Need an Artistic Hobby?

I never really realized that art had a part in my life until high school, which I admit seems pretty early. As a kid I drew pictures with my sister and put on talent shows for my parents. But I never acknowledged its significance in my life. And sometimes, and we all have these moments, you just think to yourself, "Wow. There is nothing that I can say I'm good at." I've had my fair share of those days I can tell you.

So much has happened in this country and we want to fight with each other and worry about what's going to happen next; why don't we stop thinking about all that for ONE minute........and actually live and enjoy life? I've been hung up over every little thing that happens and I spend most of time stressing out now and not ignoring all that drama. There is a way to get away from it all: art. I know this sounds super vague, but we're getting to that.

I understand it's been quite a while since I posted anything (3 months!), but right now I just want to write how I'm feeling, while I'm in the library at my school. 

──────────"Art is the Only Way to Run Away Without Leaving Home" ──────────

~Twyla Tharp 

We all want that Something that defines us. And I'm here to give you a  hand with that. I want to share five artistic hobbies that you can make your own. I can say I've taken most of these up myself. Self expression has always been a part of my life and it can become a part of yours. 

⟾COLLAGING⟽

Collaging is such an alleviating and beautiful thing to do in your free time. I've been doing it since my freshman year of high school and have found such satisfaction in it. I've created many different collages over the years and have never gotten bored of it. Just cutting, visualizing, and putting together. 

I just use whatever magazines my mom doesn't want anymore. I like to gather pictures that are somewhat very different to each other (if that makes sense), and overlap them, cut them into weird shapes and put em all together. 

There is also such convenience to this art style. You don't need the canvas or the fancy paints that you can't afford. You just need magazines, glue or tape, and your big ol' imagination. I don't know why I'm abbreviating words!

The best part is, it doesn't have to make any sense. This isn't honors calculus. Doing this for hours can make you just oblivious to everything that's going on around you. And sometimes, that can be a good thing.

⟾IMPROV DANCING⟽

I got into dancing in tenth grade when I just wanted to find a fun way of exercise. Working out in such a routine way, and trying to keep up with it, ugh it has never worked for me. Ever. 

But just by finding time to dance to music; whether it be anything (the radio or Broadway), I totally wear my self out. In a good way. Strangely enough, I never become exhausted from it, but when trying to push through a 40 minute workout, that's another story. Your dance moves don't have to be good enough for Broadway or Dancing with the Stars. The only requirement is that you enjoy it. Which sounds super cliche. 

Dancing is great whether you've had a boring day, news broken to you that you didn't want to hear, or just a plain bad day. We all know this from Grey's Anatomy. Dance it out! In your room, living room, the backyard even. Anything works. 

⟾COLLECT⟽

Collecting is more of a long term hobby, but can still be made fun. Its a great way to get your mind off of those "ugh" moments. I started a figurine collection, where I collect miniature animal figurines. I love animals. Your collection can be the most conventional whether you're collecting spoons, or shot glasses, or magnets; or it can be a little outside the box. Maybe you want to collect yo-yos or scarves or paper clips for crying out loud! Collect collect collect! 

⟾START A BLOG⟽

As you can clearly see, this is a hobby I've taken up. I know that this is only my fourth post, but I feel like I already can tell people, "I have a blog!" I feel like you have to be pretty well established to be able to say it. All bloggers will say this, but you have to have the right motive. If you have a brain full of ideas, thoughts, and experiences and you think you're going to blow up if you don't share them with the world, I say, "start a blog already!" Money isn't really the best motive, but whatever floats your boat.

Remember your blog can be whatever you want. Absolutely anything. If you have some whacky ideas, there are people out there waiting to hear them. For the short time I've been doing this; my brain has been continuously pouring out ideas that just needed to get outta there. I don't ever run out of ideas of what to write about. I feel blogging can also motivate you to travel more and really enjoy life's offers. And if you keep to it, you'll end up having a terrific showcase of your ideas and accomplishments.

⟾HOME DECOR⟽

Now that you've developed these hobbies and have created these beautiful pieces of art, you need a place to put them. I've gradually done this over time. My family isn't really the "home decor" type. We don't buy pieces of wood with words of inspiration or glass pineapples. We don't really have time for it. 

But a great conversation starter is your own artwork. Hang your work on the walls, place them on your work space or nightstand. You need inspiration? Why not be surrounded by your own? Great punchline for a commercial.

If you don't have a particular eye for your own work (which you should) then try decorating your home with ethnic pieces that illustrate your cultural background. Or collect pieces from your travels. But if you want to go the traditional route, buy some glass pineapples. I've noticed that having a thoroughly decorated home makes you want to feel organized. None of us want pieces of clothing and trash near our expensive home decor sculptures. 

With all that being said, find your expression person! I've got to believe there is a way for us to just leave our problems. 😋

─────────"Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable"─────────

~Cesar Cruz

If by chance you have any requests for blog posts, please comment below. I'm trying to be more consistent with my content. And please, have a nice day!