Awaken Your Senses: How Art Sparks Joy and Brings You to Life - La gazette #4

16 May

Tunnel Beach in Otago 2024 (handmade paint and oil pastels on fine art paper)

Nothing quite compares to experiencing a piece of art up close.

Hello friends,

In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in our routines and forget to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

Our social media are overloaded with glossy pictures fighting for our attention and scrolling daily through hundreds of flat miniature images on our screens should satisfy our hunger for beauty, but we have become gradually numb to this meaningless currency. We feel incomplete and robbed of the opportunity to engage all our senses with something that resonates with our soul.

When we exhaust ourselves at work and lose sight of the bigger picture—our quest for Happiness with a capital H—life can feel meaningless. Our body feels numb. Drained and confused, we often turn to our phones searching for insights or tips on restoring our energy, or, even worse, to “kill the time”! when the solution to our problem might be as simple as a painting on our wall…

We underestimate the wonderful impact that art can have on our well-being. Without surrounding ourselves with artwork, we miss out on the joy and emotional connection that a beautiful painting can bring.

**From abstract painter Jenny Nelson's Blog post "Dose of Beauty #3"**

Living with art has so many fantastic benefits:

- Emotional uplift: Art can bring joy and inspiration into your everyday moments, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.

- Fresh perspectives: Each time you encounter a painting, it can offer new insights and appreciation, making every viewing feel unique and enriching.

- Contemplation: Engaging with art encourages you to slow down and be present, which is great for your overall well-being.

- Creative stimulation: Surrounded by art, your imagination can thrive, inspiring your creative endeavours.

- Connection: Engaging with art helps you feel more connected to your surroundings and yourself, grounding you in your experiences.

So, why not embrace the beauty of art and bring it into your daily life? You’ll quickly realize it’s not just decoration; it’s a source of inspiration, a way to practice mindfulness and a pathway to deeper understanding and joy.

Turn your home into a cozy haven of creativity and watch how it enriches your life in ways you never imagined!