To use an art, select it, then press Ctrl. When you use an art, it temporarily drains one of your elements. Elemental force will be recovered slowly over time, and recover faster if you rest by standing still.
Recovery is always concentrated on a particular element.
You can select the recovery element by using the mouse to select the circle to the left of the element. You must stand still while using arts. When you start the game, you begin with a limited number of arts. Seek out a teacher to learn more arts. Art Advancement Level of an Art is known as a Plateau.