.

[Cindy]

Grama Herc - you crack me up! Agoraphobic decorator ...

I love beading, jewelry making, and writing.

Irs if you won't make one I bet you could go to a quilt store and pick out a pattern, buy the materials, and find someone to make it for you right in the store. Just a thought.

[nightowl52]

I took sewing every year of high school & while I was in college. I actually made my own patterns & made suits, which is hard. Last year, 5 years after ptsd diagnosis) I tried to make an apron, read the pattern and wasn't able to do it. It was like I never did this, no memory at all. A few months ago while cleaning I found a pruse patern & everything I needed to do it & I did it! However, I became compulsive as now I had something to do when I couldn't sleep & I made 5 purses in 2 days without sleeping. I'm back to not making purses...I'm tired

[Roo]

Artistic? Yes. Expressive of it? Usually too shy / afraid / mortified at bringing attention to myself / stuck in a mind-state that says, "It's not good enough." I love to write, read, and think ideas through. I used to be a professional singer...I adored the singing but the "public" aspects of performance were difficult -- I felt fine on stage while singing, but clammed up between songs and always had my heart in my mouth when people clamoured after me with opinions and praise.

Writing is my major form of artistic expression...I am working on a memoir, a book on the I Ching, and a book of poems.

Part of my artistic "eye" is to look for the beautiful in every day...to remind myself of it. I think it was Tolstoy who wrote that "Beauty will save the world"...I added, "and the mind."

Great thread...thanks, Rachel!

[CaliSparrow]

Hi LinasMom,

Thank you for asking. There is hardly anything more pleasurable than talking about art. At least in my world. I've been a musician since age 8 when I started classical piano lessons. But I was spoiled to my gifts and would memorize sonatas 1 1/2 days before going to UIL, making the top score and driving my father mad at my lack of effort.

I also played the violin for 3 years (ages 10-12), and flute.(ages 13-15).

I studied voice for, ahem, several decades with a primary focus on opera. This is probably where the PTSD was the most disruptive. I had no problem with performances but auditions were nearly impossible, not-to-mention, there is a lot of traveling and turns out to be such a solitary life. But oh I do love to sing. It makes colors more vivid :-) I've been a writer since I can remember (used to tell on my sister through notes to my parents ;-) this art blossomed into an intense flair for poetry and short stories.

I eventually incorporated oil painting into the mix. My Brother-In-Law describes my work as coming from a surreal perspective (which was interesting because I hadn't quite noticed it before but this seemed the best one-word descripters thus far).

Gosh, I love creating design on the computer.

Please go indepth on your artistic tendencies. What do you think PTSD lends itself to?

As I watch movies, am transcended by an aria or transfixed by a bewitching painting, I realize that I am not the one out of sync, but it is the world at large that cannot handle the emotional intensity of digging at the bottom of the barrel and that maybe it is my purpose in life to connect people to this lifesource every now and then that we seem to be so forever linked into.

Many blessings,

CS

[CaliSparrow]

I am very creative. I love to mess with all forms of art.

I am not good at some things! But, for me its not the product but the process!

Oh I so enjoyed your post. If everyone expressed themselves through ANY form of art, what kind of world would we live in!

As for the "process" of art, as a voice teacher of mine once said, "there is no 'there' there". I learned to love the process... maybe some of that lesson should be acknowledged in other aspects of life, no?

CS

[unbroken]

I wasn't sure if this question was just for those diagnosed with PTSD, or if I could respond to it also - so forgive me if I shouldn't have responded to it.

Since I did suffer abuse as a child, I found that being creative helped me through a lot of tough times. Punishments often meant I had to stay in my tiny, crowded room for hours, and sometimes I grabbed my brother's albums and drew the band members and the band logos.

These days, I'm a freelance graphic artist (my own part-time business), I have had short stories published and I write poetry and song lyrics. I've designed the logo and the first CD cover/case for a friend's band, which was a long time dream of mine. In appreciation, they promised to record one of my own songs on their next CD. A few months ago I took up piano lessons (the first time I've ever learned to play an instrument) and after my second lesson I wrote a basic melody for the song they're going to record, so I'll also get a music credit on the CD (that part just blows me away, but they insisted). I've also taught myself web design as well as a few graphics programs on the computer.

I enjoy it, but if I'm not in a good mood I have a hard time being creative, so that's why it's only part-time for me. I just don't want to lose the passion by having to rely on it for my bills.

[CaliSparrow]

Hi unbroken,

I hardly know an artist who isn't squelched by a bad mood. For me, if I can just start singing for myself, I'll typically have a banner day - not unlike exercising when you don't feel like it. I'm not sure why it is but maybe our boundaries are not as solid when we don't feel so good. We are better able to access that authentic self more deeply.

Good luck! -CS

[indigo~in~0z]

i dabble in a bit of everything, but like to hyperfocus when i do, so unfortunately i dont get to do that now with motherhood...
its apparently unacceptable/inappropriate to want to tune out for 3 days at a time while you complete a 'must finish' task..

[Mick]

I am a musician but can no longer play professionally. I can't interact well with band members, management, or fans. As well my physical heath doesn't allow me the energy I need to perform. It's very depressing for me. More or less it's the only thing I now how to do other than labor and thats out of the question now.

[cypher]

I put no, but I really like to paint abstract stuff. I like to paint and create things, build stuff and put stuff back together/fix things. I like to figure things out. I play hockey and I guess thats artistic with the plays and moves I come up with and create. (though it's probally already been done, but I dont know that) :o) Also I like to ski/board and try looking around for jumps and see what I can do with it.

I put no because I might like to do all this stuff, but am not very good at it (except the abstract paintings I guess, and skiing).

[jailed]

I carve, mostly birds but some smaller animals, walking sticks , canes
all in wood

[Acer]

I knit, garden (am a horticulturist...Horticulture is defined as the Art and Science of a Cultivated Landscape), sew, bead, have done pottery, make various things, mix essential oils for massage oils/bath salts/bath scrubs/soaps, write, think.

eta: I like paper too, making artist trading cards (ATC), greeting cards with lovely Art Nouveau decorations, I reconstruct thrift store clothing, I yank old wool sweaters from thrift stores and frog them (unravel) to use the yarn for 'better' lovelier purposes, I used to bake beautimus breads, stuff stuff stuff...oh, lip glosses too. Hmmm, jewelry, so many things, if it inspires I do it. Ceramic coasters are fun.

[FightingLily]

I draw and paint. I can't say I am any good at it, but it does make me focus on one thing instead of trying to sort the thoughts in my head. It relaxes me.

[Seychelle]

I sometimes draw and paint.

I only started having flashbacks about childhood a few years ago, I kept a very very tight lid on the denial. But you can see some of it in a few of the paintings and drawings that I did as a teenager - it came out regardless of the denial. When I first started working through the flashbacks a few years ago, I drew continuously for a few months. I filled heaps of sketchbooks. I can see some of the emotional processing in those drawings now.

I also occasionally paint now just for fun. I love the feel of brush on canvas and I prefer bright bright colours.

[xxarmywifexx]

I write poetry.

[sweetgrass]

I play a mean guitar, write songs, record them.

[Mercy]

Thanks for the poll. I think some form of silent (non-verbal) expression taps into a different part of our brains where traumatic memories are deeply imbedded. Artistic expressions can release these in a slow and gradual way- quite different than some traumatic memories. My first therapist was an art therapist.
I have been an artist all my life. I carved marbles for 30 yrs, painted portraits, did stained glass in a commercial studio, and now I write/paint Orthodox Christian icons.
Making things, any thing, was my way of accounting for the time I spent that day. Each day I made something- a baby dress, some lines of needle point- I could prove to myself that I hadn't been hurt that day. A string of sanity that helped me keep my trauma at bay.

[shiraz]

Yes, i am creative. I only discovered that as an adult though. I have a wonderful sense of style (unfortunately I can't always afford it .. he he) and love to make ordinary things special. Every night I light incense and candles and I like to set a beautiful dinner table for our evening meal and create a restful ambiance to end the day with. This is an expression of creativity for me, as is the preparation and presentation of a meal. Being creative means filling the things you do with love, making each moment special, placing fresh lavender on our pillows to help us sleep better, picking herbs from the garden to brighten our packed lunches, writing a special note for my man - it takes a bit of practice a bit more time and borrowing of ideas, but it is worth it as it adds soul to everything you do and makes everything a ceremony of love to life.

Of course, it doesn't always happen and I don't always feel like it, but when i am feeling at my worst, it often helps to return to these things as they center me.

I experiment with different art mediums. Right now I am into pen and ink designs. They are just repetitive patterns. When I do them, they calm my mind and become a form of therapy to me. I like to experiment with things and see what 'fits' me. I can't really draw or sing or create masterpieces, but I think all people are creative, you just need to find how to express yours.

[joyfull]

I am always doodling, makes me a horrible notetaker. I found to keep on track in college I had to take notes with my laptop otherwise they would all be curliques and flowers. I like to paint and have tons of supplies, brushes, canvases, even an easel but very rarely break it out. I used to sing in a band and play guitar and penny whistle- now I watch tv. I also love to just try stuff, sculpting, sewing, beading, I taught a group of people at a women's center to make dreamcatchers last year as part of a fundraiser. I just need a studio. Now I want to quit my job and do art trouble is much as I love it I am not that good. oh well.

[blue_eyed_angel]

I love to draw, paint, and taking pictures of every aspect of life. I never leave home without my camera. You never know what things you might capture going on in life around you.

[Sybil]

I voted yes, and I think that everyone is artistic in some way. Some things just aren't readily recognized. One of my hobbies is city-building games, it is artistic to decide that I am going to put housing here, and industry there. I also enjoy needlepoint, but my designs tend to be straight lines and geometric figures, I think that it gets into the black-and-white issue.

Have you ever developed an innovative solution to a problem. that's artistic.

[morgan]

I used to be artistic. Now I just like to color mostly. Does that count?

[Alicia]

I sketch and paint, digital art, photography, design jewelry

Alicia

[trial'n'error]

I am talented in the visual arts and majored in Oil Painting for three years of college until I lost it and dropped out. I still make paintings, drawings and craft knitted items clothes. I've also written short stories and poems, but don't have as much natural talent at writing as in the visual arts.

[stephanie]

I grew up painting and drawing. I went to an art college. I quit doing art after college, was bored, and went into retail. Being shot ended my retail career. I now find myself getting back in touch with my artistic nature. It feels good to be creative again.

[Michelle]

I am a professional artist working with photo and film. :-) Michelle

[midi]

yes

i draw, paint, Photoshop, photography, and write. these are the only things i can do now, otherwise i become extremely agitated and angry. so, i don't teach anymore etc...

[Robyn]

I answered no. I'm artistic in my own way. I don't know if anyone else would deem me so.

I like to write and opine at great lengths, as many of you may have noticed (sorry I'm so long-winded.)

I'm a arm-chair psychologist which makes me a danger to most of those around me haha...although *I* feel I have pretty good insight. This, in turn, inhibits my own growth because I tend to overanalyse (sp?) my own decisions and am rarely spontaneous or take chances that may further me in life.

This trait is both a blessing and a curse to my sufferer husband. I'm the ying to his yang and usually have both feet firmly planted and rarely want to yield without a fight. However, I am more tolerant with others than I am with myself or my life (something I'm having to overcome a bit with him).

As for drawing, music, great literature, etc...I'm mediocre at best. None of it comes naturally to me. The most I can hope for is that someday, someway my writing and opining will touch someone or help them, if just a little bit. Or, at the very least, spawn a debate..then my work is done LOL

Hugs to all,
Robyn

[Medic72]

I have always had an artistic leaning, before my Trauma, I used to paint (realism, oils and acrylics, self taught) as a way to relax, I also was pretty good at writing; since my trauma, I can't concentrate and I find that my paintings don't satisfy me, they frustrate me, I end up painting over everything in white. With writing, I find it difficult to find the appropriate words to describe things and I end up frustrated again.
I'll get back to it, when I find that inner peace again, until then I have an unfinished landscape waiting for me.

[cragger65]

Yes, I am. I try to do some photography when I'm up to it, I play the guitar and occasionally a poem pops out of me. Some of this I share with others, some (especially the poems) I keep to myself.

[jps]

I am an artist. And I own my own studio as a business that provides giclee prints to other artists and photographers. Along with a frame shop, too. I love my digital graphic stuff. I can do whatever I want and not have a mess to clean up!!!

I have no limits to the art that I do... oil, pencil, pen & ink, pastels, watercolors, everything is art to me... I create things.. beautiful, wonderful things. Things to look at, or touch, or listen to. Crafts, all things connected to the earth.... and I write....

My most recent new inspiration has been the purchase of an ocarina and an eagle bone flute. I'm learning to play both. I play old time fiddle... guitar... used to play clarinet... I play the keyboard... mostly self-taught.. just pick it up and play it. Known songs, or made up songs... its all the same to me... its sound. Flowing... like water... air... life....