By Shama Kaur, Kundalini Yoga Teacher & Wellness Mentor
As April blooms with the promise of new beginnings, it’s not just nature that comes to life – it’s our creativity too. World Art Day, inaugurated by the International Association of Art, is celebrated on 15April each year to promote awareness of creative activity worldwide.
The date was chosen in honour of the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian polymath and one of the greatest artists in history. Da Vinci’s contributions to art, science, and innovation make him a fitting inspiration for a day dedicated to celebrating artistic expression and creativity around the globe.
World Art Day celebrates an explosion of artistic expression, especially among the young who bring fresh ideas and boundless imagination to the forefront.
My Story
As someone who’s been painting for the last four years, I found that picking up a brush incredibly therapeutic, especially after going through a tough breakup. Painting became my way of processing my feelings and finding peace amidst the chaos.
When I was faced with a blank canvas, I poured my heart out onto it. Each stroke of paint was like releasing pent-up emotions and with every layer, I felt like I was getting closer to healing.
Through painting, I rediscovered parts of myself that I thought I’d lost. It was a journey of self-discovery, helping me piece myself back together after feeling broken.
Beauty to be found in the darkest moments
Now, looking back, I’m grateful for the way painting has helped me heal and move forward. It’s not just a hobby; it’s been a lifeline, guiding me through some of the toughest times in my life and showing me that there’s always beauty to be found, even in the darkest of moments.
So, as April unfolds, let’s soak in the vibrant colours and innovative ideas that surround us, embracing the dynamic connection between youth, creativity and the revitalising spirit of spring.
Whether it’s through painting, music, or other forms of art, young creators breathe vitality into our world, challenging norms and offering new perspectives. Find tips on how to commence your journey into the arts at the end of this article.
Yoga and art
Yogic teachings bring to light the system of the chakras that represent energy centers within the body, each associated with specific colours and aspects of consciousness. The seven main chakras align along the spine, from the base to the crown, symbolising a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
The concept of chakras intertwines with the world of colours and artistry, offering a unique lens through which to understand the human experience.
The Root Chakra, located at the base of the spine, is linked to the colour red, representing stability, security and survival instincts.
Moving up, the Sacral Chakra, associated with orange, embodies creativity, passion and emotional well-being.
The Solar Plexus Chakra, resonating with the colour yellow, governs personal power, confidence and self-esteem. Transitioning to the Heart Chakra, depicted by green, love, compassion and harmony come to the forefront.
The Throat Chakra, represented by blue, facilitates communication, expression, and authenticity. Moving higher, the Third Eye Chakra, associated with indigo, symbolises intuition, insight and spiritual awareness.
Finally, the Crown Chakra, depicted as violet or white, signifies divine connection, enlightenment and transcendence. Through the exploration of art and colour, one can harmonise and balance these energy centers, fostering holistic well-being and creative expression.
White and the Aura
In various spiritual traditions, including Kundalini yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, white holds a special significance as it encompasses the entirety of the colour spectrum, symbolising purity, clarity, and infinite potential.
White is often associated with the aura, the electromagnetic field that surrounds and emanates from the human body.
According to Kundalini teachings, the aura reflects an individual’s state of consciousness, vitality, and spiritual alignment. White, as the sum of all colours, represents a harmonious balance within the aura, indicating spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Yogi Bhajan emphasised practices to strengthen and expand the aura, such as Kundalini yoga kriyas (sets of exercises), meditation and chanting. By cultivating a radiant white aura, practitioners aim to elevate their consciousness, enhance their energetic presence and manifest their highest potential in the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.
Meditation to expand your aura
This meditation develops a taste for the experience of expanded awareness. It creates sensitivity and the ability to extend the aura out to link with the energy of a whole team or group.
You can develop the capacity to know what is happening to everyone at the same time, sense where they are and what they are about to do. This sensing includes those opposing you, too.
- You will develop the ability to sense the energy flow in any situation. Try this meditation taken from 3HO International
https://www.3ho.org/meditation/meditation-to-know-the-field/
- Posture: Sit in Easy Pose with the spine erect
- Mudra: Hands are in Gyan Mudra
- Eyes: The eyelids are 1/10 open, with the eyes looking downwards. Concentrate mentally at the Third Eye Point
- Focus: Keeping the spine straight, begin releasing all the tension from the spine outward. Let each segment of the spine release and each area of the body relax
Ready to embark in your Art Journey as a beginner? Here are some ideas for you!
- Sketching Nature: Take a walk in your neighbourhood or even just your backyard and find interesting natural objects like leaves, flowers, or rocks.
Set up a cozy spot outside or by a window and sketch what you see, using pencils or charcoal. Focus on shapes, textures, and details. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the goal is to observe and practice
- Watercolor Postcards: Get a set of watercolour paints, brushes, and some thick paper or watercolour postcards. Experiment with different techniques like wet-on-wet or dry brushing to create simple landscapes, abstract patterns, or even just colourful washes.
Once your paintings are dry, you can write messages on the back and send them to friends or family
- Collage Creations: Gather old magazines, newspapers, coloured paper, and scissors. Cut out images, patterns, and words that catch your eye. Then, arrange and glue them onto a larger piece of paper or canvas to create a collage. You can make abstract designs, tell a story, or explore a theme that interests you
- DIY Abstract Art: Pour acrylic paints onto a canvas or heavy paper and use a palette knife, sponge, or even your fingers to spread and blend the colours. Experiment with different techniques like dripping, splattering, or layering to create interesting textures and patterns. Don’t be afraid to play with bold colours and shapes
- Nature Prints: Take a nature walk and collect leaves, flowers, or interesting textured objects. Lay them out on a flat surface and apply a thin coat of paint to one side using a brush or roller. Carefully press the painted side onto paper or fabric to create prints. Experiment with different colours, arrangements, and materials to see what patterns you can create.
These art ideas are perfect for beginners and can be easily adapted to suit your interests and preferences. Have fun exploring your creativity from the comfort of your home!
You can contact Shama Kaur at [email protected]
