Art as Mindfulness: How Creative Practice Supports Mental Wellbeing with Artist Jo Bryan
Join professional artist and teacher Jo Bryan for an inspiring conversation about how art naturally creates flow states, builds confidence, and supports mental wellbeing - even if you think you "can't draw."
What You'll Experience:
- How the philosophy of "mark-making" removes pressure and opens creative possibilities
- Why sketching creates deeper memories and presence than photography
- The natural flow states that emerge when completely absorbed in creating
- How art classes build confidence from "I can't draw" to gallery exhibitions
- The meditative quality of creative practice and intentional observation
- Community connections formed through shared artistic exploration
Episode Highlights:
- Jo's insight that "if you can write, you can draw" - challenging limiting beliefs about creativity
- How drawing forces you to slow down and really see in our rushed, snapshot world
- The difference between art classes and art therapy - important distinctions for mental health
- Why learning new creative skills keeps our brains flexible and resilient at any age
- Real stories of transformation, from rediscovering pencil on paper to exhibiting work
- The accessibility of art - any pen, any paper, anywhere can become a mindful practice
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction - Art as unexpected mindfulness gateway
03:00 Jo's artistic journey and finding comfort in creative spaces
04:00 "If you can write, you can draw" - the motor skill connection
05:00 Mark-making philosophy - removing outcome pressure
09:00 Sketchbooks as visual journaling and self-discovery
10:00 How sketching creates presence vs photography's quick capture
12:00 Flow state experiences - time slipping away in creative absorption
13:00 The meditative quality of calligraphy and intentional line-making
15:00 Processing emotions unconsciously through artistic practice
17:00 How entering creative space transforms mood and mental state
22:00 Art classes vs art therapy - understanding the important differences
24:00 Community building and social connections through shared creativity
27:00 Confidence differences between children and adults in creative expression
28:00 Art as regular wellness practice and natural stress management
Perfect for anyone who believes they "can't draw," those curious about accessible mindfulness practices, people seeking confidence-building activities, or anyone interested in how creative learning supports mental wellbeing throughout life.
Important Note: This episode explores art classes that offer wellness benefits, not art therapy. Art therapy is a regulated mental health profession where qualified therapists use creative processes in clinical settings to help people process trauma, emotions, and psychological challenges.
Connect with Jo:
Facebook: Joanna Bryan's Art Classes
Instagram: Joanna Bryan's Art Classes
Courses available at Percival Guildhouse (Rugby) https://percival-guildhouse.co.uk/
This Week's Challenge: Make some marks on paper - any marks, with any pen. Notice how the simple act of mark-making affects your mental state and presence.
Remember: Sometimes the most powerful wellness practices are hiding in the simplest activities we can do anywhere, anytime.
Thanks for listening.
