The Benefits of Art in the Home April 09 2020, 0 Comments
Science is not often associated with the arts, but they are fundamentally interwoven. There is increasing scientific evidence that proves art enhances brain function and can alter a person’s outlook and the way they experience the world. Psychologist Dr. Dacher Keltner, of University California, Berkeley, said: “That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggests the things we do to experience these emotions - a walk in nature, losing one's self in music, beholding art - has a direct influence upon health and life expectancy.” This should come as no surprise to anyone who has stood in front of a painting and had an emotional response. Your jaw drops, you stop in your tracks, it brings tears to your eyes. In fact, that is entirely the purpose of art, to make the viewer not only see something but feel something as well. These psychological benefits exist beyond the gallery and add that inspiration into your home and brain, every day.
Finding the perfect work of art for your home is a fun adventure. Sometimes you walk into our galleries knowing exactly what you are looking for, other times the right piece finds you when you least expect it. However you find your perfect work of art, there are many benefits to collecting that you may not have considered. These joys not only brighten your home, they brighten the whole world.
A benefit of collecting artwork that is often overlooked is the satisfaction in investing your hard-earned money into something you love. We often don’t think twice about purchasing a television or car because we consider these essential items. We can overlook that art is also an essential item and that it has everlasting value. You will need to replace that television, but the painting you love will last forever. One of the beautiful aspects of art is the more you look at it, the more you will see. Every day it will offer you something new to appreciate and offer a calm space in which one can lose themselves. Collecting artwork is a direct investment in your happiness. You work hard and it is important to remember to treat yourself!
An overlooked benefit of collecting artwork is the beautiful act of supporting an artist and a small business. Art is invaluable to our lives, yet artists are continually under-appreciated. The term “starving artist” is used in a joking manner but collecting from an artist supports their love of doing what they are best at, creating something beautiful for the world. Without artists, our world wouldn’t be what it is. Your car, your home, the shirt on your back and the toothbrush you used this morning were all designed by artists. Our artists provide something unique and special, something one of a kind in a world of copies. Your work of art is special. Take pride in the act of supporting the artists you love; your support makes the world a more beautiful place.
There is limitless value in collecting a work of art you love. The most important aspect is you loving it. As art consultants sometimes we find the concept of "art must speak to you before you take it home" to be a little funny. As if art could talk! However, art definitely speaks for you. You will see your painting or sculpture every day. It communicates to your family and friends how you see the world, where your passions lie, the places you've been, the memories you cherish and so much more. Your art will move homes with you, it will hang behind you at family meals, you may pass it along to your children, it will become a part of you, your legacy even. When you find the perfect work of art for yourself, celebrate the addition of lasting beauty and joy into your life. Share it with your family and friends and encourage them to tell you how it impacts them as well, because it certainly will.
