I rediscovered art after the birth of my third child. I was in a slump - befuddled, listless, isolated and ill. Both Mum and a therapist suggested I do a course to meet people to help with the isolation. This lead me to the Brisbane Institute of Art where I enthusiastically attended painting courses for six years. The effects have been tremendously positive for my wellbeing and I have come to realise that the process is more valuable to me that the outcome. It has become a contemplative practice as outlined in my list of four.

Experimenting - There’s a fusion of colours, styles, materials and ideas to play with, the ever-present curiosity of “What happens if …”

Problem Solving - Making art means that you risk making mistakes; some misplaced marks cannot be erased. Art making teaches you how to incorporate what seem like “mistakes” into the overall pattern of the design. It’s a great metaphor for everyday life—nothing is ever perfect, but how you adjust to mistakes is what really matters.

Flow State - Creating often leads in to a state of flow, which Csíkszentmihályi describes as “an intrinsically rewarding or optimal state that results from intense engagement with daily activities”. It’s a simple way to enjoy the creative process.

Calming - Repetitive creative work, in and of itself, can be calming and self-soothing. This is particularly true if you accept this process as one with no expected outcome other than the enjoyment of making something and staying open to whatever emerges.

If you’re also an art maker, artist or art dabbler, I’d love to hear why you make art.