Tag: Art

Space (5)

Posted on Monday, Jun 17, 2024 | Mental Health, Art, Creativity, Mental Illness, Art Therapy

Alex discusses the necessity of finding space, physical and psychological, for creativity, highlighting its importance not just as a leisure activity but as a therapeutic necessity. He stresses the importance of carving out uninterrupted time and space to engage in creative activities. He discusses how interruptions are detrimental not only to productivity but to the mental and psychological benefits of the creative process and that to truly benefit from art’s therapeutic potential, uninterrupted time slots must be integrated into your schedule.

Sharing (4)

Posted on Monday, Jun 10, 2024 | Mental Health, Art, Creativity, Mental Illness, Art Therapy

This episode explores the transformative power of art through a look at Emily Dickinson’s reclusive yet impactful life and the host’s personal journey as an autistic artist. Emphasizing the idea that art is a form of communication, it argues that sharing art can help forge deep connections, foster healing, and inspire others. The episode encourages artists to push past fears of sharing their work, highlighting the reciprocal nature of artistic appreciation and offering practical advice on how to engage with and support fellow creators.

Perfectionism (3)

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 4, 2024 | Mental Health, Art, Creativity, Mental Illness, Art Therapy

In this episode of the Art Against Mental Illness podcast, host Alex Loveless discusses the role of perfectionism in the creative process and its broader impacts on mental health. Alex explores how the obsession with perfect work and social media’s influence can lead to anxiety, depression, and other negative outcomes. The episode emphasises the importance of recognising when a piece of art is truly finished and the dangers of comparing one’s work to others. Alex advises on taking breaks to gain fresh perspectives on one’s work and finding value in previous creations. The episode concludes with a practical exercise, encouraging listeners to revisit and reassess their old works.

Process (2)

Posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 | Mental Health, Art, Creativity, Mental Illness

In this episode of the Art Against Mental Illness podcast, host Alex Loveless explores the therapeutic value of the creative process. Drawing on Zen Buddhist principles, he highlights how every moment, whether routine or significant, contributes to art and mental wellness. Alex stresses the importance of embracing all aspects of the creative journey, from cleaning the studio to reflecting on past works, to enhance both the quality of art and mental well-being. He assigns listeners a task to tidy their creative spaces and reflect on the experience.

Beginnings (1)

Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 | Mental Health, Art, Creativity, Mental Illness

Alex discusses why starting a creative project is sometimes hard, and uses his own approach and experiences to create the conditions to make sure you can always get started. He also discusses why “bringing your whole self” to the creative process is neither necessary nor, in some cases, even desirable.