Since the dawn of humanity, art has been a witness of civilization and human evolution. That is why it is thought by many that art makes a great hobby for people from all walks of life – a stance I wholeheartedly support.
One reason art is a healthy hobby is the fact that it poses as a creative outlet. People who show interest in painting or music, for example, always have the chance to express themselves through their art. Not only does it allow them to challenge their creativity and imagination, but it also acts as a relief from daily stress. Numerous studies have shown that people who engage in different types of arts are less likely to experience social anxiety and panic attacks. This is attributed to the fact that they channel their negative feelings through creating art, allowing them to be released rather than be bottled up. Thus, art maintains one’s mental health through innovations.
Another reason behind taking up art as a valuable pastime is it documentary aspect. Art has always been utilised as a means of documentation of the cultural & social development of mankind. Literature, for instance, has served as historical archiving systems for different eras of history, where novels like “The Great Gatsby” and short stories like “The Necklace” depicted, analysed and criticised the political and socioeconomic aspects of the time and place they were set in. Similarly, Khaled Hanno, an Egyptian painter, has taken the responsibility of documenting the beauty of his hometown, Alexandria, upon his shoulders through his paintings, fearing that urban development would destroy the city’s true essence and unique architecture – a prophecy that has already come true. If it were not for his painting, the historical and cultural value of old Alexandria would have gone with wind forever. People can use art in a similar fashion, where they use it to document their daily lives to track their progress, mental health, important events of their lives, or any other thing that they deem worth-remembering. Suchan approach is definitely beneficial when it comes to introspection and self-development.
In conclusion, I find art to be an excellent activity for people not only to relieve some stress through creative expression, but to also record their thoughts and feelings in order to reflect on them for purposes of learning and growing.