Art lights up your brain

Consider this.......... upon entering the serenity of your local city art gallery, relaxation washes over you and your mind prepares to spark with inspiration as you look at the collection of works created by artists from different eras, employing a variety of materials, colors, styles, and rhythms. These pieces tell stories, convey ideas, and present both the familiar and the challenging 'shock of the new.'

The impact of creating your own art is even more profound. The moment you grasp a pencil, a brush, or a lump of clay—you activate your brain in a way that strengthens its connections, influencing how you feel, think, and remember.

The same principle applies to music because practicing an instrument or weaving words into your own story or poetry engages the mind in similar ways. Research has indicated that the brains of artists, musicians, and writers are denser and more adaptable. Some studies suggest that individuals who engage in creative activities have a reduced risk of developing dementia and often benefit from the social interactions that arise from their creative endeavors.

The advantages of producing art extend into all areas of life, enhancing your powers of observation, listening skills, and problem-solving abilities. Creating art is like cognitive training disguised as joy.

Several of my past students pursued careers as art therapists within the prison system, where they have introduced ways for inmates to express themselves when words often fall short, fostering new avenues for joy and fulfillment. A friend of mine has collaborated with a homeless community in the city to create a public sculpture, instilling a sense of pride in their identity and helping them feel more integrated within the community rather than being marginalized.

In September, I will be running some new workshops in which we will focus on the expressive potential of abstract painting and mixed media to light up your brain, and introduce you to new realms of self expression that you may not yet have imagined.