Have you ever stopped to look at a painting or other work of art? I mean really look without any practical reason? It could be a glorified masterpiece or a finger painting by a four year-old. Or, maybe a curious work where the more you see the more you wonder.

Looking at art is as powerful as the act of creation itself. A work is never finished until you look at it. You make it complete in your own way.

And this is the fun part: once the images are in your head they belong to you. Your mind can do anything it wants with them. They are knocked about by your cultural heritage, your experiences and even your mood. The artwork has a meaning that is yours and yours alone.

That is why art is a genetic hunger to have more in our lives than the tangible, touchable world. We reach for our higher nature, the spiritual. And to get there we often have to reach through the curtain of PTSD that can suddenly drop and isolate us from hope.

But while looking at art is so individual, it is always shared with the artist. You are never alone. If you’re drawn to a work at all, you can be pulled into a visual conversation, and there is no conversation without listening —no connection without looking, really looking. Sometimes the message is profound, calling you into the supernatural. Sometime it is just a statement of joy about a place, or time, or color.

For me, the connection is strongest when I am standing right where the artist stood and thought and wrestled with the vision. Sharing the actual moments of creativity can be calming and exciting at the same time. The artist was usually struggling with his or her own traumas. In my mind, I watch as the paint is applied and try to understand why…what was the artist thinking? Then I can add my own thoughts.

If you watch closely for a while, you might understand.

1. Untitled—Alexis Rockman — https://alexisrockman.net/

2. “Letter From My Ex-Husband”—Patsy Fleming—www.patsyfleming.com

3. Elders—Patricia Underwood—www.punderwood.com

James John Magner Website

Message to artists and non-artists:

This is my second January post: PTSD and Art #8. I am continuing to feature artists I have profiled in the past as well as other artists I admire. I am considering dedicating one post a month to an individual who has used art to overcome trauma: both artists and non-artists. Let me know if you are interested. I include links to websites.

PTSD and Art

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