by Manjit Handa

Art has been in this world since time immemorial, be it dancing, painting, writing fiction, carving, sketching, play-acting or playing an instrument. While these are the old forms of expression, with the passage of time Art has undergone new meanings and new definitions.

The advancement of technology has created new opportunities, new platforms and brought in a new crop of artists. Today, for example, in the computer age, the graphic artists are rapidly gaining good reputation. So what exactly is the purpose and place of Art in this world? Is it merely meant for pleasure and entertainment or does it serve any other higher purpose? There are in fact two groups supporting each idea: Art for Art's sake and Art for the sake of Society. According to the first group, Art is not supposed to be instructive and is not bound to serve any purpose other than being itself, a work of art. The latter, on the other hand believes that since Art is a product of life itself and an imitation of life, it should serve a social purpose, depict life and issue a moral/social message. Only then its presence in the world can be accounted for.

Art and its concern for us would amalgamate both the opinions because when we talk of Art as a healer, it performs a dual purpose, it appeals to our senses and takes us into that transcendental realm where we forget the sickness or disease we are suffering from, taking us onto the path of healing, thus performing a utilitarian purpose.

The big question that concerns us is as to how Art or a work of Art works/acts as a healer? Is it the performing or enacting of it or merely the participation? First we would look at the aspect of enactment or an active participation. For a common man Art seems like a source of luxury and an activity for the select few who have been gifted with a certain aptitude. It is a big misconception to believe that if we never tried playing an instrument for the forty years of our life we can never do it or that if I have never held a painting brush in my hand I will never be able to paint. The question is did I ever try? Or did I not try because I thought I could not have painted a perfect picture? Generally it is the latter.

We do not try to do a certain thing for the fear of failure or for the humiliation we would suffer when we did a thing oh so imperfectly. The problem lies only in the attitude we have had for not having tried our hand at any piece or type of art. Next time any negative thought occurs to you before you get down to doing something creative, think of it this way?I am in this world to try out everything I can possibly lay my hands on, so let me try out something new. Let me do it and see how I do it. I might not win applause for the finished product but at least then I would not have any regrets. Also, remember any kind of Art is an imitation of reality. Even the so-called artist is an imitator. Only he is a superior imitator of sorts. So you have every right on imitation too.

Art is not a prerogative of the "select few" but a field open for everybody to be explored. More specifically anyone who feels unwell or has been clinically declared unwell. While actively participating in any art form, human mind is diverted from its constant focus of pain and that diversion itself works wonders, stunts pain and by the time you realize, you are already on the road to healing. It would not be an exaggeration to say that anyone pursuing any kind of art form through out his life has a higher likelihood of living a wholesome life.

You would definitely be faced by the dilemma of which form of Art to follow, especially if you have never tried any kind of Art ever. The answer to that would be, listen to your heart. Which particular form of Art are you fascinated with? Which Art forms do you respond to? If you have more than one form in mind, see if you can give time to all. But try focusing on one at a time. Never more than two at a time. That would leave you befuddled. Then go for it whole-heartedly and earnestly.

Always remember there is no expertise required here. Just the doing of it. The creating of it. Creation itself is the most fulfilling and satisfying experience. To create is to take control of. Perhaps the reason why every woman wants to be a "mother", a creator, in spite of the pain involved in it. It is the process of creating a piece of art, the struggle and wrestling to achieve a certain level of perfection that acts as a mental catharsis for anyone suffering from an ailment and ultimately something that transforms an ordinary person to the extraordinary(artist??). That is precisely the point where healing sets in, for it is not a cure of the disease, but growing out of it or in other words taking control of it.

The second and a comparative easier way is simply participating in an artistic endeavor by remaining passive, by just being a recipient. If you do not feel inspired enough to grab a pen and write a piece of poem, take a brush and paint a flower-vase or even create a piece of music, at least inspire yourself enough to shake off the laziness and watch a theatrical performance of a classical play, listen to the music of your favorite composer or go and watch the exhibits of a famed sculptor, photographer or painter.

Once you get yourself involved, the process of healing begins and a feeling of betterment sets in. You will see the results yourself!

Painting by Bhupinder Singh