What is Mark Making?

“Mark Making” is a term that encapsulates the myriad of lines, dots, patterns, and textures that form the essence of an artwork. This process can be deliberate and structured or free-flowing and instinctual. The moment you lay your chosen tool—be it a brush, pen, or even a finger—onto a canvas, you are engaging in the timeless act of Mark Making.

Childhood Beginnings

My earliest memory of Mark Making is steeped in both mischief and sentimentality. As a child, I unintentionally decorated a pristine white bedspread with streaks of red nail polish, gifted to my mother during challenging times.

As I reflect on that memory, it’s clear that even at the tender age of three, I was fearlessly and intuitively leaving my mark on the world.

A Timeless Human Instinct

Mark Making is an intrinsic part of our nature. From the earliest days of our childhood, we are drawn to express ourselves through marks.

Historically, humanity has been leaving marks for millennia. The oldest known mark, discovered in South Africa’s Blombos Cave, dates back an astonishing 73,000 years.

This ancient mark, etched on a half-inch stone, stands as a testament to our innate drive for expression. Discover more about this fascinating find here.

The Evolutionary Role of Mark Making

Researchers, including biologists, have deduced that our propensity for mark-making is deep-rooted, evolving as a fundamental survival tool for our species. Today, while many associate

Mark Making with budding artists striving for renown, countless individuals harness it as a form of catharsis, an anchor in turbulent times, and a bridge to connect with others, all devoid of any aspirations for fame or recognition.

The Importance of Leaving Our Mark

In this vast tapestry of life, making our mark becomes a testament to our journey—a legacy, a story, or an embodiment of our beliefs and expressions.

However, as the cacophony of life intensifies with age, many of us dim our lights, masking our essence due to external influences or challenging experiences.

The shackles of societal norms and adverse encounters often suppress our innate desire to express.

Rediscovering and rekindling this intrinsic part of ourselves can be a healing and empowering journey, which is the essence of our upcoming project.

Embrace the Art of Mark Making

Mark Making is not merely an artistic technique but a celebration of our humanity. It’s an open invitation, accessible to all, devoid of rigid protocols or judgment.

It’s a heartfelt call to express, to feel, and to be. Every mark you make is a testament to your unique journey, so cherish it, for it is purely, profoundly human.

Conclusion

We hope that you were able to try out mark making as tool to help with anxiety & stress. How did the experience feel to you? Would you like to try another one with different tools and colors? Feel free to try this technique of creativity anytime you feel there is a need for calm and meditative moments. Thank you for sharing in this project of creating your marks in the world!

If you enjoyed this project, feel free to leave a comment below as well as share an image of your project in the Create For Healing Facebook Group. We’d love to see what you did with the project.