Art

Art Therapy, Nature Therapy living a Creative life

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on September 8, 2024 4

There’s something about art.Be it writing,singing,dancing, doodling,painting,crafting,sculpting sewing,making furniture or anything creating something always puts me in a place of calm happy.

Hara Gouri and Narayana :Gods of Mithila Artwork done in class with Anushree Dutta — **God’s of Mithila**

Growing up I heard a lot about mental health and illnesses arising from it on both sides of the family. That was a driving force behind me studying to be a doctor.While eventually surgery being my favourite subject I did my post graduation as an ENT surgeon, taking care of my mental health has always played a very important path.

I never stopped reading and researching with my own head being a laboratory of sorts.I loved reading from a very young age.That has been a constant companion for me since forever.I don’t want to be without a book anywhere.It stops me from making foolhardy decisions,from being bored.

But writing and now painting has absolutely changed the course of my mind.I almost feel there’s been a chemical reaction inside the brain and I do my professional work better because of it.

Doctors need to be healthy. Just like everybody else.But taking care of illnesses can be physically and mentally taxing .That’s why it’s always better not to be too emotionally involved .Because then rational decisions become difficult.

But how much is caring and when does caring too much start?How will we build that border in the brain?How to switch off the doctor mode and get into the mommy mode?That was unchartered territory for me as a mom.

I felt emotionally raw ,uber sensitive and unable to cope. Didn’t feel I was doing what I studied so hard to become. Felt overwhelmed, underappreciated,overworked,sleep deprived and out of control.That was 2012,2013,2014.I was walking on my treadmill almost daily but no other fun exercise or play time.Story books were possible only when the little one slept and we did art stuff together.

*Tree of life:Seeing trees and painting trees keep me alive*

In late 2014, something changed.I started balcony gardening.Life looked better.I had help and support,more than many people.I was working ,but not coping well with sleeplessness and night duties.In fact, I was heading for a collapse.In 2018 both of us resigned from our Government jobs at Malda Medical College. It was a clean cut.I realized dreams change and shift perspective as one grows a few wise brain cells.Its not easy making the sudden shifts which appear as crossroads in life,but nothing worthwhile ever is.

In COVID things took another turn. Homebound I started writing stories and doing more watercolour,mithila art,and while trying to cope decided to renovate the village home. Dilapidated and neglected that home and the garden has changed our lives forever.So the pandemic brought art closer to my life and I grew roots in a mango garden.

But what is Art therapy?When you use art(drawing/painting/crafting/sewing/sculpting/dance/music) in any form to calm the mind down and find your flow its art therapy.Kids respond very well to the calming effect of art .My daughter and I have drawn and painted together since she was two years old. I am so glad I did that because it has made her a much calmer and confident young girl than I ever was.

In 2021 with a few friends we invested in small plots of land to plant trees in.We roamed in mango garden, played in the village fields on weekends.Gift of Green is real.

Mango season means we pick carefully.A few unripe ones for the amer tok or aam dal.Perfect for hot summer days.This is fruit from the Garden we planted in 2022 .Imagine a tree only 2-year-old has started to bear fruits.

It looks difficult until you do it.The journey towards nature is a journey towards wellness.Fruits you grow yourself just taste better.Plus the kids have so much fun participating in this ,that I never have to tell them “don’t cut trees”.

We have come a long way.I started balcony gardening in 2014 and my Balcony Garden helps me during the week.I tried hydroponics too in 2020, but it’s not sustainable for me. During the weekend ,the village gardens are where we hang out.Walking,playing and dreaming

Nature Therapy is not new.It’s not rocket science either.But simple things and simple solutions means people don’t take it seriously enough. The biggest loser in the fast race to unplanned urbanization are the people.We need to focus on making our villages,small towns self sufficient, so that the green is maintained. Inspired by @blogchatter to share the story.

413 literature were identified. It was seen that a lower connection to nature had significant lower mental health benefits.

Mental health disorders which are affected mainly include

depression disorders
anxiety
cognitive impairment
dementias
Alzheimer’s disease
schizophrenia
Autism

While pharmacological treatment is the first choice for mental disorders to alleviate the major symptoms, many antipsychotics contribute to poor quality of life and debilitating adverse effects. Therefore, clinicians have turned toward to complementary treatments, such as art therapy in addressing the health needs of patients more than half a century ago.More work is needed but the horizon shows hope.

I am the prettiest of them all

…said no flower ever.Lesson to learn -Humility.
Flowers are absolutely stunning and they have zero airs.Imagine humans being that grounded!
It’s difficult to balance self confidence and self-worth while staying humble.Another thing flowers do with grave.

God give me grace and humility.

Something to add to my bedtime prayer routine.Writing this with #BlogchatterHalfMarathan
#gardenwisdom #healthwealthbridge #gardeningmoments

Art therapy Nature Therapy living a Creative Life

Online Art classes you will love

Painting Calm

Doodle Art course

Gods of Mithila art course

Jenna Rainey art course

7 Ways an Art Therapy Helps me

References

A lower connection to nature is related to lower mental health benefits from nature contact
Chia-Chen Chang # 1 2, Brenda B Lin # 3, Xiaoqi Feng 4 5 6, Erik Andersson 7 8 9, John Gardner 10, Thomas Astell-Burt 5 11 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38509180/

Nature-Based Therapy in Individuals with Mental Health Disorders, with a Focus on Mental Well-Being and Connectedness to Nature—A Pilot Study
Lilly Joschko,1 Anna María Pálsdóttir,1 Patrik Grahn,1 and Maximilian Hinse2,* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9914984/

The Effects of Nature Exposure Therapies on Stress, Depression, and Anxiety Levels: A Systematic Review
Diana Marcela Paredes-Céspedes,1,* Norida Vélez,1 Alejandra Parada-López,1 Yesith Guillermo Toloza-Pérez,1 Eliana M. Téllez,1 Claudia Portilla,1 Carolina González,2 Leany Blandón,2 Juan Carlos Santacruz,2 and Jeadran Malagón-Rojas1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10969128/

7 Ways an Art Practice Helps Me

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on July 31, 2024 10

Art is a part of life .It’s a part of the daily things I do as a part of self care,for feeling better,connecting with my inner self,getting into the flow ,finding the calm within.

This month I finally decided to list my art on a digital art gallery Fizdi .It was something I wanted to do for a very long time ,but was having a self-doubt on a massive scale.

The good news is I overcome that and finally listed my art and that made me very happy.

Sharing 7 Ways an ART practice helps me!

It’s not easy to do this because self doubt is the worst enemy of the artist. But I have tried to overcome it while I practice moving the brush over my paper .

Makes me happy.

Relaxes me.

Boosts positivity.

Boosts creative thinking.

Helps me teach my daughter about daily wellness practice.

Helps me make my right brain stronger.

Helps me find my flow .

July was very busy .It was also very hot and humid.It reminded me about a twitter thread I read which talked about guerilla gardening.This involves stealthily planting trees in barren community places and empty lots .Some people have done it with mixed results.

Similarly talking about Creativity, art,finding the calm within is not going to be easy. It’s going to be even more difficult to inspired people to do the same.

But one of the few things which helped me find a calmer me is my art practice .Go paint something, even if it’s your flower pot!

6 Truths About the Struggle of an Artist!

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on May 23, 2024 0

This is What happened Wednesday evening on the #Blogchatter Twitter /X chat and I couldn’t help sharing my answers to the fun questions. For the entire chat check out the first tweet I embedded.

This post is in the form of Q and A where the Q s are by Blogchatter and the answers are mine.

Q1.Tell us where you’re joining from and what is your creative superpower?

Telling stories through words,art and my plants .

Tell us where you're joining from and what is your creative superpower. #Blogchatter pic.twitter.com/k4G7fAHb6R
— Blogchatter® (@blogchatter) May 22, 2024

Q1.What’s a stereotype around being an artist/creative that you’ve heard too often? #Blogchatter

A.Of the tortured unhappy artist. No one talks about the happy artist.But for me I am happy writing or painting and it’s an instant pick me up for Me ! #Blogchatter
Plus the true artist doesn’t need money.Its difficult if not impossible to create on an empty stomach .

Q2. How does the pressure to create affect you as an artist?

I ignore it.#Blogchatter
That’s the reason this is my 10th year blogging and 4 year painting. October 2024 is going to be the 10th blog birthday.

Q3. We love our #BlogchatterRetreats to unwind and connect with like-minded creatives. This year we’re having it in Kolkata:
theblogchatter.com/campaign-regis…
How in your experience collaboration with a community can help an artist?

It’s wonderful to find a community who can grow together and help each other.The reason I am tweeting #Blogchatter since 2017 .The best Blogging platform in India.I have been part of a few and this is easily the best.

Q4. How do you see social media shaping the identity and visibility of artists now as compared to before? #Blogchatter

A4 The organic reach is tough .The algorithm is tweaked to help the Platforms make money and you get sucked into sm addiction .
Whether it translates into income is something for other people to answer. My blog and my books are still my first choice.
#Blogchatter

Q5. As a creative, how has your understanding of being a “successful artist” evolved?
#Blogchatter

A5 I think I realized the biggest part of being successful as an artist or as a Doctor is being happy doing what you love and helping people .Art and the artist both should spread joy .That’s my understanding #Blogchatter

Q6. We all fall prey to imposter syndrome as artists. What do you do to overcome it?
#Blogchatter

A 6 Watch my daughter sketching and having fun .Creating joyfully with no agenda is my way of beating imposter syndrome #Blogchatter

Sharing a few artwork from 2021 which helped me stay calm during the lock down.Checkout my book Starting a Successful Blog here .

Painting for a calm mind :Looking back

Painted Walls Of Malainagar by Shyamala Shanmugasundaram

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 20, 2024 0

Painted Walls Of Malainagar is written by Shyamala Shanmugasundaram.I read the Bengali translation translated by Indrani Barua and illustrated by Anthony Guruj.I received a gift copy of this book.

Quick Book Review of মালয়নগর রঙিন দেয়াল গল্প শ্যামলা স্যুগাসুন্দরম illustration অ্যান্টনি গুরুজ অনুবাদ করেছেন ইন্দ্রাণী বড়ুয়া

The story is beautifully narrated ,talking about the transformative power of art.The murals on the exterior walls of the buildings where Soori and his friends lived was a good surprise.The artists, helped create a more colorful and beautiful environment for the kids.

As the kids started helping out they realized how a little art can go a long way in lifting a community from doom and gloom.They also realized that together the community could work together to make their neighborhood not only more beautiful, but also cleaner ,safer.That would be real change. There is always hope and a prayer will be answered if you work hard to make it true .

Who is it for?

Great for ages 5 to 8 years.The language is simple and lucid with very endearing storytelling making it a page turner.

Good paper quality and the colorful pages makes this a good gift options for young readers .

What could be better?

The illustrations of the wall murals if depicted better could make this a truly enchanting book.

Book Overview of Painted Walls of Malainagar:

Soori loves to draw and paint. But where he lives now with his mother is a rundown neighbourhood, unclean, unsafe and completely colourless! He wants to move away, but knows they can’t. He wishes that colours would rain down and brighten the buildings. A few days later, Soori finds himself amidst painters, paint cans and brushes! What’s going on? Painterly pictures echo real textures in a story about trying to bring colour and hope into a community.

Quick Book Review in Bengali of মালয়নগর রঙিন দেয়াল গল্প শ্যামলা স্যুগাসুন্দরম illustration অ্যান্টনি গুরুজ অনুবাদ করেছেন ইন্দ্রাণী বড়ুয়া

গল্পটি সুন্দরভাবে বর্ণনা করা হয়েছে, শিল্পের রূপান্তরকারী শক্তি সম্পর্কে কথা বলা হয়েছে। Soori যেখানে থাকতেন সেই ভবনগুলির বাইরের দেয়াল আঁকার ফলে শিল্পীরা বাচ্চাদের জন্য আরও রঙিন এবং সুন্দর পরিবেশ তৈরি করতে সাহায্য করেছিল।

This is part of the TBRChallenge by Blogchatter .

Nature Art Book Inspirations 1 :Art Therapy

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 17, 2024 0

Nature art book shows my drawings and paintings from nature. The art is often made at the location itself and a few were made during art classes online reproducing well-known work by famous artist. The Cat is reproduced from a Jamini Roy painting and the Prince and the Tiger is also reproduced from work by the same artist . These were drawn over several months and started during the lockdown of 2020. Art Therapy for well-being is a subject I have been researching for the last 4 years and this is a part of the work I did since 2020.Creating art is a journey .Its not going to look the same .But its rarely far from the inspiration.

My art is rarely abstract and often nature inspired.But I am also fond of the Mithila Art form,the mandala,the patachitra and most traditional Indian art. The free spirit in me likes the loose watercolour floral and all my likes and loves come alive in the art I make.

Painting Calm by Inga Buividavice plus Nature Paintings

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 8, 2024 2

I liked the name of the book and I bought it.But before that I had signed up for a Domestika course by the same author and liked her style.Welcome to my book review Painting Calm by Inga Buividavice-Connect to Nature through the art of Watercolour!

I quickly read through the whole book because it’s an easy read.Its also great for beginners.It teaches you steps and drawing leaves in wreaths or mandala pattern.That keeps me happy .

jewel tree by Amrita Basu with IAP MALDA Pledge.We will strive to make mother earth greener and healthier for her children. — Jewel tree by Amrita Basu with IAP MALDA Pledge.We will strive to make mother earth greener and healthier for her children.

Pros of the book

Easy to read

Step by step

Calm illustrations which don’t overwhelm

Helpful tips

Soothing color palate

Anyone can get started with these instructions.

Biggest takeaway:Let nature be your inspiration and stop trying to make it an exact biological illustration if you really want to start enjoying the watercolour process.

*Painting Calm by Inga Buividavice -Book Review*

I like painting leaves and flowers.That’s a thing with me.I can’t stop painting leaves and flowers,doodling them and planting trees .When I have a lot of money I plan to buy as much land I can and plant and plant and plant.I want to leave a greener world for my child and my painting is a way of manifesting all the green in my life .It started in 2014 but escalated to a dream I am living 2020 onwards .The pandemic did teach me a very important lesson.That of nature being crucial for all kinds of health.You cannot be truly healthy without a dose of nature everyday.

Painting along with Painting Calm

So when I picked up this book I wanted a closer look at the leaves ,wreaths and composition the artist was painting.They looked simple but magical at the same time.

It’s really difficult to paint in the minimalist style which is also soothing.That I think is the artists Inga Buividavice’s book’s usp.You will truly connect to nature in more ways than one.