Remember all the art we created when we were younger?

Hand turkeys, coffee filter snowflakes, finger paintings; our imagination and interest was limitless.

As the years progressed, some of us stayed on the path of fine arts through practice. And, some of us did not. But, does that mean only certain people can create?

Creative self doubt is present in everyone, but tends to manifest in people who do not typically create conventional art pieces. The idea of having to be an “artist” makes many castaway their materials.

To test my theory. I set up a project to showcase art from a variety of people. When I asked around my classes for people to draw a flower on a sheet of paper, many people were skeptical.

Oh, you wouldn’t want my drawings. I don’t want to ruin your project. I’m really bad. I’m not an artist.

After they drew the flower, I asked a few people what they felt during the process. Most people told me it was a fun experience and felt a sense of joy they were rather surprised about.

Art is beautiful because it is an expression of oneself. Every artist, every poet, every musician feels differently and has different reasons to compose their thoughts. Contrary to popular belief, art is not just for the sake of technical skill.

Art is for emotional release. Art is for communication with others and self confidence. Art is for helping with inexpressible feelings. Art is for anything and everything; the only limiting factor is your beliefs.

I used to not believe I was good at art. I watched my brother and tried to recreate the dinosaurs he would easily make. Over the years, I went into art classes and simply did not participate because it just was not for me.

No matter how much I loved the time I got to create, I could not fully enjoy my experience. All because of my preconceived notion on my lack of ability.

In fifth grade, I decided I wanted to pursue art and take myself more seriously. I knew I would not think my art is good at first, but I was ready for it this time. I cringed at the pieces I made, but I did not stop. I did not stop because those minutes made me happy.

I used to be the one to feel bad for myself while watching my peers draw. Now, I can feel the eyes that carry the longing of the simple peace of creation. When I look up, people try to act disinterested and say art is not for them.

But, the desire to create art can be felt by anyone.

Art is not just a serious, time consuming skill. It can be coloring books, doodling, painting, chalk drawings, pen; art is art is art. However long you want to take, however much effort is up to you.

You should not base your skill level in creating art off of other people. It does not matter whether or not you believe you are “good” or “bad.” As long as you want to make art, you are an artist.

Bring out the finger paints you keep tucked away somewhere and make your inner child happy.

Follow Maya (@mvpalovalley) and @CHSCampusNews on Twitter.