If you are hesitant to create art because of your drawing skills or lack of, I highly recommend trying collage. It’s a fun way to create without the pressure involved in other mediums.
Collage involves cutting, selecting, and arranging material in an eye-pleasing way. This contributes to eye-hand coordination and is a non-verbal way of self-expression. It also stimulates the central nervous system.
It includes things like planning which materials to use, making decisions about where to place materials, and critical thinking.
It combines elements of art like line, color, texture, shape, and composition. The brain is challenged to problem solve as you design your collage.
As with all art there is definitely a degree of relaxation and stress relief. Especially since there really is no way to fail at this. It’s a safe way to express emotions and has a therapeutic effect.
It’s a fun way to meet with friends and spend time creating together. This social interaction is especially important for seniors and healthier aging.
Another benefit is the sense of accomplishment in the finished product. Often we talk about process over product, but in the case of collage it’s hard to go wrong with either.
According to Artful Aging: 6 Ways Collage Art Benefits Senior Living Communities, “Collage art offers a unique blend of creativity and relaxation, making it an ideal activity for senior living communities.”
I started a collage book back in 2011. I used a spiral bound sketch book and have been creating collages over the year. It’s been fun to look back at past creations, and having them in a bound notebook makes it easy to store them.
If you’ve been hesitant to start an art practice, you can’t go wrong with collage. If you’ve got an old magazine, you can start today.
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