Cassandra Di Lalla (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer
Are creative arts important to you at all? They’re very important to me! I’m happy to share my thoughts on this. I hope some of these points resonate with you.
Creative arts can mean so many different things to people, they’re incredibly vast.
Personally, I’ve always been a creative person—from a very young age—and I’m still that very same person today. I’ve always taken part in some form of creative arts whether it was dancing, singing, acting, visual arts, etc . . . Honestly, I also consider writing to be a form of creative art. Why? Because it is in fact art—the art of writing, the art of crafting a compelling piece. Authors 100% fall into that category. I hope to become an author one day, because it’s been a dream of mine for more than a decade.
Next up, acting! That’s never been a problem for me. I truly enjoyed it because I could be whoever and whatever I wanted to be. I’m Italian so talking with my hands and being expressive is in my blood. I was comfortable in my role, people understood my role and they appreciated the comedic act. It was fun.
Dancing was another form of art that I loved with every fibre of my being. I felt so alive and free! I did jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, acro, modern, lyrical, ballet and Irish dance. Maybe more, but it’s been quite some time.
Singing is something I always loved doing. Singing in the shower is the best because nobody can hear me other than the running water, my two dogs and my cat. I could never do lead singing roles in plays though . . . only a supporting role or even in the ensemble because I’m just not a very good singer. I also love singing and/or humming in the car—my poor fiancé having to listen to that!
Visual arts aren’t my strongest but that isn’t going to stop me. I love photography and graphic design, along with some crafts.
All of these things are so important because the freedom of expression allows you to explore different avenues, discover new interests and unleash the talent within.
For those who thrive in a creative environment, I feel like they can relate to me as to why it’s so important to keep the arts alive . . . or to start incorporating them in their everyday lives.
Here’s a small list of the pros/advantages:
- The biggest advantage of being involved with the creative arts is the fact that you’re doing what you love. Sweet and simple. Whether you do this for a living or just as a leisurely activity—you’re doing what you want nonetheless.
- You get to connect with your local community, neighbouring communities, or potentially worldwide if you’re sharing content about said art form. You’ll find people who appreciate that kind of thing.
- If you’re creating things on your own, it saves you money. You don’t have to pay someone to do it for you, plus it’s nice to immerse yourself in the experience. Same applies to services you offer—singing lessons/vocal coaching, teaching art class/drama class, writing, etc . . .
- When you’re in the creative zone, time flies because you’re having so much fun!
- It’s a stress reliever. Making art is meaningful, meditative and memorable. You’re pouring your heart and soul into what makes you happy. The creative arts help accelerate the production of your serotonin levels.
- Creativity can enhance cognition.
- It provides you with a better understanding of your surroundings and the world as a whole—perception plays a big role.
There are many positive things associated with the creative arts and while it may sound biased, I do believe that putting time aside to focus on creativity is one of the best things you can do for yourself, especially when times are tough.
It isn’t the arts that have failed you, it’s the negativity around you that has stopped you from feeling your best.
When you’re not feeling great, just allow art to be your therapy in that moment. If you’re angry or sad, put it on a canvas or draw it out. Write it out even, it might turn into poetry.
Take pictures of nature and wildlife . . . capture the beauty in life.
No matter what you do, just make sure you’re doing it for you when you need it most. The creative arts won’t ever judge your vulnerability. They’ll welcome you and your struggles with open arms, because creativity embraces diversity, honesty and effort.
So, when I say creativity can be found in a million and one places—it truly can! Maybe you can try out some creative arts and see how it makes you feel. There’s never any right or wrong when it comes to being creative! Besides, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say.
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Cassandra Di Lalla lives life purposefully. She enjoys reading, writing and mental health initiatives. She’s an animal lover for life and an innovative individual always finding new ways to create.
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