Is art just something you hang over the couch? Is it simply an aspect of decor?  

Or can art be medicine? Is that a radical thought or just a weird one? I am imagining a meme that shows a doctor saying “Take two paintings and call me in the morning.” 

I’ve been thinking about this idea a lot lately, not the meme but art as medicine, art as a healing element in our lives. It’s an idea that feels relevant in these difficult times. I think we all need to call in as much healing for ourselves and the collective as we can these days.

I recently discovered the emerging field of study called neuroaesthetics that studies the effect of art on the brain using non invasive brain technology. Artists and art lovers have always instinctively known that art can make us feel better. And now this field is showing that there are definitely physiological, psychological and spiritual benefits of art.

Art heals in all kinds of ways but maybe we could say it is essentially by stimulating feelings in the viewer. Perhaps difficult feelings that need to be felt and released. Or maybe what the doctor ordered are feelings that inspire, uplift or create an oasis of calm for us. Feelings that remind us of what really matters. Maybe we are most in need of feelings that encourage us to go on, feelings that heal our sense of trauma and isolation. And ultimately we crave feelings that transform some aspect of ourselves in small or profound ways.

True healing is mysterious. But we do know that it involves our minds and our spirit, not just the mechanical and biological aspects of our bodies. So it makes sense that healing is about more than what we put into our bodies and how we move them. What we surround ourselves and immerse ourselves in, our environment has tremendous healing potential. Art is more than entertainment. When chosen with our inner knowing and intention it is a powerful mediator of healing.

There is a quote attributed to the Buddha that is something like “not all medicine is for all people” He was talking about spiritual practice as medicine and suggesting that different people will benefit from different practices or even the same person will need different practices sometimes. If you are highly agitated sitting down to meditate might not be helpful. Perhaps what you need is a brisk walking meditation.

I think art is the same. Different people will warm to different styles of work. Some will be drawn to representational art, some to abstract. Some of us love quiet pieces, while others are drawn to boisterous work. Perhaps we will need different things at different times. At dinner we might want lively work in the dining room that stimulates conversation and at night we need soothing work in the bedroom that promotes rest and relaxation.

Art in it’s many forms is truly medicine for the human spirit, something to add to your personal medicine kit. So if this rings true to you, I invite you to explore my website and perhaps find something that becomes part of your healing regimen. Something to spend time with and uplift and inspire you on a daily basis.

Sending healing energy your way,

Carole

ps. none of these new pieces are up on my website yet. please message me if you are interested in any of them