I am inspired this morning by my friend and artist Kelly Walker’s blog post entitled “Art Matters.” Kelly is a “working artist.” She works to hone her innate talent. She works at her shop, Delilah’s Gallery, to offer beautiful pieces for sale. She works to share her love and appreciation for painting and art of all kinds. She works to support the arts in our region. She works to connect with children and aspiring artists to help them discover their own creativity and talent. I see connection insights everywhere in her message!
Art—artistic endeavor in any form—can be a powerful connection tool. It connects us with our own creativity. It connects us with the time and circumstances that inspired the artist. It connects us with the artist’s message in its creation. It connects us with our own emotions and thoughts about what we’re seeing and the world around us. A gift of art can often convey love and meaning to the recipient in a way that is hard to express in words.
Mary Boone, in a 2008 article for the Huffington Post called “Why Art Matters,” made a statement that resonates powerfully in today’s difficult economic environment: “Looking at art, we reconnect with our inner spirit, a spirit that is rich in thoughts, feelings, and dreams, a spirit that can’t be bankrupted, no matter what is happening in the financial markets.” She goes on to quote John F. Kennedy, shortly before his death in 1963, when he said, “We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.”
British art critic Peter Fuller, in an article found on the Art Influence website (Peter Fuller Memorial Foundation), says, “Art can make us better at seeing and enhance our enjoyment of being in the world.”
The next time you need a change of scenery, visit your local art museum or art gallery. You’ll undoubtedly see things that you don’t like or understand, but you’ll treat your right brain to some sensory stimulation. And who knows…you may see something that totally transforms the way you see your life.
Has a work of art ever caused a shift in your thinking or perspective…or connected you with knowledge or feelings you weren’t expecting? I’d love to hear about it! Comment below or join the conversation at Elizabeth’s Facebook page.
Photo credit: “Paint brushes in a row” by “dp_photo” via iStockPhoto
Karen S. Elliott
I just now went over to the BSCAC and The Art Group – what lovely pieces! And so much diversity. I sent them a message as well.
Elizabeth Cottrell
That makes me happy to hear about this networking. The Art Group Gallery folks are doing some fabulous community outreach with their art. Thanks for reaching out to them.
Karen S. Elliott
Art is absolutely essential. I’ve got all sorts of art books with pictures of museum pieces, as well as “how-to” books on oils, pastels, watercolors, colored pencil. Often just looking at art or a fabulous picture will inspire me to write. I am amazed how often a picture on a Facebook account inspires a huge conversation and exchange of ideas.
Elizabeth Cottrell
Karen, you’ve reminded me of yet another way that art connects. You’re right…it really can inspire writing, and I’m sure art has inspired many wonderful authors over the years. Thank you for reminding us of the the important path between a visual image and verbal expression.
Kay
Thank you for sharing, Elizabeth!
Not only is Kelly a remarkable artist, she is an insightful and caring person.
This is a difficult time for the arts and artists because art is perceived as “not essential” .
But………….think about it. Art IS essential. What would our lives be without art?
Do you have a picture in your home that makes you happy? Do you send greeting cards with beautiful photos? Do you smile when you see a beautifully rendered sunset?
Art doesn’t make the trail of life any less difficult, but it makes the trek a bit more pleasurable.
Elizabeth Cottrell
You are so right, Kay, and you and your fellow artists at The Art Group Gallery (http://www.theartgroup.org/) are doing amazing community outreach with art too. I hope everyone will visit them at the Bowman-Shannon Cultural Arts Center in Mt. Jackson, VA! (http://www.bscac.org)