“Art is Sanity,” the benefits of creative outlets

Creative Outlets surrounding the mind (Wyett Pinney/ The Puma Prensa)

Written By: Wyett Pinney, Photos Editor

Being trapped without a way out is exasperating, and that's why it’s essential to have a way to express oneself. Though having a creative outlet is extremely important for mental health, finding one can be nerve-wracking. Sometimes, it feels like another unfinished project; other times, it seems impossible to start. However, it doesn’t need to be that way.

The visual arts are notable among creative outlets– they’ve maintained the hearts of artists for centuries. Visual arts can take so many forms as an outlet for expression, there are few requirements for starting. Sure, painting might require abundant materials, but pencils and paper are easily accessible; the variety in the tools used lead visual arts to being useful no matter the available resources.

Maria Carrillo High School Art teacher Thomas Laughlin explained that visual arts can benefit students because “as a young person, you then have [art] as a little tool in your tool belt in your brain.” He encouraged learning visual arts from an early age rather than later in life because although taking a class is an option as an adult, getting a foundation early builds the groundwork for a long-lasting mental tool. Another skill that comes with learning visual arts is “visual learning,” being able to see and appreciate the beauty in the world around you.

However, creative outlets aren’t limited to being visual; vocal arts like singing and choir can serve the same creative purpose, in new fashion. MCHS Choir Teacher Gail Bowers describes choir as “a physical art,” that uses the body for healthy self-expression. When done in choir form, she says it “unites us and makes us feel good,” because it is a team effort that provides support and structure. Choir naturally has a rather public nature, which can turn many away from trying it, but it also helps overcome that same fear of being on stage and of being watched. Bowers explained that choir is a fulfilling outlet that gives the sense of “Oh my god, they loved what I did,” as she puts it.

Creative writing is another healthy form of self expression. Senior Aston Rashap described his writing as “the things I want, the things that I wish I could be, the things I am as well.” It's a form of escapism, as he says “I write these problems getting resolved, and realize it's easy to resolve my problems personally.” This method helps him by seeing himself from another perspective. This is the advantage that creative writing has over other outlets, it allows for both a shift in perspective as well as a written escape; it is also minimally resource intensive.

Creative outlets are testaments to dedication, finding a healthier outlook, and expressing yourself positively. There is a wide variety of them and each can be beneficial in different ways, being able to express emotions in a non-harming way makes them incredibly valuable. In the words of Laughlin, “Art is sanity. It brings back a part of ourselves that helps us heal and helps us get centered.”