Art Is So Much More Than, “Oh, I Like That!”

Did you know it’s been proven that art has a deep effect on our individual psyche? It’s more than, “Oh, I like that.” So much more. Its ever-evolving nature touches our inner self, the core of who we are. Who YOU are. It reflects our life and times and offers us inspiration and motivation. And we could all use some of that, right?

Various studies carried out during the past several years, demonstrate what so many of us already knew and believed. Art has a transformative power that goes beyond simple appreciation.

One study involved nearly 11,000 students who participated in a single one-hour trip to an art museum. The results were remarkable. This brief exposure catalyzed significant changes in the way these young minds thought and felt. Not only did the students demonstrate enhanced critical thinking skills, but they also showed increased empathy towards historical figures and greater tolerance for people different from themselves. This suggests that art has the potential to broaden our perspectives and foster a more compassionate worldview.

But the impact goes even deeper, right down to our neural pathways. Professor Semir Zeki, a neurobiologist at University College London, conducted a series of groundbreaking brain-mapping experiments that revealed some intriguing findings. When we look at things we consider beautiful - be it a painting, a sculpture, or even a breathtaking landscape - there's increased activity in the same area of the brain associated with romantic love. Moreover, this "reaction is immediate," with our brain's "feel-good centers" lighting up in response to visual beauty.

These scientific insights validate what many of us have felt instinctively: surrounding ourselves with beauty and things that resonate with us personally can have a profoundly positive impact on our well-being. It's not just about decoration or status; it's about feeding our souls and stimulating our minds.

The beauty of art lies in its diversity and subjectivity. What speaks to one person may not resonate with another, and that's perfectly fine. Art is a deeply personal experience, reflecting our individual tastes, experiences, and emotional landscapes. This is why it's crucial to seek out art that speaks to YOU specifically. So take some time each day to look for something that speaks to YOU and brings YOU joy. Here are five suggestions on how you can harness the power of art in your life.

ONE

Make time each day to seek out beauty. This doesn't have to be a grand gesture or a time-consuming activity. It could be as simple as pausing to admire a vibrant flower on your way to work or taking a moment to appreciate the play of light and shadow coming through a window.

TWO

Visit local art galleries or museums. Even if you're not an art aficionado, exposing yourself to different forms of artistic expression can stimulate your mind and emotions in unexpected ways. The more you see, the more you'll know what moves you, and you'll be ready for step five!

THREE

Explore the natural world. Nature is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring forms of art. Take a walk in a park, visit a botanical garden, or simply gaze at the stars on a clear night. Identifying vistas or views that resonate with you will get you ready for step five!

FOUR

Create your own art. You don't need to be a professional artist to benefit from the act of creation. Whether it's sketching, painting, photography, or any other form of creative expression, engaging in the artistic process can be deeply fulfilling.

FIVE

Surround yourself with what resonates with you. Whether hanging paintings, photographs, or fine art prints on your walls, collecting sculptures, or jewelry, make space for art in your everyday environment. Our art advisors are ready to help you start or expand your collection. 

Remember, the goal isn't to become an art critic or to force yourself to appreciate styles that don't speak to you. Instead, it's about opening yourself up to its transformative power and allowing it to enrich your life in whatever way feels authentic to YOU.

So take some time today to seek out something beautiful, something that sparks joy or intrigue in YOU. You might be surprised at how it affects your mood, your thoughts, and your overall sense of well-being. After all, as science is beginning to show us, the impact of art on our psyche is real, immediate, and profoundly positive. Why not harness that power for yourself?