Why do I think art is important in the lives of our youth?

I truly believe art creates points of connection. I’m talking about creative choices leading to experiences and relationships. As a kid, you have the ability to absorb so much in the right environment. As you grow, your mind wanders to so many other things but if you have developed your creative side, that part of your brain will always comfort you. Colors, textures, mark-making and molding shapes help to communicate your senses in a way nothing else can do and can bring you focus even in the toughest times.

When I see a young person create something, whether is has beauty or seems to show a collective series of risks, the work almost always inspires me and gives me an understanding of their senses. Receptions and people viewing youth art is a very important part of the creative process for any young artist. Young artists and their work say so much about their lives. I always ask young artists, “what is it about?” The stories, their reasons for colors and stylistic ideas transcend what you may initially experience visually until you know what it all means.I remember my first day of school.  I proudly wore a painting smock. I didn’t know any famous artists, but I knew I was an artist. I kept my big red pencil in my hand all day taking moments to draw, doodle and sketch what I experienced at school. At the end of the day, I showed my mom all of the drawings I did at school and she smiled and let me know how exciting my view of the world was to her. I remember thinking art was my chance to participate in a conversation about what it means to be alive, to be interacting with people outside of my family and in my community. It was amazing. I felt really lucky. I still do.

“The idea is to give the children opportunities, a vaster sense of life.” –Jeff Koons

I realize we all have a history to share and for young people, art gives them the freedom to interpret, experience and reflect. Art is not just about imagination, expression and creativity but it also develops self-confidence and self-discipline. Youth who have access to the arts as a communication tool think critically, appreciate other points of view and are open to new approaches for learning all subjects. If you consider young people learn through doing, the act of making something new and combining things in a new way reinforces their memories; reminds them their thoughts are valuable, and will serve as a personal resource for them to use every day of their lives.

Andee Rudloff is a professional artist, consultant and educator living and working in Tennessee and Kentucky.  You can find some of her work at: chicNhair.com Andee is honored to serve as a guest blogger for STARS Nashville in March for Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month is an annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art and art education for all youth and to encourage support for quality school art programs.

By age 6, the majority of girls start to express concerns about their weight or shape. Between forty and sixty percent of elementary girls are concerned about their weight or becoming too fat. This anxiety carries into their adult lives, and can manifest into an eating disorder (NEDA).

What We Know About Eating Disorders

The potential cause of eating disorders is complex, and occur for a variety of reasons and conditions. Once started, they can create a self-perpetuating cycle of physical and emotional destruction. Common perceptions of eating disorders rely heavily on the fixation of food and weight. However individuals who suffer from eating disorders often try to use food and the control of food to cope with feelings and emotions. Often, dieting, bingeing, and purging begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to have a sense of control in their own life. Ultimately, these behaviors are damaging not only physically but to their emotional health, self-esteem, and sense of ability and control.

Factors of Eating Disorders

In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder. A variety of factors can contribute to eating disorder; anything from psychological to biological factors can be the cause. For example, cultural pressures that glorify “skinny” and place value on obtaining the “perfect body” are social factors that contribute to eating disorders. There are interpersonal factors as well, such as history of being teased about size or weight, history of physical or sexual abuse, or difficulty expressing emotions and feelings can influence eating disorders. Although there are many attributing factors, the most well-known is body dissatisfaction.

What We Can Do

One of the best ways to help change the prevalence of eating disorders is to reduce the negative risk factors that lead to eating disorders. The best-known contributor for eating disorders is body dissatisfaction. A way we can help improve our body dissatisfaction is through positive self-talk and positive body image. Instead of reinforcing negative media messages through the ways we talk about ourselves (and to the mirror) we must focus on the “positives,” whether that is what we like about our bodies or the powerful things our bodies do for us (walk, run, write, dance, laugh!). Once we change how we talk about ourselves, we can encourage others around us to do the same. It is important for us to quit the cycle of “body-shamming” not only for our own well-being but for the next generation to come. The young people around us absorb our actions – if we are consistently and constantly talking negatively about our bodies, they too will start to analyze and participate in “body-shamming.”

Treatment

Eating disorders can become chronic and even cause life-threatening conditions, which is why it is important for people with eating disorders to seek professional help immediately (early diagnosis and intervention may enhance recovery). Here is an excellent resource to help find the best treatment for you or someone you care for.

In light of Eating Disorders Awareness week (February 23^rd– 28th) we want to encourage our readers to engage in positive self-talk and spread body positivity to the people around us. We want you to refuse to talk negatively about your body (or others) and to encourage you to highlight all of the wonderful and amazing things your body does for you (running, dancing, laughing, and so much more!)! If you need some help check out this great article, “10 Steps to Positive Body Image.” 

Resources

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

Martin, J. B. (2010). The Development of Ideal Body Image Perceptions in the United States.Nutrition Today,45(3), 98-100. Retrieved from nursingcenter.com/pdf.asp?AID=1023485