What do we need art for?

I believe we need art to keep us happy

Is art important? Do we need art when there's so many struggling for just the basics in life..? What do we need art for?

It's an important question - and one which goes to the very heart of our identity as humans and our hopes for how we want to live in this world...

I actually think in times like these it’s more important than ever to take care of, nourish and nurture our humanity… because art is humanity!

Humans create art. It’s one of the things we do that distinguishes us from animals. Cave paintings and carvings on stones, bones and more show us that art is important to humans. It’s a huge part of what makes us who we are.

In fact, archaeologists look for evidence of art as one of the signals to identify humankind from the great apes...

Art is a means by which we can express our emotions and thoughts about the world around us

Art promotes creativity, open minds and free and creative thought.

I think creating (or appreciating) art demonstrates a special sensitivity to the world around us - whether admiring the beautiful world of nature, or commenting on the society of today – it’s a vital part of our culture.

To me, art is more than just a pictorial or physical representation – art is created with thought, and emotion. Art creates thought and emotion in those who encounter it. It stimulates our minds and makes us feel a connection to our world and to each other.
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Art gives us pleasure – it can make us feel happy, give us comfort, nourish our souls in trying times – for this it is so very precious to humanity. Art gives us our humanity – something that we must all try to hold onto.

I think artist Pablo Picasso says it best of all when he said:

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls”
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Art shines the light of humanity into our lives – I feel we need art so much more when it’s not just the dust of daily life we need to clean from our souls…

What does art mean to you? Do you take time to appreciate beauty in the world around you? Does it make a difference to how you feel?

Making art out of the world around us

Art helps you connect with and value nature and the world around you...

Hollyhocks - artwork by Lotti Brown

I have some ideas for feeling connected to nature and making personal and expressive art in my free Expressive Art PDF mini-course - find it here...

​Browse more of my art here...

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