This Is Why You Should Invest in Art

The mere ability of creating anything over nothing delivers sheer bliss. After being intrigued by colours, in the late 2000s I finally expressed my wish of being admitted to an art school. This was perhaps one of the best decisions I have made in my life so far. Art can be so rewarding but can only be felt once you start immersing yourself in its creativity.

The following steps are only a guide. I urge you to add in or exclude from the stages I mention.

BUILDING A CREATIVE SANCTUARY

We find joy in different customs, through different paths and from different sources. Art, for one, can be therapeutic when you wield your brush over a canvas or sketch delicate, black and white portraits. Art can be induced through self-expression, a sense of individual identity. Forming identities can be daunting, but it is a process and evolves through time and practicing art.

FINDING A SUITED MEDIUM

Use different mediums and observe what works best for you. Personally, I am comfortable working with watercolour, pens and pencil but my skills have dropped over time due to a lack of devotion. Thus, it is imperative that we devote time and schedule intrinsically, in order to form greater strengths in the field. Even if you're not the Leonardo da Vinci of the 21st century, allow yourself to form an identity of your own. Studies suggest art may promote individual well-being and psychological health. So, if you're looking for a way to cope with the uncertainty and the advent of adversities the pandemic is presenting currently, art might just be the right getaway for you to choose!

LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE

It is sadly, however, the case in many art schools in Dhaka where village landscapes are solely the topic focused on. There is little to no creative liberty, as Fatima Jahan who is now a university student, says from her experience attending art school in her childhood.

Samrin Haque, a high school student, however has differing views, as she sees her art school as a safe place attended by like-minded people. My cousin who attended art school with me says, "I enjoyed working in the classes as traditional Bangla music played in the background. Sometimes special appearances by famous musicians would exude an aura of charisma through their remarkable live music."

Another cousin of mine remarked that for her art was like a "recreational activity" and "a momentary retreat from strain." Suraqa Noor, a university student, particularly loved her teacher's method of motivating students from all age ranges. However, when she joined her O Level art classes, she disliked the idea of drawing the same thing in every class. Liberty to choose topics in local art classes is minute and comprehension of detailed construction of complex yet basic anatomy compositions are vastly discouraged in art schools.

The ability of birthing reality from personal imagination equips artists with a sense of gratification while permitting the critics to interpret however they wish to. If you need a tip on problem-solving skills, I'll tell you a secret, dear readers. Art will present you with this expensive skill.   

Ayra Areeba Abid's favourite word is 'serendipity' and she's a linguistics geek. Connect with her at areeba.ayra@gmail.com