Art is an integral part of being human, linked with our emotional growth, well-being, and personal expression. Through creating beauty, we connect with others profoundly, explore our interior worlds, and find healthy ways to process emotions. Although many of us have natural artistic tendencies, emotional traumas and limiting beliefs can stifle our creative voices, making it difficult to tap into our artistic potential. This article will explore how aesthetic thinking works in the brain, why time-bound stress and perfectionistic tendencies can hold us back, and how engaging in art can foster happiness, resilience, and meaning.

Forms of Aesthetic Thinking

1. Sensory Aesthetic Thinking
This involves our basic responses to color, shape, texture, and sound—those immediate, visceral feelings of “liking” or “disliking” that we notice without much deliberation. We recognize beauty in a radiant sunset, a well-crafted melody, or the smoothness of a sculpture’s surface. Sensory aesthetic thinking forms the basis of our gut-level reactions before we engage in deeper interpretation.

2. Emotional Aesthetic Thinking
Here, the aesthetic experience connects with our memories and emotional core. Artwork (like a painting or song) can trigger nostalgia, relief, or sadness. This layer of aesthetic thinking mirrors our inner emotional landscape, helping us process unspoken sentiments and traumas.

3. Cognitive Aesthetic Thinking
At this more analytical level, we examine the symbolism, composition, and context behind the art. For instance, we may connect a painting’s theme to social commentary or historical events. Cognitive aesthetic thinking helps us link our personal experiences with broader cultural and societal themes.

Emotional Traumas, Limiting Beliefs, and the Artistic Process

Emotional Traumas
Past hardships—such as loss, betrayal, or neglect—can weigh heavily on our capacity to express ourselves. Art can serve as a sanctuary for processing these emotions, yet trauma survivors might feel too vulnerable to engage in creative practice. Embracing small, low-pressure creative exercises can gently break down these barriers.

Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs often form around fears of inadequacy: “I’m not talented enough,” or “I’ll never be as good as real artists.” These ideas can erode our confidence before we even pick up a paintbrush. Shifting to a growth-oriented mindset—focusing on learning rather than final results—can help dissolve these self-imposed limitations.

Time-Bound Stress and the Need for Perfection
Modern life is often defined by deadlines and the incessant need to perform efficiently. This mindset, while beneficial for productivity, can hamper creativity. The artistic process often requires downtime, daydreaming, and risk-taking—none of which are easily measured by typical productivity standards. Striving for “perfection” can also stifle one’s openness to trial and error, essential steps in discovering unique creative paths.

Art in the Brain

Research suggests that art-making activates several areas in the brain, including regions linked to reward, emotion regulation, and problem-solving. When we draw, paint, or compose music, neurotransmitters like dopamine reward us for novel exploration and encourage experimentation to cultivate new skills. However, stress impairs the brain’s ability to think flexibly, blocking the “flow” state that fosters creativity. This is why people often discover bursts of inspiration during relaxed moments or leisurely activities. Paradoxically, a tight schedule or desire to “get it right the first time” can be the very obstacle that prevents true originality and self-expression.

The Experience of People with ADHD

For individuals with ADHD, the creative process may feel like an emotional roller coaster. On one hand, ADHD can fuel intense hyperfocus and imaginative thinking. On the other hand, difficulties with organization, time management, and impulsivity can frustrate the flow of a project. Encouraging mindful breaks, journaling, and focusing on small steps can be incredibly effective for maintaining momentum. Art can serve as a grounding practice, channeling restlessness into a tangible creation.

Journaling Prompt:

• “What mental or emotional barriers stop me from letting loose and creating freely?”
• “In which moments of my day do I feel most energized or drawn to explore new ideas?”

How to Become an Artist: From Abstract to Practical

Abstract Approach

1. Vision: Begin by letting your mind wander. Envision the kind of artist you’d like to be—whether you’re drawn to painting, sculpting, writing, or any other medium.
2. Emotional Inventory: Reflect on emotional obstacles and limiting beliefs. Are there fears, traumas, or messages you’ve internalized that may block you from expressing yourself?
3. Play and Experiment: Start small and try different techniques or styles. Embrace the possibility of “making a mess” and learn from it.
4. Reflection: Journal about your creative experiences to identify what resonates with you emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
5. Community: Seek out peers or mentors who can offer encouragement and feedback. Sharing your journey invites accountability and camaraderie.

Painting Example

1. Gather Materials: Set up a simple palette of paints, brushes, and paper. Don’t overthink the brand or the color scheme—begin with the basics.
2. Sketch a Vision: Lightly outline your idea. Maybe you want to portray a memory, a dream, or an emotional state.
3. Add Color Freely: Lay down broad strokes without expecting perfection. Notice how putting color on paper makes you feel—excited, nervous, or calm?
4. Pause and Observe: Step back and look at what you’ve created so far. Are there sections that feel particularly meaningful or beautiful to you?
5. Refine or Abstract: Add final details or layer on new shapes and colors. Alternatively, intentionally distort the piece to express deeper feelings.
6. Reflect and Share: Write down your insights or share the painting with someone you trust. Notice how your stress levels and mood change after the creative session.

Why We Need More Art Today

Our world is awash in complex problems—social unrest, environmental challenges, and mental health crises. Fostering art and beauty offers solace, empathy, and innovative ways of thinking about solutions. Artistic practice can inspire breakthroughs and spark collective hope, reminding us of our shared humanity. Engaging with art, whether as the creator or the viewer, encourages emotional resilience, bolsters self-esteem, and opens doors to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our communities.

Jim Carrey’s Example
When actor Jim Carrey stepped back from Hollywood, he discovered painting and sculpting as powerful tools for healing and self-expression. Through his artwork, Carrey reconnected with a sense of meaning and joy he had lost. His story underlines how art, far from being a mere hobby, can help us rewrite narratives about our lives and find fulfillment beyond our usual roles or labels.

Aesthetics and Art as a Human Need (Maslow’s Model)

Abraham Maslow’s classic hierarchy of needs extends beyond safety, belonging, and self-esteem into aesthetic and self-actualization needs. Engaging in beauty—whether experiencing it or creating it—can lift us to higher levels of psychological well-being. Once our fundamental needs are met, we naturally yearn for inspiration, personal fulfillment, and deeper meaning that all artistic pursuits can offer.

Conclusion: A Passionate Call to Action

Art is not a luxury but a necessity for the human spirit. It awakens our senses, helps us process trauma, and encourages personal growth. Every person has an inner artist waiting to unfold, fueled by curiosity and courage. You contribute to a more beautiful, compassionate, and hopeful world when you make room for creative exploration—through painting, music, dance, or any other medium. In a time of perpetual change and uncertainty, we need artists to spark a connection, challenge norms, and offer fresh perspectives.

Take Action

• Give yourself permission to take small creative steps daily, whether by sketching a doodle or humming a new tune.
• Practice new forms of art or appreciate them in a museum, local gallery, or even online.
• Recognize that every stroke of color or thoughtful verse can soothe your mind, uplift your mood, and expand your sense of what’s possible.

Together, by honoring our inner drive to create, we forge a healthier, happier future—one vibrant brushstroke at a time.

Additional Reflection Questions

• How might creating art in small, everyday moments (like arranging flowers or doodling in a journal) shift your perspective on daily challenges?
• In what ways can you “beautify” your personal or professional environments?
• When you feel stuck or discouraged, what small act of creativity could help you regain momentum?

By embracing art in all its forms—letting go of perfectionism, discovering new outlets for self-expression, and nurturing our collective need for beauty—we not only heal ourselves but also invite a kinder, more imaginative world into existence.