​Psychology is the science and practice of discovering the behavioral and thinking patterns of an individual. Most of this can be accomplished through art, such as art therapy. As I mentioned in my introduction a few weeks ago, my internship focuses on taking art and incorporating it into therapeutic entities, specifically at nursing homes.
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It is known art can spark many emotions inside of us, but understanding why can seem complex.  Observing art and also practicing making art are two ways we can become more aware of  ourselves. Psychological art can trigger learning and memory aspects. In working with senior citizens, I have discovered there are various cognitive and physical skills in this group of people, and it is influenced in the art they choose to make.

To gain a simple overview of what art therapy is, I will reference ‘Art as Therapy’ by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong. De Botton states there are seven main functions of art: remembering, hope, sorrow, re-balancing, self-understanding, growth, and appreciation. Look at each of these words, then reflect on the art in your life. How is it represented? How would you display these functions for someone else to see?

Something else I discovered in learning more about the psychology of art is making art a practice. Art is a broad term, but there is a certain magic to it which intrigues us. It is never too late to discover your creative side, to let your dreams in to be expressed. As they say, “the journey is more important than the destination.” We explore and challenge ourselves when we allow our feelings to be open. I highly recommend the book ‘Making Art a Practice’ by Cat Bennett, to gain a deeper perspective on the practice of art.

I hope you all allow the magic in your lives to be expressed for others to see!

While Iowa State University’s College of Design offers a variety of different enlightening degrees, the Art and Visual Culture department is one to note. With a unique curriculum that incorporates various media, the program allows students to learn the process of design as well as develop skills in their desired areas of focus.

The eight areas of focus include ceramics, textiles, jewelry/metalsmithing, furniture design, painting, printmaking, digital media, and photography. Along with these courses, students engage in multiple Art History classes, which enhance their development in the studio.

Ingrid Lilligren, who is head of the department, says, “The Art and Visual Culture department programs help students gain skills and knowledge in a broad range of topics and media.  Students are encouraged to participate in exhibition opportunities located on and off campus that are open to the Ames community.

Students serve as interns in the gallery at Design on Main, where they have the opportunity to interact with passers-by and members of the Ames arts community.  Combined with their academic courses, we prepare students to be successful professional studio artists, or to continue their studies in a competitive graduate program.”

The talent, skills and ideas that these students yield is something that feeds into the art culture of Ames. Ames has a booming art scene, and these students are continually proving their upcoming presence in it. In a world where graphic and technical design seem to conquer, the Art and Visual Culture program is giving their students an opportunity to keep traditional media alive.