In earlier blog posts I've talked about seeing art that stopped me in my tracks and brought tears to my eyes. And in other posts I've talked about the value art adds to my life. But I've never had scientific proof. (Honestly I've never really needed any proof for myself but it is helpful when talking to non-artists!)
Recently a friend sent me a link to an "Art2Life" video podcast interview between her art mentor, Nicholas Wilton, and the authors of "Your Brain on Art", Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. After a rather slow start I totally got into what they were talking about - "the science of neuroaesthetics, which offers proof for how our brains and bodies transform when we participate in the arts—and how this knowledge can improve our health, enable us to flourish, and build stronger communities."
In case you want to listen too, here is a link:
Art2Life Podcast Episode #164
And in case you want to buy the book here is a link to it on Amazon:
Here is a brief summary courtesy of Amazon:
Many of us think of the arts as entertainment—a luxury of some kind. In Your Brain on Art, authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross show how activities from painting and dancing to expressive writing, architecture, and more are essential to our lives.
We’re on the verge of a cultural shift in which the arts can deliver potent, accessible, and proven solutions for the well-being of everyone. Magsamen and Ross offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project for as little as forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years. They expand our understanding of how playing music builds cognitive skills and enhances learning; the vibrations of a tuning fork create sound waves to counteract stress; virtual reality can provide cutting-edge therapeutic benefit; and interactive exhibits dissolve the boundaries between art and viewers, engaging all of our senses and strengthening memory. Doctors have even been prescribing museum visits to address loneliness, dementia, and many other physical and mental health concerns.
Personally I can attest that when I get studio time I am less stressed.
Dear reader, my husband can back that up!!
In the book they also talk about our senses and how we get so much information all the time from all 5 of our senses that we have to filter it in order to function. And that's when I really perked up because what they talked about supports my 5 Senses Art Project.
It was fascinating!
There is so much more but I don't want to spoil it for you, so just let me invite you to either listen to the podcast and/or read the book. It's next on my reading list!
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