Creativity is like yoga for the brain. Stretching the brain’s muscles in order to sculpt a piece of clay, build a tool to solve an issue or write a poem. Practicing creativity keeps one's brain on its toes and allows one to think outside of the box.
Creativity helps with the expression of self. When people express themselves, it allows their voices to be heard in ways that others can appreciate. The fact that someone is able to take their pain and anger and turn it into something beautiful through the work of art is truly inspiring.
Assistant Professor of Art, Andrea Fagerstrom has been teaching at Bismarck State College for about seven years.
“I love teaching,” Fagerstrom said. She was a preschool teacher before starting at BSC and said that there are many similarities between the two groups of people. “You have these kids in preschool where it’s probably their first time without their parents; when you go to a first-year college, it’s the same thing. This might be the first time being apart from your parents.”
For years and years, our ancestors have been practicing art. Each piece of work has a story behind it and most of it comes from emotions.
“Art is for everyone and is an integral part of humanity,” Fagerstrom said. “If you go back to before we had written word, we expressed and left remnants of our civilization by the art on our caved walls.”
Fagerstrom also said practicing creativity is a good way to express yourself and relieve stress. “I think mental health-wise and just managing life, it benefits from art,” Fagerstrom said.
Expressing one’s emotions through art helps to alleviate stress and anxiety. “If you can get outside of yourself a little bit by creating your own artwork, or appreciating someone else's, it snaps you back into reality and you can let go of all that stress or whatever is on your shoulders,” Fagerstrom said.
Practicing creativity also aids in critical thinking skills. “When you’re looking at your job, or your career path. You want creative thinkers. You want critical thinkers. You want problem solvers. That’s art.” Fagerstrom explained.
Creativity can be used in any work environment, academics, or life in general. This is why it is important for people to practice creative classes. College students benefit from taking art classes.
This is why it is important for people to practice creative classes. This helps them open up and learn how to be themselves more freely.
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