Since we’ve been having a lot of discussions about how technology can negatively impact mental and physical health, I thought now would be a good time to share something that might promote overall wellness: neurographic art!
You’re probably asking: what the heck is neurographic art!?
According to the Vancouver Visual Art Foundation, neurographic art is…
Neurographic art is a technique, which comprises drawing freeform lines or ‘neuro lines.’ These are meant to enable the connection between the conscious and unconscious, gaining access to the inner self by using a specific algorithm or method.
If that still doesn’t make sense, here’s another definition from the Minisink Valley Central School District:
This creative method stimulates new neural pathways by combining art and psychology. Simply stated, connected neurons process information received. enabling people to interact, experience emotions and sensations, create memories and enable learning. The art technique was created by Russian psychologist, creativity entrepreneur and architect Pavel Piskarev in 2014.
Also known as “doodling”, apparently. A fancy name for something you might already be doing. It’s basically the intersection between drawing and mindfulness/meditation practices. It’s really similar to something I also love called Zentangling (but that’s a different post). If that still doesn’t make sense, here’s a video from creator @JulesWhiteArt on YouTube explaining neurographic art (with visuals!). She also gives some instructions on how to do it.
Neurographic art has benefits for social and emotional wellbeing, as well as decreasing stress levels.
Here’s a recent example that I made, using this video from @andrea.nelson.art on Tik Tok:
@andrea.nelson.art I used watercolor on this but you could use crayons or markers or colored pencils, or maybe you dont want to add color at all. You get to do what you want! Hope this is helpful for someone like me 😊 #artforanxiety #arttherapy #neurographicart #easyart #watercolor #mentalhealth supplies: sharpie, my tropical and basic watercolor palettes, canson watercolor paper
Here’s my version (it’s not as nice, but it was fun to make!):
I’ve done something similar with students during my internship in arts ed, and I think neurographic art would be a great thing to incorporate for anyone. Would you try this in your classroom?
Hey Emily,
I love how you shared information about Neurographic art! This looks so relaxing and I remember doing something similar to this in elementary school. I’m glad you got to use this during your internship and I was wondering how it went? Did the students enjoy this process? Art is very therapeutic and is helpful to help the mind concentrate. Your version looks so similar to the TikTok video you shared!
I love Andrea Nelson’s art videos on TikTok. She makes it look so easy! Art is such a great way to improve mental health. I did not know that the term was neurographic art, though. I learn something new every day.
Last semester, I took ArtsEd, where we had to complete an individual learning project. I chose to learn how to paint with watercolours, and I remember one day being absolutely stressed out of my mind, so I decided to go down to Wascana Park, sit on the ground and just paint. It was so freeing and helped me get my emotions and thoughts out on paper creatively. I seem to forget how much creativity can help promote mental health. I definitely want to learn more about incorporating art in my classroom to help with mindfulness.
Emily,
I had never heard the term “neurographic art” before reading about it in your blog post. I am not artistic in the drawing or painting sense. I joke that stick men are a struggle for me to draw, but it’s kind of not a joke! ha ha! This is definitely something I could see myself using in an arts ed program!
Your finished product is beautiful, you really need to give yourself more artistic credit!
Thanks for sharing your journey and ideas!
This is such a wonderful piece of art that you have shared with everyone. I have never heard of “Neurographic Art” but I’m glad I do now! I have always had interest in art since I was a kid doing art projects in class but it was never something I wanted to pursue. Neither was good at lol. But I think if this is something you are interested in you have made good progress from the posts I have looked at on your page, and I think this is something you could take up. Give yourself some more credit. – Maya