Table of Contents
Why does art make us feel things?
Often, emotions are associated with a moment, an object, a person, or a place. Emotions work within the body and mind to tell us what is safe and what is not. Art often inspires these feelings within us, connecting past moments and new memories, or providing us with a look into the artist’s vision. All art can broaden knowledge, give enjoyment, and challenge our assumptions; but it can also help soothe, calm, enlighten, and uplift the mind and spirit. Even art that leaves us uncomfortable can still help us to think differently and give us new perspective. Art can provide a healthy outlet for feelings that clients need to get out. Art is an alternate way to communicate something that clients cannot always put into words. By witnessing the art, the therapist gives the client the experience of validation and acceptance of their feelings. Art gives us the ability to express ourselves. Through that expression, we communicate by drawing on our own unique emotions, thoughts and experiences. When you see and study another’s art, you’re seeing the world through their eyes. When you create, you’re letting the world see through yours. Art in any form, whether while creating or observing, reduces the stress hormone called cortisol. It also releases the feel-good hormones called endorphins which help you combat stress and pain. By letting you enjoy a sense of fulfillment, it transforms you into a more positive, well-rounded human being. Instead, Expressionism puts the personal and emotional at the forefront of art, with subject matter and accuracy as the last of its worries. In fact, the term “Expressionism” was coined by Czech historian Antonin Matějček in 1910 to specifically mean the “opposite” of Impressionism.
What is art as a feeling?
It is, at any rate, the theory of art as the expression of feelings (which here shall be taken to include emotions and attitudes) that has been historically significant and developed: art as specially connected with the life of feeling. It can be used to communicate ideas and thoughts; it can be used as a tool for self-expression, used as a form of therapy, or even as a means to find beauty in life. Art also captures a moment in time, historical events, social ideas and concepts, and political or social commentary. Art is an immediate mood-booster, and it fosters feelings of relaxation, creativity, and inspiration. Many studies have shown that both creating and looking at art can support mental wellbeing. Any form of art can help reduce stress hormones, while increasing endorphins and dopamine in our brain. Painting is one of the most relaxing activities one can indulge in. It gives you different feelings and emotions that are hard to transcribe into words. A sense of happiness, achievement, and a confidence boost are some of the feelings that you get whenever you delve into the creative process of painting. Importance of Art in Life Art gives meaning to our lives and helps us understand our world. It is an essential part of our culture because it allows us to have a deeper understanding of our emotions; it increases our self-awareness, and also allows us to be open to new ideas and experiences.
How does art make us think?
1) Art can broaden your perspective. When you’re able to think creatively it can open you up to finding new solutions you otherwise wouldn’t have thought of. “It’s like looking at an image upside down, to see it for what it is and not just as the image your eye is “trained” to see. Art has the power to move individuals to social action, manipulate and influence, entertain, and educate. Many are afraid to approach art, viewing it from afar as an elite subject and esoteric. Artworks inspire creative and innovative thinking; the right brain takes what it sees and expands upon it. Staring into a picture of a forest, the right brain envisions walking through the forest, looking to the corners just beyond the frame to see animals and new vistas. Art gives us meaning and helps us understand our world. Scientific studies have proven that art appreciation improves our quality of life and makes us feel good. When we create art, we elevate our mood, we improve our ability to problem solve, and open our minds to new ideas. The functions of art normally fall into three categories: physical, social, and personal. These categories can and often do overlap in any given piece of art. It is able to increase empathy, trigger reflection, increase dialogue and help generate new ideas and relationships that can enhance expression of ideas and positive values. Arts helps humanity build new possibilities and rehearse a different way of living and connecting.
Can art change the way you feel?
Making art isn’t a direct way to change our thinking or change ourselves. Art is a way of seeing ourselves. A way of seeing our inner world—our thoughts and beliefs, our feelings and emotions, our loves and aversions. Through making art we can learn about our inner world. Art contributes to a sense of self. When we do something creative, we are “self”-making. Not only does art allow us to self-reflect, but it also has a positive impact on our overall health and wellbeing. Research shows that participating in creative activity can have a positive influence on health outcomes. Artists provide creative, intellectual and emotional insights into society at large, impacting the masses and challenging the status quo. Art helps cultures unite and boosts economic growth—helping the world become a prettier, better and happier place to live in. Appreciating and Admiring Art Art can stimulate thought and reason. That is why it is known to have brought a revolution in many cultures. It can stimulate ideas as it allows viewers to draw their own emotions in their thoughts and pull from their personal experiences as they encounter them. Art Tells Us About Ourselves As a lasting legacy from older times, art allows us to learn about different aspects of the time and place where a piece was created. Art history is deeply related to human history, and its study is important for understanding how mankind has lived and evolved throughout the centuries. People want to express themselves, to let other people know who they are, what they think, what they are feeling. People sometimes prefer to express themselves artistically rather than just telling other people what they are feeling and thinking in a more straightforward and less symbolic way.
What is the purpose of art?
Art can uplift, provoke, soothe, entertain and educate us and is an important part of our lives. At its most profound level, it takes us from the everyday to a place of introspection and contemplation, to see the bigger picture of the human condition. Each time you look at a piece of art, your brain is working to make sense of the visual information it’s receiving. From highly lifelike portraits to abstract collections of rectangles, looking at art stimulates the brain and puts our innate knack for organizing patterns and making sense of shapes to use. Drawing helps me discover, reflect on, and express myself. It helps me feel more happy and confident, and has given me an extra sense of identity and purpose in life. It keeps me honest with myself. It’s how I grow. It helps me discover my voice. For centuries, art has been used to create change and spread political and social messages. Art movements have often played important roles in social changes and political leanings. Many of the art movements post World War 1 were used as a form of protest against the massive loss of human lives.