6 Reasons Why Art Makes Your Brain Happy
I want to have a conversation with you about how to make your life better, more vibrant and more enjoyable. Here are my 6 reasons why art makes your brain happy!
Love
The biggest one for me, is art can actually invoke the same sensation, the same feeling, the same brain productivity as when we experience love. Simply, anytime I view a piece of artwork, whether it's one I've created myself or one someone else has created, my brain starts firing and I don't think I even understand why. I don't think we need to understand everything about it, but it is a point of interest to me. So let's talk a little bit more here.
There's been a lot of research in the field of Neuroaesthetics, predominantly with Professor Semir Zeki from the College of London. This unique field studies the extent of the involvement of the brain in conjunction with the images we view (aesthetics) and the importances we place on them. Researchers use what is called a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to capture images of people’s brains as different artworks are shown, evaluating the location of the brain being stimulated. Professor Zeki concluded that viewing art triggers a surge of the neurotransmitter dopamine into the orbito-frontal cortex of the brain, resulting in feelings of intense pleasure, such as when a person is falling in love.
Should I point out that the dominant subject in my artwork is people’s pets? Pet owner’s know that one of the most unconditional forms of love and support a person can have is their animal. So, of course when you lock eyes with your dog or cat, that already is generating neurotransmitters and oxytocin effects. Imagine when you are viewing a portrait of them. All of those neurotransmitters are making you feel the love. That is pretty awesome, just from viewing some artwork.
2. Relaxation
Art allows you to relax. Now I'm not talking about every single piece of art. I am talking about art in general and specific to your taste. To what you consider personally to be relaxing. In general, if you are viewing something with cool colors, colors of greens, blues, purples, those types of hues, they are going to be relaxing. They actually say that green is one of the most aesthetically pleasing colors to the human eye. Research has shown it’s because not only do we see it everywhere in nature, but the human eye actually has an intense capacity for it. We can see a wider green color palette than we do with other colors. But green does have a calming effect. Why do you think so many public spaces, waiting rooms, and hospitals have walls painted in green hues? It is to help promote relaxation and a sense of calm.
Besides using cool colors, the subjects of paintings can also invoke in us a sense of calm. Imagine a tropical beach landscape. Can you already smell the salt and sunscreen? Or how about the sounds of the ocean waves crashing? The piece doesn’t need to be a stress free landscape in order to create a relaxed, happy brain. It could be a piece that reminds you of a special memory, a family member, or invokes a positive thought. Yes, art can help us all relax, and even be a form of meditation in its own way.
3. Stimulation to Expand Your Mind
Art allows us to work on complex problems. You don't even realize this, but when you are viewing a piece of artwork, whether it's an abstract, a landscape, or an ultra realistic portrait, your brain is still amazingly filling in gaps here and there while analyzing what the image means.
Honestly, when artists paint we are using color, form, and values to create depth in the image. So, when you look at it, your brain is actually analyzing it. And it's kind of coming up with bits and pieces that aren't even necessarily there. So, your brain is automatically problem solving. It's noticing where things should be based on your previous experiences and beliefs. It fills in the gaps. That ear is obviously there underneath the subject’s hair. The dog’s tongue is just peeking out of their mouth. Or, you understand that even though you can’t see all the metal rings on the pet’s collar, there would be a physical ring there if the hair wasn’t covering part of it. Our brains work to problem solve, create a complete image, keep things consistent. I challenge you to try to view the next piece of artwork you see by searching for things we may fill in the blanks for.
Art also challenges our minds in an abstract way. When you view great works, there may be thought provoking questions that come to mind. Or a story forms as you look at the image. Art can be cerebral as well as visceral, and perhaps a good balance between the two makes for the best imagery. I love it when I hear conversations about art, because no idea or answer is wrong.
4. Escape Your Reality
Get out of your own headspace and into someone else’s! Wow, that is just one fascinating thing that the human brain is capable of: using our imaginations.
We have this creative brain that most people don't even really even tap into. We work our 40-60 hour work weeks, take care of our families, run errands, do household chores, pay bills, and if we are lucky we have enough time for some sleep. It can be difficult as adults to imagine or to daydream.
That is why having art in your life is so important. Art helps to focus the brain into shifting out of the routine and pushes it towards whatever that artwork means to the viewer. Viewing artwork can bring about your escape from your own reality, similar to a daydream or even meditation, as you make sense of what you are viewing. You're forced into looking at someone else's perspective. You're looking at someone else's ideas, thoughts, and reality. It does provide a nice escape route. In the last several decades, research into those who daydream shows a lot of positive results like reduction in anxiety, increase in mood and positive feelings. So, go ahead and hang up that artwork to transport yourself!
5. Connection
The fifth reason why art makes your brain happy is all about the feels! Viewing art triggers that emotional connectedness that you feel with the painting, the idea, and even the artist. When you “get” someone’s artistic endeavors it really means that you resonate with how they feel. This acknowledgment between artist and viewer makes both feel seen. Art is the universal connector piece, bringing us all closer together.
If you are familiar with my artwork, then you know I use a lot of color. I strive to capture each of my subjects’ personality and spirit with vibrant colors that are strong enough to elicit a response from the viewers. I feel that with the use of color, I can convey emotion. I want people to connect to the painting, regardless of if they knew the subject personally or not. The ability for people to connect to artwork helps us connect as a whole, which is what humanity is all about. Humans are social animals; art can ease the fear of being alone, of not having connection.
6. Perspective & Self Awareness
Artwork can invite you to go outside of yourself for a moment, to contemplate another perspective. What a wonderful road to self awareness! All you have to do is go check out some artwork. The piece may look strange or have weird angles, it may appear inviting or questionable. You may find out the artist is from a completely different background, culture, or nationality than yourself. You may find many things you like, hate or are unimpressed with, but your brain will definitely be engaging and processing the imagery. It is neat to try to step outside yourself and let go of your context when you’re viewing artwork. Try to imagine how someone else has created this piece, for whom they've created it for, and why they've created it. I think you can learn a lot about others. You can also learn a lot about yourself.
