]When things change, it can be complicated to adjust. There’s a lot of world out there, and little of it we can control. But human creativity is a vast interior with limitless potential. Through art we can be resilient during the journey, and make the moment beautiful. Through art, we can explore the soul, and connect to our highest, most authentic selves, and express what we can’t with words.

“Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.” – Stella Adler

How do I make art in a new place?

When we go off to college, or move out of state for the first time, our lives change as we experience a complete change of environment. When we’re making art in a new place, it’s important to give ourselves an environment we feel comfortable in. Here are a few questions to guide you in uncovering what sort of environment that might be:

• What do you need to make art? Which materials are required? Which materials are optional? 
• Where do you like to make art? Does it need to be quiet, or loud? Do you prefer it to be calm, or busy?
• When is the best time for you to make art? When are you available? When do you feel the most creative?

Using Art To Get Over A Breakup

Going through a breakup is an intense life transition. It’s one of the most difficult, non-fatal experiences we can go through. And yet, there’s a rich tapestry of art, poetry, writing, and music all about heartbreak. It’s cathartic to make art about your broken heart, and it seems to spill freely out of the brokenhearted when given the right outlet. Give yourself the space to make art about your breakup, and you will be rewarded with insight and resolution on your loss.

How Do You Show Life Transitions In Art? 

How do you make art that represents how you really feel? The answer is: it’s almost impossible not to. That’s why art therapy can be so powerful. When we tap into our artistic instincts, we’re using both our conscious and subconscious mind. The best way to represent a life transition through art is by making art to the best of your ability, and learning to trust yourself as you create. 

How can art change a person’s life? 

The short answer is: completely. Making art is always accessible to us in one form or another, and it can wholly transform our relationship with ourselves. Putting in the effort to make art can and will change your life, and it can do so in the following ways: 

• Fighting your inner critic. Being an artist can help you challenge the words of your inner critic, and give you a new perspective on yourself from within. 
• Being mindful.  Making art can help you shake off your intrusive thoughts, and accept the current moment with grace. 
• Letting go of the past. Art therapy can help you put together a wordless narrative through imagery that allows you to work through your past without being triggered by it.  

How do you navigate a life transition?

Through art, we can be in touch with ourselves, and find our way towards the future we desire. With the right guidance, we can navigate safely through any transition. So why not give yourself guidance from an expert?

Integrative Counsel proudly offers virtual Art Therapy with Quinn. Quinn uses virtual art therapy to treat individuals with OCD and Anxiety, as well as those undergoing a major life transition or adjustment and are  experiencing grief. Click here to schedule your virtual art therapy session!

Sunny Ebsary is an educator, multi-modal artist, and writer specializing in the intersection of myth and mental health. Sunny’s writing walks the line between poetic and logical, giving readers a chance to interface with the mind and imagination. Sunny’s been putting pen to paper since he was a child, writing everything from albums, novels, and plays, to essays, interactive games, and of course, many articles! While studying both psychology and writing, he realized his real passion in life was helping others unlock their creative spark. Whether he’s leading a D&D game, directing a production, or diving deep into the brain, you can be sure Sunny will be ushering you toward finding meaning in your life.