GUEST BLOG: HEAR FROM JOHN, MEMBER OF ELEMENT’S CREATIVE COMMUNITY
This month we’re putting the spotlight on another longstanding member of Element’s Creative Community, John Cai, to hear about his experiences with Element and why he thinks that art and creativity is important for individual wellbeing.
Hey John! Great to have you with us, can you tell us what you enjoy about Element?
Element provides a community for like-minded young people to express themselves to the fullest. Given the pandemic, young people may find it difficult to express their emotions in day-to-day life. Element provides the open space to be who one wants to be and to express their own art in their own way.
I also love that with Element, you can dive deep into a personal journey to explore oneself through what things mean to people and coming to a realisation that everyone has a different interpretation for what things mean to them.
An example can be the question ‘what does success look like to you?’ With this question being shared, I answered to live a meaningful life, to serve and make memories. Whilst for others they saw a means of success to be a family, cars or even travelling. This made me think, if success has so many variations of what it can be perceived by a person, then why judge? If one is pursuing a means to get closer to their definition of success, then that’s all that matters. It made me want to see people win, to succeed and to aid where I can with their personal goals and to achieve dreams.
“It made me want to see people win, to succeed and to aid where I can with their personal goals and to achieve dreams.”
How would you describe creativity?
Creativity is the expression of emotions (energy in motion) which is an art of itself! It is a way to articulate different feelings inside to be expressed and released into reality. Creativity is important as it has an opposite, destruction. So if one is not creating, then one is destroying. This can be within or without.
An example of a photography art work taken on John’s Element Project
That’s powerful. And what do you think creativity offers?
Creativity through art is a form of expression, an expression of what’s going on in one’s life and to be able to articulate it in any form. That can help us to express the creative power that we all have within. Art allows me to see new perspectives on life as well as to better understand the emotions and thoughts we all have.
Through Element I’ve had insight into so many perspectives; it has helped me to realise that I’m not alone! Exploring many forms of art through an Element project is the biggest blessing I could ever ask for as the opportunities are priceless. They provide skills and experience that one can take away and apply throughout many walks of life.
“Through Element I’ve had insight into so many perspectives; it has helped me to realise that I’m not alone!”
What’s one of your favourite art forms that you’ve tried?
I attended a workshop with an artist that worked with silhouettes and how to make art out of shadows. Here in the workshop I made a face out of my own shadow and was able to customise it with a background depicting a world in my mind. As I adventured on into the workshop, I discovered more about how I was feeling trapped in my own world in my head, and very much so for a long time. This gave a medium of expression, a way to articulate my thoughts into reality.
An example art work from John’s Element Project
That’s a very moving example, thank you for sharing. Can you tell us what other opportunities have you got involved with through Element?
There are loads. From the drop-ins where people in the Element community can meet one another and share experiences alongside creating art together. Also trips to different art galleries and visits to the theatre, where young people from different backgrounds may never have got the chance to get these experiences.
Other opportunities are networking with other youth charities and local projects which engage with art - for instance, a photography competition.
Lastly, they provide paid opportunities and support for young people such as CV writing. I have been a Youth Consultant for Element recently and am looking forward to being a Youth Champion with Element next month!
Finally, what do you love about the Element Creative Community?
The Element Creative Community is a family of people from all backgrounds to come together to share experiences and to express themselves through art. The perspectives and insights from all cultural backgrounds is what makes Element amazing! It is a safe space for all to be accepted for who they are and to give people the chances and opportunities to try things that they may have never experienced or have thought to try.
“It is a safe space for all to be accepted for who they are and to give people the chances and opportunities to try things ”
That’s so lovely to hear, thank you John. Any closing remarks?
Thank you for the opportunity to read my article! I send my highest blessings!