What is Catharsis?
Catharsis is a Greek word meaning ‘cleansing’ or ‘purging’.
The purging of emotions or relieving of emotional tension can be accomplished through the practice of art making for many people. It is the act itself, not the finished work of art that is cathartic for the artist and the image here shows that process. By drawing a portrait of my recently deceased mother, I am able to experience catharsis. It is a powerful exercise and I encourage anyone who is experiencing pain brought about by loss or other emotional stress to attempt to release that emotion through art making, writing, composing, or any other creative endeavor.
Mother. 14"x 17" . Graphite on paper.
