Art touches our hearts and moves us in ways that we cannot adequately put to words. It can mean unique things to different people and evoke extraordinary emotions on the most ordinary of days. Art can increase our self-awareness and frame our existence, bring us joy and help us dream. Here are some of the many reasons why we need to have art in our lives.
Art is Healing
Life can be stressful and overwhelming. If you cannot escape to nature to recharge, looking at art may be the best available option. Be it a vase of irises, a starry night sky, or charming berry wall art, it can transport you to a more idyllic and fantastical time and place. Scientists believe that simply appreciating creative works can alleviate stress, boost the immune system, and improve your mental health.
Based on research by UK-based charity Paintings in Hospitals, both patients and staff experience better health and happiness when art is displayed around a medical facility. Immersion in art has been shown to ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce the need for painkillers, and even shorten the length of stay in hospital for patients.
There is an increasing number of professional clinicians who now specialize in art therapy. Art therapy is fast becoming an established form of treatment for mental and physical issues. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy can foster self-esteem, promote emotional strength, enhance social skills, and improve cognitive function.
Another way to reap the benefits of art is to create it yourself. Contrary to common belief, producing art does not require exceptional talent. The process of creation is just as important as the outcome. While you are making art, your mind shifts its focus away from negative aspects of life and you find relaxation, gratification, and transformation as you work ‘in the zone’.
Art Feeds Our Inner Selves
Because art is completely open to interpretation, we are essentially connecting with our inner selves when we view it. Looking at art allows us to exercise critical thinking and look inward to see how our personalities, feelings, and experiences affect our perception. This self-awareness can help us to understand how we interact with the world at large.
Sometimes, a piece of art can bring us more questions than answers. This exposure to new experiences and ideas is essential in our growth as individuals. The University of Arkansas found that students who went on field trips to the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art experienced an increase in critical thinking, tolerance, historical empathy, and cultural interest.
Aside from allowing us to recognize our emotions, art can help to validate them. When we find connections in art, we know that we are not alone in feeling or thinking a certain way. Creating or displaying art is a way for us to express our inner selves and show others what we stand for. Through this connection and acceptance, we can find happiness and contentment.
Beauty Brings Pleasure
Beautiful things can be innately enjoyable to behold. We love admiring attractive people and the same principle applies to art. An experiment at the University College in London found that people who viewed fine art paintings by famous artists experienced as much as a 10 percent increase in blood flow to the pleasure centers of the brain—similar to gazing at a loved one.
Therefore, there is much joy and delight to be gained by surrounding ourselves with the things that we enjoy looking at. Just as music is a salve for the ears, art is a feast for the eyes. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect aesthetics, so find what works for you. Whatever you love, having works of art around you will bring inspiration and happiness.
Home is Where the Art Is
In our homes, art can set the mood and intention of the space. It can breathe life into stark walls and infuse rooms with character. Whether you prefer watercolor paintings or abstract oil paintings, the artwork you display tells a story and expresses who you are. On a functional level, it also creates a focal point to complete the room and can be a great conversation starter.
There are a multitude of ways to incorporate art into your interior décor. If you have a solid wall, accentuate it with a large piece of art. Alternatively, you can create a grid with a combination of canvas prints or photographs. Smaller ceramic pieces are perfect on tabletops or mantelpieces while large ones can be used as accent pieces around doorways and windows.
Not many people will have the privilege of curating art on a gallery level. Nonetheless, we can still create miniature private galleries in our homes. Art is a powerful source of pleasure and happiness. It is essential for a good quality of life. By placing art around our living environment, we can foster relaxation and contentment, and keep our creative souls inspired.