There’s something to be said about art and the positive effect it can have on mental illness. Usually, suggestions to combating mental illness range from exercising more, to getting out in the sun, to eating better, to taking a “mental health” day and pampering yourself – but, art? That’s not one that’s thrown out there often. Occasionally, you’ll hear people say, “do something that’ll make you happy,” or, “do something you normally would enjoy doing,” but how many of them say, “color something,” or “make something with your hands”? My guess is few, but not very many.

Various different art mediums offer various different benefits. Not only does creativity exercise the mind, but it also allows one to express emotions in ways words cannot. It doesn’t matter if it’s sketching or storytelling or painting or even bladesmithing, art is expressive and stress relieving and can tell the audience more than one might think.

The easiest method of deciphering emotion is through color choice. Blues and greens are calming and free spirited whereas reds and oranges are more passionate and fierce. Yellows are a wild card. They can represent happiness, but too much can also suggest or induce anxiety. Thickness and depth in art pieces are also a symbol of intensity. Think about it – the angrier you are, the harder you’re going to push down on a pencil, right? And, finally, abstract and conceptual art versus naturalistic or realism. There’s no right or wrong form of art, but, usually, the more abstract, the greater the complexity and therefore the thought process behind that as well. In the same manner, the more realistic, the greater the patience and determination.

Not only can you learn about the mental processes through observing art, but you can work through your own as well. By keeping your hands busy, you not only relieve built up energy but are able to process your thoughts and emotions through it. Big Bear’s Forge desires to help improve one’s mental health, be it depression, anxiety, ADD, PTSD, etc., through the art of woodworking (carpentry) and blade/blacksmithing. We believe the intricacy and attention to detail will provide a healthy catharsis and hopefully spark a new passion. Since the forge started gaining momentum two years ago, it has helped all involved. We are not fully operational yet, but we move closer every day to being able to open our doors to the public; to help others in the way Big Bear’s Forge has helped us.