In our increasingly digital world, where smartphones dominate attention and AI threatens to replace human creativity, many are seeking meaningful ways to enhance their wellbeing. The answer, according to new research and leading creative minds, might be found in something as simple as looking at a painting.
The Science Behind Art and Wellbeing
A groundbreaking 2024 study commissioned by the UK government has revealed compelling evidence that engaging with art significantly improves both mental and physical health. The research indicates that cultural consumption can reduce healthcare costs and increase national productivity.
Further supporting evidence comes from King's College London, where researchers discovered that when 50 participants aged 18-40 viewed original paintings in person, their stress hormones dropped by an impressive 22%. The control group who examined copies experienced only an 8% reduction, highlighting the unique power of authentic artistic experiences.
Wisdom from Creative Pioneers
Author Katy Hessel, who compiled insights from numerous artists and writers for her new book How to Live an Artful Life, found personal salvation in creative wisdom during a period of feeling uninspired and distracted. Her collection features 366 daily passages from luminaries including Tracey Emin, Marina Abramović, Ali Smith, and Iris Murdoch.
The book organizes creative guidance seasonally, with January focusing on beginnings, February on love, August on beauty, and November on memory. Hessel responds to each passage, bringing artists' words to life and making their creative practices accessible to everyone.
Practical Ways to Embrace an Artful Life
For those feeling overwhelmed by modern life, several creatives offer simple yet powerful advice. Writer Hisham Matar and broadcaster Claudia Winkleman recommend focusing on just one painting at a time, revisiting it during different moods to notice how your perception changes.
As author Ali Smith explained, "Whenever you stand in front of art, you attend and something in you has been awakened to it."
For those without easy access to museums, the solution can be as straightforward as looking up artwork online or in books and discussing it with others. Art critic Jerry Saltz suggests asking fellow gallery visitors "What are you thinking about that?" to spark meaningful conversation.
Performance artist Marina Abramović reminds us of the power of simplicity: "Doing nothing is the start of the something." Meanwhile, Laurie Anderson advises focusing on "Whatever makes you feel free and really good."
Living artfully doesn't require becoming a professional artist. It's about enriching existing experiences, taking back our attention from screens, and connecting with each other and the world around us. As the research proves, the benefits extend far beyond aesthetic appreciation to genuine improvements in wellbeing and quality of life.
How to Live an Artful Life: 366 Inspirations from Artists on How to Bring Creativity to Your Everyday by Katy Hessel is published by Hutchinson Heinemann (£16.99).
