Finding art in the everyday
There was a great article in the Delta Optimist recently about seeing art in everyday life. I agree with. The ability to see art in the world around you is a beautiful thing. Can you see beauty in the sunset? In the rising tides? What about the dance of a child? To see art is to see beauty in what others see as dull.
Art in the Vancouver landscape
I hope that when you look at a piece by Sam Siegel, you can see the beauty of Vancouver and area. Everyday life can be monotonous, full of repetitive tasks and, yes, even dusty, from the time we wake until we hit the hay. Finishing off the last bites of our breakfast of choice, most of us face the day trying to get through our never-ending “to-do” list of chores and errands. Caring for family members and drive carloads from one appointment or activity to the next. Art, however, can bring vibrancy to our daily grind. Art sparks curiosity and creativity; it makes the colourless colourful, the dull bright and the dreary shine. Not sure how to add a little art and creativity to your day? You might be surprised… you may already be doing it.
Creating art every day
Creative activity awakes the senses and can mean doing anything from taking a walk through a museum, gardening, making a batch of cookies, viewing the local high school theatre production, making a card for someone, writing in a journal, knitting, taking photographs or painting a picture. In the process, we’re creating.
Art helps us to think about the world around us in new and exciting ways and helps us discover more about ourselves as individuals and what we want to share with those around us.
Art contributes to a sense of self.
When we do something creative, we are “self”-making.
Not only does art allow us to self-reflect, but it also has a positive impact on our overall health and wellbeing. Research shows that participating in creative activity can have a positive influence on health outcomes.
It can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety; improve memory, problem-solving and other cognitive functions. As well as increasing cardiovascular health and help address daily mobility and balance issues. It can improve social isolation and cross-generational learning, and provide an outlet to explore difficult emotions.
It can also be used as a tool to manage persistent chronic pain and a variety of other chronic illnesses.
The satisfaction you get from art.
Consider the satisfaction you get when finishing a page-turning book, the calm you feel as you view a beautiful sunset filled with indescribable colours, the wonder when you paint something new or hear music that moves your soul.
For now, take some time this month to connect with your creative side by trying something new, or to reconnect with something you haven’t done in a long time. The time is now to get started on your journey of discovering art in everyday life. Drop by Sam's Original Art on 2nd Ave in Kitsilano and see the world in a new light.
Whether you are drawn to the visual, literary, performing arts, design, music or dance, creative moments like these help us to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and they enrich our everyday life.
