January 14, 2026

Why Art Feels Intimidating (And Why We Need It Anyway)

In this interview, Jeff Turner talks with Claudine, a policy director with the Senate of Canada, about why art and creativity often feel out of reach and why that matters for mental health, especially right now.

The conversation explores how cost, intimidation, and the idea that you need training or talent stop many people from engaging with art. Claudine shares how creativity shows up in her own life through writing, music, and quiet personal projects.

They also look at the wider context: social media pressure, polarization, unrealistic ideals, and why younger generations need more ways to reconnect with themselves and each other outside of screens.

Watch the video here:

In the video, you’ll hear about:

  • Why art feels intimidating or inaccessible for many people
  • How creativity isn’t limited to visual art or “being good at it”
  • The role of expression in resilience and mental health
  • How social media and algorithms shape pressure, comparison, and identity
  • Why seeing yourself reflected in stories matters
  • The value of slowing down and creating in more human, offline ways

If you’re looking to build a simple reflection habit, you might also like the FREE Front Line Workers Guide to Manage Overthinking.

To get more reflections, tools, and story of lived experience like this, you can subscribe to the email list at thejeffturner.ca.

Until next time, I’m Jeff and remember to take care of yourself, however that looks for you.

Contact me

Jeff Turner
turner.n.jeff@gmail.com
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