Why slow art matters

Slow art is a creative practice that allows the body and mind to settle. It’s art made without urgency, with no comparison, and no pressure to meet set criteria. It is where the act of drawing, painting, or looking becomes as important as the final piece. In a year when many are looking for more analogue activities and putting the tech to one side. Could slow art be your answer?

Stress, anxiety, overwhelm .... modern day living. They all seem to be escalating the impact on our mental health. We are bombarded by noise from the moment we wake, just finding somewhere quiet to sit seems impossible. Workplaces with a negative culture where nothing is good enough seems to be the norm; targets to be met and long hours at work. Only yesterday did I speak to someone who despite bad health was sent on a 6 hour trip to a conference by their boss even though they said physically they were not well enough. They felt they had no choice and the added physical and mental stress made them extremely poorly. I have spoken often about the value of creative activities and art in aiding our wellbeing, have you managed to include any yet?

For me a few hours of painting in the studio or at home has had lots of benefits for me. However, I hear all too often "I can't draw", something that seems embedded in many of us from being our school days, when being good at art was equated to being able to draw accurately. This just isn't true and and there are many other ways you can enjoy slow art and enjoy being creative.

So what can you do .... here are 4 activities you can try ....

Colouring books - These became hugely popular during covid. There is no thinking involved, just mindful colouring using nothing more than a basic colouring pencil. The books by Joanna Basford are particularly popular but a simple download is a simple way to start.

How does it help?

Colouring is a great activity for mindfulness, but selecting the colours still allows for creativity. Colouring books are accessibly for everyone regardless of age and can be a great family activity with young or old. The materials needed are minimal and so very affordable.

Neurographic art - This is a big favourite of mine. A doodle on a page begins this activity, the hard meeting of lines made into curved edges and the resulting shapes filled with colours and patterns. A wonderful slow process where time seems to disappear.

How does it help?

Neurographic art allows a more free flowing approach. No artistic skills are needed but as you become engrossed in the process, creativity and calm decisions take place. Completing a piece that is unique leads to increased self esteem and artistic confidence.

Zentangles - These are small done in small squares. You begin by drawing 4 dots which when joined together (straight or wavy) they form a square. You then use black pen to create shapes within this space. There are many tutorials online for different zentangle patterns to follow but there are no rules... you create the patterns that you feel fit the space. You may be inspired by nature: flower shapes and leaves.... or the beach: stones and waves.

How does it help?

Like neurographic art, zentangles don't need drawing skills but it does allow for less structured doodling and your own creative ideas. Making decisions on the patterns you use means your mind is occupied away from overthinking and daily stress.

Go for a slow walk and spend time outdoors with a sketchbook. The most basic of art materials can be a pen/pencil and a scrap of paper ... a small notebook is ideal.

How does it help?

Taking a slow walk and pausing to observe what is around you is grounding and refreshing. Life is so hurried that we forget to look around us and appreciate our natural world. Apart from physical activity and being outside being good for our physical health, being in nature can inspire creativity and new ideas.... even in a more built up area, a slow walk is a chance to observe.

I'm an advocate and joint organiser in our local area for Urban Sketchers and that also gives us the benefit of gentle companionship and community. We are supported by others being around us doing the same thing but we do this quietly and in our own spaces.

Which one will you try?

Each of these activities are accessible to everyone regardless of age or ability.

If sketching sounds scary and you don't know where to start, on March 21st I'm joining with Su Melville in Stony Stratford to run a sketching workshop. Su is a fabulous teacher, and apart from her online SMart Academy and workshops in France (where she is based), last year she also ran her sketching workshop in Cumbria. Why not give yourself a slow art day? Think of it as an art spa for your wellbeing.... with all materials provided for you to take away with you and the support of two experienced artists this is such a great way for you to start introducing the benefits of slow art into your life.

Join the workshop here