Rich or poor. Successful or struggling. Liberal or conservative. Many people today are feeling—at least some of the effects of—our separation from the rhythms of a more “natural” way of life.
Our headlines scream: “Climate disruption!” “Pollution!” “Corporate control of government!” “Runaway Capitalism!” “Crime!” “Poverty!” “Homelessness!”
And then, if you kick in “out of balance” personal health (mental, emotional, physical) and add a major medical operation or health crisis, even the-strongest-of-the-strongest can get knocked right over the “Negative, Stressful, Feverishly-Fast Forces” edge.
Can ART help? Can it keep us centered or restore the balance?
“Evidence-based” art research findings say, not only can art help and restore our balance, the right kind of art may even bring health and healing.
When I paint, I often “strategically and deliberately” design a work of art to create health, healing, and happiness. (I also try—when I can-- to add a touch of humor or quirkiness:) There comes a point within each of my paintings where I know I have achieved aesthetic beauty. Yet, to meet the “evidence-based” findings for art that creates health or healing, I know it’s not good enough.
Wowie Zowie is a painting I created to put a smile on someone’s face. I wanted people to look at it and feel happy and/or encouraged to get up and get healed.
Who doesn’t like blue? I knew the blue background colors would create a sense of calm (important for creating a balanced feeling of happiness), but I also wanted to create something happy and playful (but not something playful or energetic enough to stress). When making major decisions, there’s always that fine line to cross—or not cross—when your intention as an artist is to create—not just beauty—but art for health, healing, and happiness.
Art “medicine” is being used as part of the healing and recovery process throughout the country and in many parts of the world. Wowie Zowie by dorotheasandra.com is just one small example.
Wowie Zowie by dorotheasandra.com
Wowie Zowie by dorotheasandra.com. Look how putting a “pink” frame around this painting adds more fun!
Wowie Zowie by dorotheasandra.com. Yet, even with a blue frame, Wowie Zowie still has all that playful movement!