Body Painting Therapy

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I do not have scientific proof for the benefits of body painting therapy. I do know that body painting can be therapeutic in many ways. The process of transformation is a long and tiresome process but despite this it is very relaxing and soothing for the person becoming art. It allows for a time of disconnect. The real world starts fading away as a new reality emerges in which the model is the main character. This also brings an effect of amusement to those who are observing the process. Believe me, looking at the product of the body painting doesn’t compare to witnessing the process.

11913543_10150633010174956_5469731122178626958_oBody painting allows a person to see something about them that is often hidden deep inside. I try to design and paint on a person something that I see in their personality or character. “More than meets the eye” is often said but how often we allow to dig deeper inside ourselves to see what others see in us? It is easy to look inside someone else and see what we don’t see. By painting on someone, I aim to allow them to see what I see about them so they can see it too. It is art even when I paint a generic design on someone, but it becomes therapy when the vision of the artist is linked to the person being painted.

11794358_10150618692239956_92252936253241039_oAs you may know by now, I don’t just do things for the sake of art or entertainment. I am looking for something else of deep value in everything I do. I am looking for some way to impact the lives of those who encounter my art in some way. The Art of Iván Tirado LLC is much more than just traditional painting and sculpting. Paintings and sculptures are dead if they have no connection to people. The value of speaking and teaching about these things abides in what people can use to make even a slight difference in their lives. It is no different with body painting.

11792121_10150618608369956_5051371325249546126_oWhat if I could see in a person what he or she stopped seeing about himself or herself? What if that vision serves a purpose of healing? What if transforming a person in what is not seen with the naked eye allows to grow and boost self-confidence and a new appreciation of the self? What if body painting is used to help people as a form of therapy?

Visit the Body Painting page.

Art Beyond Myself

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Making art because you love art is the most important aspect to maintain a flow of satisfaction in the river of creativity. It is that personal enjoyment that allows artists to keep trying, exploring, expressing, and perfecting. We want to love what we do. We want to get better at it. We want to improve our technique and explore other ways to bring our ideas to life. We want art to be our vehicle of expression. That inner examination of our thoughts and emotions is what keeps our art alive. We want to make a living out of art as well. It is a goal to live out of what we love to do. All of the above are legitimate and totally justified reasons with value on their own. Is there anything more or anything else that our art can accomplish beyond ourselves?  Or is art all about us as artists?

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Idleness. Private Collection in NYC.

This week I was asked to write a ‘Mission Statement’ in which I had to articulate my purpose and intentions for creating art. The mission statement required a clear plan or goal I want to accomplish. I personally believe that the aforementioned purpose makes my art be all about myself and by doing that when I die my art will die with me. That made me rethink and reconsider the reason for my limited existence in the physical world. This mission statement was already in my thoughts and my heart, but it is a good idea to put it together in one declaration that shows intentionality. It also serves to prepare myself for a larger dream I have that I won’t mention at this time. While it is still taking shape I want to share it with you. This is my mission statement so far:

To present each piece of art, each exhibit, each class, party, workshop, conference, and presentation I provide to help people reconnect with themselves, with memories, feelings, and experiences that have been suppressed or forgotten as a stepping stone towards healing of the soul. 

I am not really concerned about acceptance in museums and galleries. It would be nice and I will appreciate it if it happens but it is not my purpose for making art. As I said, I have a different dream. I want to make art beyond myself. I want my art to reach people much more than just visually. I want my art to speak to people and help them heal the wounds of the past.

A Tale of Two Sculptures

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Last year during one of my shows, I observed a lady coming in to look at the artwork as I was talking to someone else. After looking at all the sculptures, she came back to Abased. She stood there for a while. Then she moved towards Freedom and stood there for a while. She went back to Abased, then back to Freedom. I observed while this continued for several minutes.

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Abased & Freedom

Done with my conversation I approached the lady and introduced myself. I mentioned I was observing her going back and forth between the two sculptures. She mentioned how the sculptures were almost talking to her in a way she could not understand or articulate. I told the lady the definition of Abased (belittled or degraded). Instantly the conversation took an interesting turn. She said:

“That explains a lot. This is how my husband makes me feel (pointing at Abased) but I want to feel like that (turning and pointing at Freedom).”

Without saying another word, she turned away and left. I was stunned and honestly wished she stayed around longer. I was curious to find out more about what the sculptures were saying (figuratively speaking). Still, three things were clear during this short interaction. First, art has the power to speak to people. People can find a connection in art that generates a silent conversation with the soul, the logic, and the senses. No words are necessary for this connection.

On the other hand, some people need some help when they try to articulate that connection; when they try to understand what they see, what they feel, and what they perceive. While it is not necessary to explain some people seek for a deeper understanding, a hint, a spark that provides and explanation they can ponder. Again, it would be better for art never to be explained. Nevertheless, some people want to express their connection. That cannot be denied. Otherwise, we might be shutting down their interest and a great opportunity to provoke consciousness.

[Read also: How to Explain your Art & Artists are Communicators]

That takes me to the third point: expressing the connection could be the first step towards healing. Too bad the encounter was cut short. When someone understands their internal situation (and sometimes external) through art, and consciously expresses that revelation, healing is possible. Articulating what no words can explain (which not necessarily is a contradiction) could transform a life, and that is one of the most rewarding achievements of art.

[Read also: Art Changing Lives]