1. Art offers a departure from the everyday
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider taking in some art to de-stress and inspire you. Peaceful tree-dotted landscapes and water scenes can be especially effective for encouraging relaxation. When you can’t get away to recharge, try looking at some nature art, or a landscape painting in blues and greens may be the next best thing.
2. Art Makes Good Medicine
Art-making can heal. Across the globe, researchers had found an increase in both staff satisfaction and patient health and happiness when contemporary art was introduced into the hospital environment. Studies have demonstrated that displaying original art in health centers also meant a shorter hospital stay and less medication for some patients.
3. Art opens the heart and feeds the mind
Viewing art provides an opportunity to exercise critical thinking. Experiencing art renews self-awareness, and even a deeper connection to others and their experiences, as we share what we feel and try to interpret what we see.
4. Art Can Boost Productivity
In designing your office space, adding some art can be a worthwhile investment. Research conducted by Dr. Craig Knight at The University of Exeter, Kirstie Brewer at The Guardian, reported that people that worked in an “enriched” space decorated with art and plants worked nearly 15% faster than those who worked in more Spartan spaces and had better health overall. If workers were “empowered” by allowing them to say where the art was displayed in their workspace, their productivity boost was doubled to nearly 30%.
About the author: John Obafemi Jones is an American artist residing in the U.S. Virgin Islands. An expressionistic figurative painter, his paintings are rooted in his need for self-discovery and expression. He frequently uses jazz themes and blues icons because he feels these art forms that have historically confronted some of society’s most serious questions. For examples of mix media painting visit www.johnobafemijones.com