The Super Power of Art
When most of us think about buying artwork, we sometimes imagine working with a designer to spruce up our home, or maybe we’ve bought a new home that we want to aesthetically make our own.
But have you ever thought about the deeper reasons that people buy art and what it actually represents in our lives?
Is Art good for your Health?
What might surprise you (because it has certainly surprised me) is that almost every person that tells me why they are buying one of my paintings has a very personal reason for doing it—it rarely has much at all to do with filling an empty wall or matching their decor.
The MOST common reasons I hear for purchasing artwork:
it reminds them of someone they have loved and lost
they have recently accomplished something (like getting a new job, a new degree, or their hands-on parenting years are over) and the painting is a gift to themselves for being courageous, sticking with it and doing their best
the painting makes them feel something they want more of in their life
it soothes their anxiety or helps them to process something challenging
they have closed a chapter of their lives, are beginning a new one and the painting gives them either courage, solace or determination
the painting sparks joy in a challenging time and the purchase actually represents their decision to affirm more joy in their overall life
As you can see, these reasons aren’t fluffy. They are substantial, speaking to the heart of the big issues and eras of our lives.
In fact, one of my favorite ‘perks’ of doing what I do is that I get to hear these stories and realize that what I have created has gone on to represent something so powerful and relevant to someone else’s very personal journey and life experience. This is fulfilling beyond what I can describe to you right here and I’m always honored to play this part.
Here are some ways that Art is actually good for your health:
Art allows you to express important things about yourself
Owning art you love prompts you to stop + reflect about why you love it and why you invested in it (these are usually life-giving reasons)
Art can be a touchstone, connecting you with things that you value, you’re proud of, or aspire to
Investing your resources in something that truly inspires you reinforces your priorities in life and puts what feeds your soul at the center
I even found some studies that supported the idea that making art, and art itself can lower your stress, although this shouldn’t be surprising when you look at the list above. Science is continually confirming that tending to our own inner world, aspirations, and cravings for beauty and meaning are not only good for our health, but in some ways, define it. One study found that making, contemplating, and learning about art helped people become better and more critical thinkers.
This is a 42”x52” commission I just finished recently. The new owners had thought a lot about what they wanted this painting to feel and look like before we even had our first consultation, and it made creating the painting, as well as working with them, such a joyful experience.
I hope you found this helpful. As I will always say: in the end, the most important thing about art is the way you relate to it--the emotional and aesthetic connection--and when you really connect with that, and you realize that there are no ‘right’ reasons for buying artwork, then your intuition can speak and you will be so happy with your choices, whatever they are.
From my experience with buyers, the more conscious your personal reasons are (i.e. “I love flowers and those red ones remind me of my mom; she loved flowers” or “I’ve always put everyone and everything else first, but when I saw this painting, I literally gasped. And then I thought if something moves me that much, I think I need to give that to myself.”) the more satisfying and nourishing your new artwork will be to your life.
If I can help you find or better understand some art, let me know. I’m happy to help. And let me know if there are any topics you would like me to include in Art Talk!
