Drawing to Breathe: How Art Becomes a Sanctuary for Stress Relief

JurnalPost.com — Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, everyone has their own way of unwinding. Some choose to listen to music, go for a walk, or simply enjoy some time alone. For Sky, drawing has become a way to calm the mind when things feel overwhelming.

This seemingly simple activity offers a unique experience. Through every line traced onto paper, Sky finds a space to momentarily step away from the noise of their thoughts.

For them, drawing is not about producing a perfect masterpiece or seeking external validation. Instead, they enjoy the process of focusing their attention on the shapes, lines, and details of the work at hand.

Sky’s interest in drawing began during their eleventh year of high school. The Korean drama Our Beloved Summer was one of the inspirations that introduced them to the activity.

Since then, drawing has slowly become a practice they have continued to pursue to this day.

Contrary to the belief that drawing always requires vast imagination, Sky is more comfortable using reference images. They observe objects they like, pay attention to every line, and then attempt to translate them onto paper.

To them, this activity brings its own joy, even when the final result does not necessarily meet expectations.

Why Choose Buildings?

Among the various objects one could draw, Sky has a particular interest in buildings.

Buildings are a preferred subject because they feel easier to draw than people. The sharp lines, geometric shapes, and architectural details provide patterns that can be observed and followed step-by-step.

Beyond technical reasons, there are other considerations that make them more comfortable drawing structures.

In Sky’s experience, drawing people requires a greater degree of emotional involvement. Meanwhile, when drawing buildings, they can focus more on form and detail without feeling the same emotional demands.

This preference is also reflected in the works they like most. When asked about their favorite drawings, Sky chooses their architectural sketches.

To them, drawing buildings not only feels easier but also provides an opportunity to enjoy the creative process in a more relaxed manner.

When Drawing Calms the Mind

There is an interesting aspect to Sky’s experience that makes drawing more than just a hobby.

When feeling tired or overwhelmed by thoughts, they notice a shift in their inner state once they start drawing. According to them, the noise that previously filled their head seems to vanish the moment they concentrate on the drawing.

The attention that was previously divided by various problems slowly shifts to the lines and details they are working on.

This experience demonstrates how creative activities can become a personal space for someone to find tranquility.

In a discussion regarding the relationship between art and psychology published by the American Psychological Association on 2022, psychologist Ellen Winner explains that art can provide an opportunity for individuals to experience and understand emotions in a situation that feels safe.

Although the experience of enjoying art is not the same as the process of creating it, both show that art has an intriguing connection to human emotional life.

For Sky, the most significant benefit is felt during the drawing process itself.

They do not need to finish an extraordinary piece to feel satisfied. Observing a reference, moving the pencil, and watching the image slowly take shape is already a meaningful experience.

Of course, drawing does not mean one can solve all the problems they are facing. However, Sky’s experience shows that simple activities can help one take a break from daily pressures.

Creating Without Being a Professional

Over time, Sky has begun to notice progress in their drawing skills.

An activity that initially stemmed from an interest in a Korean drama has now become part of their daily routine. They still have a desire to keep drawing and try new things.

Interestingly, this desire is not always linked to an ambition to become an illustrator or a professional artist.

For some, a hobby does not have to turn into a career. There is satisfaction that arises simply because one enjoys the activity they are doing.

A similar sentiment is seen in Sky’s journey. Drawing remains an activity they want to continue because the process provides an experience that is both enjoyable and calming.

There is no obligation to produce work every day, follow certain standards, or turn the skill into a source of income.

It is this freedom that allows a hobby to be enjoyed without excessive pressure.

Art as a Space for Oneself

Sky’s experience reminds us that art does not always have to appear in the form of grand works exhibited to many people.

Sometimes, art holds the most personal meaning when done in simplicity, on a piece of paper, with a pencil and a reference image.

What looks like a collection of lines and shapes to others can be a quiet sanctuary for someone in need of a pause.

From an interest that began on a television screen to an activity they continue to practice, drawing has become a part of Sky’s creative journey.

They still want to learn, develop their skills, and try new things without losing the joy that made them start drawing in the first place.

Ultimately, not every drawing has to be a perfect work of art. Not every hobby has to evolve into a profession.

Sometimes, simply sitting down, picking up a pencil, and starting to draw is enough for someone to find time for themselves.

For Sky, drawing is not just about producing something on paper, but also about finding a little peace amidst the noise of their thoughts.

References

Mills, K. (Host). (2022, April). What psychology has to say about art, with Ellen Winner, PhD [Audio podcast episode]. In Speaking of Psychology. American Psychological Association.

https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/art.html