Kimaya Khurana - Blog #2 - Colors of the Self
Colors of the Self
Artists have so much variety when it comes to their medium. It could be painting, drawing, modeling, cooking, or even dancing. There are no limitations to an artistic style, and that's why there can be such a wide range of expressions. An artist’s identity is revealed in every choice they make, such as colors or materials. When a person isn’t set by bounds to do, they have the full freedom to do whatever they desire, and it is psychologically proven that a person is more likely to express themselves through this. For example, if a person gets requested to cook one of their specialties, it would be whatever they feel in the mood for. Or, in a coloring book, a person can choose any color they desire to fill in the blank pages with a black outline. Whether it is the entire rainbow or just a selection of 2 colors, this is a person's choice, therefore expressing the hidden parts of their identity.
Psychologists have studied how this freedom in creative choice allows hidden aspects of identity to emerge, whether consciously or subconsciously. According to Sandra Kagin (Graves) and Vija Lusebrink’s study about expressive therapies (ETC), they discovered that creative processes in symbolic, cognitive, sensory-motor, and affective domains affect how different media, imagery, and processes can influence identity. I believe this is why art is one of the most important forms, and how the identity of an artist is different. By having creative freedom, artists can express their hidden emotions through this, even without realizing it. If one is feeling sad, they may subconsciously use darker colors over brighter ones. Or, even through dance, a shy person may use reserved, small moves, but over time gradually expand their gestures through the song. These feelings give a unique style which sets them apart from others, and is one of the reasons why every artwork has a different story to tell. Even if given the same prompt, everybody can interpret it differently, unlike a math equation.
Have you ever been so absorbed in doing something, whether a homework assignment, project, video game, or even a painting? This is considered the Flow Theory, where one, especially artists, can lose so much time by being so engrossed in their piece that hours can feel like minutes. They don’t think about their problems or issues, and if they do, it is subconsciously shown in their art as it just naturally drifts through. While ETC explains how creativity expresses identity, Flow Theory shows how complete immersion allows these aspects to surface naturally. Through this deep focus, their emotions and identity flow naturally into their work. Through artists' works, their emotions and thoughts flow across and show their authentic selves, which is why the identity of an artist is so unique.
Hi Kimaya, I definitely found myself nodding along at all the points that you made about art and how important it is. You've effectively captured the way that art means more than just paint on a canvas, or words on paper; in a world where freedom is what we hope to achieve, art is one of the ways to do that. It was very interesting that you included the Flow Theory into this as well, and it helped tie everything together smoothly. I have experienced the Flow Theory myself, but it would've been during a volleyball game rather than during the art making process. They're definitely both ways that help people express themselves.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kimaya. I have been completely absorbed in activities before, I never knew it was Flow Theory. I know you love art and I can imagine why, I supposedly love it too. I usually spend so much time engrossed in a art piece and then end up getting frustrated that it isn’t turning out the way I want it to. I don’t think I’m great at producing art, but I LOVE taking in art. I completely agree with you that art is one of the most important forms. Truly, paintings, music, movies, etc. can communicate so much more than what is outright being told. I’m so happy you’re pursuing architecture; maybe I could see a house you designed in the future.
ReplyDeleteHi Kimaya, I agree that art could literally be anything as long as you are expressing yourself. I also have been really absorbed in many different activities before and today I learned about the scientific idea, Flow Theory. Flow Theory seems like something that I should have known my entire life but I didn’t. I’m curious about how one person enters the “flow” and is in the zen-like state. I never thought about how we express our problems when doing art and after hearing this, I reflected on my previous work and realized that this is completely true. You do not notice it when you are in the zone but after completing the work and reviewing it, you can review your previous experiences and see how the art was shaped by it.
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