We need art!
Guess what? We need art. Science is proving it.
The eye-opening information in this book is worth sharing.
“Your Brain on Art” by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross describes many amazing stories, but I was particularly impacted by one about Jonas Salk, who discovered the Polio vaccine. Jonas Salk was a virologist who spent 16-hour days in a cold, sterile lab trying to develop a polio vaccine. Frustrated and exhausted, he took a little time off.
Salk visited the massive Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. He stepped into the 13th-century monastery to find beautiful pink floors made from nearby stone, ceilings decorated with frescoes of terra cotta and royal blue, and ethereal light pouring in through tall windows. Overcome by its magnificence, Salk had a breakthrough.
The explanation is described so elegantly by Dacher Keltner, the director of Berkeley’s Social Interaction Lab, that I think I’ll just let him do the talking about Salk’s experience.
“Awe is embedded in our DNA. We are literally hardwired for it. Awe heightens your curiosity and creativity. Awe is an emotion that ignites a primal feeling of empowerment and drives you to take action and even to make self-sacrifice if required. A little dose of awe is transcendent.”
Wow. That is some powerful stuff.
The book details theories and studies on how the many forms of art, from music and dance to architecture and painting, can positively impact the human experience. I think some extra positive impact is just what people could use right now!
The triptych you saw just beginning last week is progressing. The peach-colored paint strokes are beginning to describe the camellia petals, and the bees are starting to look like bees! Once I’m happy with my little trio of Anthophila, I’ll start on the Dr. Suess-esque stamens.
I am looking forward to finishing this piece, and you will hopefully get the first glance at the completed triptych next Friday, the 19th!
By the way, my Father’s Day sale is still going on.
All of my reproductions are 25% off until midnight, June 21st. Register for my VIP Email Updates, and I’ll send you the coupon code asap.
Get some art for your dad or yourself. It’s good for you! This offer is limited to one discounted item per customer. Keep scrolling to see a few examples below or view all my selections on the Reproductions page.