How Art Enriches Our Lives
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself entering a restaurant, a school, or even where you work and finding nothing but sterile walls, empty, flat surfaces, and muted colors. Perhaps the walls are stark white, the floors bare and cold, no plants, no flowers, no paintings, rugs, sculptures, or anything handmade. Everything looks the same no matter where you go. There’s nothing to excite, distract, or intrigue you. The words boring and empty come to mind, don’t they?
Culture
Thankfully, in our world, the arts are all around us. Let’s think about visiting that restaurant. Perhaps you’re in the mood for Asian food tonight. Japanese, to be exact. Before you even enter, you know from the outside that this restaurant is exclusively Japanese because of the design of the lettering on the sign. The place smells fantastic, and you’ve read that the food here is always excellent. You see beautiful Japanese artwork in the foyer and ornate designs throughout the dining room. Almost immediately, you’re immersed in Japanese culture. There’s nothing dull or boring about this entire experience because all of your senses are satisfied.
I used the restaurant as an example because art opens many cultural doors. Exploring other cultures through art is an exciting and uplifting experience, and when we go on a journey through the artwork of different cultures, we see the world through their eyes. We learn about their customs and clothing styles, history and evolution, and experiences in their daily lives. Within each painting, drawing, or statue lies someone’s story. Art brings us closer together by opening our hearts and minds to the entire world.
Moods
Did you know art can influence your mood? Numerous scientific studies have been conducted regarding how art influences how we feel. Viewing a piece of artwork may summon many different feelings. In abstract art, brilliant colors, angles, and shapes excite us and spark our curiosity. Viewing serene landscapes gives us a sense of relaxation and calm. Research has proven that engaging with art of all kinds has numerous benefits to our health and well-being. When we immerse ourselves in art that we connect with, our brain releases dopamine, causing an overall sense of happiness and improving our mood. The use of art in treating mental health disorders has proven to enhance and improve patient experiences by helping them express their emotions.
Environment
Let’s return to that barren school with its blank walls and dull atmosphere. Can you imagine entering a classroom where the walls aren’t covered in colorful themes, posters, paintings, and other brightly colored, eye-catching things that create a warm and inviting environment? How could we ever expect developing minds to learn without the stimulation of creativity and imagination? Allowing growing brains to explore and examine art is crucial to developing the ability to process information and discern what they see and what it means to them. Art stimulates the brain by triggering unique emotions and thoughts to every viewer, improving how they see the world around them and promoting the ability to learn.
Entertainment
Museums, art shows, and galleries are popular for a reason. Art is a universal form of entertainment. Regardless of language, race, or socioeconomic background, we can find a painting, an artist, or other artwork we love and share that experience with others. Truthfully, we can find countless works of art that ignite something within us. From abstract art and sculpture to realism, strolling through an art show and pausing to admire a painting that gives us a feeling of awe or even sadness, provides us with an emotional connection to what’s happening before our eyes. The best thing about art is that we can find it almost anywhere, from outdoor murals to restroom walls!
Artistic expression is human expression. No matter where we find it, It causes us to ask questions such as: what was the artist thinking about when they painted this? Where was this painted? I’d love to visit that place! Passing through an office building, you spy a painting and wonder, who is this lovely woman in the blue gown or that elderly gentleman tending his crops? Perhaps you’re even in a pub and need to use the restroom, and as you venture down a long hallway to reach your destination, you notice the management has placed beautiful, eye-catching abstract artwork all along the way and on your way back, you can’t help but pause to admire them.
Atmosphere
Perhaps the most enjoyable part of having your own living space is decorating it the way you want. Creating the right atmosphere where you feel comfortable and happy is surrounding yourself with artwork you love. The best part? You can find beautiful artwork almost anywhere. You may search online for the theme or style you want or visit art shows and galleries to find the perfect paintings to create a space that is a reflection of you. You can even browse thrift stores or estate sales to hunt down that ideal painting or sculpture that catches your eye. The possibilities are endless!
Most companies who understand the benefits of creating the right atmosphere for their employees understand the value of choosing the right art for their workspaces. The smart ones choose or commission art that reflects their company brand as well as providing a beautiful and meaningful environment to work in. Staring at a blank wall when you need a break is not conducive to keeping your employees’ imaginations engaged. However, giving them something beautiful and interesting to gaze at and relax for a few minutes makes all the difference in their daily work experience. Encouraging your employees to choose the artwork they want to decorate their workspaces is even better for morale!
Art enriches our lives in so many ways. It introduces us to other cultures, enhances our environments, positively affects our moods, entertains us, and provides a pleasing and engaging atmosphere to live and work. Our lives, especially indoors, would be tedious and empty without art.
