I make passionate artwork that tells unique stories and inspires my patrons.
Art is essential to the human spirit. Humans have had a relationship with art, in one form or another, since time immemorial. From prehistoric cave drawings to ancient instruments, it is obvious that art has always been and will continue to be an interwoven part of our existence, regardless of race, political leanings, or cultural background.
1. Art makes you think.
2. Art takes you places.
3. Art makes you feel something.
4. Art makes you look.
5. Art can make you laugh.
6. Art makes you realize people are fundamentally the same around the world and throughout all time.
7. Art lasts.
8. Art feels good
9. You don’t need language to understand it.
10. Art says things that words just can’t say.
Health Benefits
“When you observe a profound piece of art you are potentially firing the same neurons as the artist did when they created it thus making new neural pathways and stimulating a state of inspiration. This sense of being drawn into a painting is called “embodied cognition”. Jacob Devaney
Increased Blood Flow to the Brain
In May 2011, Robert Mendick, a reporter for The Telegraph, wrote an article about an experiment conducted by Professor Semir Zeki, chair in neuroaesthetics at University College London. Zeki explained, “We wanted to see what happens in the brain when you look at beautiful paintings.” The experiment concluded when you look at art “whether it is a landscape, a still life, an abstract or a portrait – there is strong activity in that part of the brain related to pleasure.” The participants underwent brain scans while being shown a series of 30 paintings by major artists. When viewing art they considered most beautiful their blood flow increased in a certain part of the brain by as much as 10%, which is the equivalent to gazing at a loved one.
Awe, Wonder, and Beauty Promote Healing
“Awe, wonder, and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggest the things we do to experience these emotions – a walk in nature, losing oneself in music, beholding art – has a direct influence upon health and life expectancy.” (1)
The experience of viewing awe-inspiring art has a positive effect on the physical body and mental state. “Awe has many important implications for our well-being. Experiencing awe can give us a sense of hope and provide a feeling of fulfillment.” (2)
Many medical-related articles also provide evidence that points to the physical benefits derived from experiencing awe-inspiring moments on a routine basis. A recent study from the University of California-Berkeley found that “participants who experienced more awe-struck moments had the lowest levels of interleukin-6, a marker of inflammation.” (3)
(1) Psychologist Dr. Dacher Keltner, of California University in Berkeley, “Art does heal” scientists say appreciating creative works can fight off disease (www.telegraph.co.uk)
(2) University of Wisconsin Health website, psychologist Shilagh Mirgain, Ph.D.
(3) “Increase Your Well-Being With Awe-Inspiring Art”
RELATED