After my surgery, I did a lot of reading. I love books about FBI profilers and their cases. I read 11 of one such series on Kindle. But one can only read so much of that.
When one of my mentors, Louise Fletcher, recommended a book called ‘Your Brain on Art,’ I promptly ordered from Amazon. It is all about a new field of study called ‘neuroaesthetics.’
Neuroesthetics is an attempt to combine neurological research with aesthetics by investigating the experience of beauty and appreciation of art on the level of brain functions and mental states.
Cool, eh?
The author’s offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project for as little as forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years!
As artists, I think we already have an idea of the value of art but isn’t it wonderful to have it presented in such a formal, scientific format? The arts are not just frou frou stuff. They are an important part of our lives. A necessary part, as far as I’m concerned.
If you are interested in learning more, here is an article from the Harvard Crimson on the subject.