Remember when, as kids, we lost track of time with colours or eagerly awaited art class? Experts say visual art serves as therapy for people of all ages, and introducing it early helps children explore self-expression and fosters happiness.
‘Creativity lends a space to express emotions’
Visual arts encompass a broad range of mediums, from painting and drawing to photography and filmmaking.
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“In children’s art, it’s about everything they create with their hands – cardboard, old papers, leaves, and twigs can all be tools. This process helps children explore their senses and, later, their emotions,” says Audrone Brazauskaite, a Lithuanian artist and art therapist.
Athira Dev, a visual artist and designer, believes creative expression can be a powerful source of healing and happiness. “Creativity provides children a safe space to express emotions they may not yet have words for. Through colours, shapes and textures, they can share their feelings in a natural way, helping them process emotions and feel understood.”
Through colours, shapes and textures, kids can share their feelings in a natural way, according to experts
‘Visual arts can help improve focus in children, boost their confidence’
Focus, happiness, and calm—art benefits the artist in many ways. Illustrator Alicia Souza says, “Visual arts align your mind and body, creating a meditative focus. Parents don’t need to formally introduce art; simply join in when kids pick up colours (or any medium) and encourage them.”
Set up a little creative corner at home where children have access to art supplies they can play around with
“When kids immerse themselves in visual arts, it reduces stress and improves focus. They often lose track of time exploring colours, textures, and shapes. In our busy, tech-driven world, that moment of presence is invaluable. Completing a painting also boosts their confidence and gives a real sense of accomplishment,” adds Athira.
Art therapy uses art as a non-verbal tool for children to express their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions of the world. It plays a key role in addressing emotional and cognitive challenges, with visual art offering rich opportunities for expression
Audrone Brazauskaite, an artist and art therapist from Lithuania
Tips to foster creativity in kids
- Set up a little creative corner at home where children have access to art supplies they can play around with. Having a dedicated space allows kids to express themselves freely, without judgment
- Encourage them to spend even just 30 minutes a day making something fun
- Make creativity a family thing. Try fun painting, pottery and craft activities at home, so kids start associating creative expression with warmth and togetherness
- Focus on the process, not the result. Instead of saying how “good” or “bad” a piece is, recognising their effort and creativity builds their confidence and sense of self. This will inspire them to keep exploring different forms of creativity too
— Inputs from Athira Dev, visual artist
Art therapy: A tool for emotional healing
Art has long been recognised for its transformative healing power. Arti, director of Artreach India, an NPO promoting art education, explains, “Engaging in art activities helps reduce stress and anxiety, boosts self-awareness, and enhances self-worth. In our workshops, we’ve seen therapeutic effects on children. During a feedback session, a child remarked, ‘First thing about the workshop is that I learn art here. Second, I feel happy, even when I am sad.’ Another participant shared, ‘Whenever I am angry or stressed, I make drawings and feel better’. Visual arts workshops focus on encouraging children to explore different materials, fostering creativity, and boosting critical thinking, confidence, and empathy – all while having fun.”
Visual arts workshops focus on encouraging children to explore different materials
Let your child take centre stage. Calling parents of young superstars ( up to 10 years) to enroll their children in the Delhi Times Little Star Talent Hunt and share their amazing talents with us. Log on to: https://mycitytimes.com/littlestartalenthunt