Reaching for Our Screens: How Art Can Help Us Rebalance
We're all guilty of mindlessly scrolling through our phones, distracted from the world around us. But what if we told you that there's a way to break free from this cycle and add some richness to your life? For writer and artist Ali Smith, the answer lies in art.
Smith believes that art has the power to slow us down, make us notice the beauty in the world, and even improve our mental and physical health. A 2024 study commissioned by the UK government found that consuming art can have a significant impact on our well-being, reducing stress levels and increasing productivity.
But how can we tap into this potential? Artist Claudia Winkleman suggests taking it one painting at a time, revisiting a piece multiple times to notice how it changes depending on your mood and perspective. Meanwhile, writer Hisham Matar advises looking up art pieces in books or online and sharing them with others to spark conversation.
For Smith, the experience of standing in front of art is transformative. "Whenever you stand in front of art, you attend and something in you has been awakened to it," she says. This attitude of curiosity and openness is key to unlocking the benefits of art in our lives.
Living an "artful life" doesn't have to mean being an artist; it's about enriching what you already have and finding joy in everyday moments. As Laurie Anderson advises, focus on what makes you feel free and good. Take time to sit still, observe nature, and connect with others.
In a world where technology is increasingly filtering our experiences, art offers a refreshing alternative. By taking back your attention and giving it to each other, we can build stronger relationships, cultivate a sense of wonder, and find meaning in the world around us.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try looking at one painting at a time. Revisit it often, and notice how it changes depending on your perspective. And remember, art is not just something to be consumed; it's also an invitation to slow down, reflect, and connect with others.
We're all guilty of mindlessly scrolling through our phones, distracted from the world around us. But what if we told you that there's a way to break free from this cycle and add some richness to your life? For writer and artist Ali Smith, the answer lies in art.
Smith believes that art has the power to slow us down, make us notice the beauty in the world, and even improve our mental and physical health. A 2024 study commissioned by the UK government found that consuming art can have a significant impact on our well-being, reducing stress levels and increasing productivity.
But how can we tap into this potential? Artist Claudia Winkleman suggests taking it one painting at a time, revisiting a piece multiple times to notice how it changes depending on your mood and perspective. Meanwhile, writer Hisham Matar advises looking up art pieces in books or online and sharing them with others to spark conversation.
For Smith, the experience of standing in front of art is transformative. "Whenever you stand in front of art, you attend and something in you has been awakened to it," she says. This attitude of curiosity and openness is key to unlocking the benefits of art in our lives.
Living an "artful life" doesn't have to mean being an artist; it's about enriching what you already have and finding joy in everyday moments. As Laurie Anderson advises, focus on what makes you feel free and good. Take time to sit still, observe nature, and connect with others.
In a world where technology is increasingly filtering our experiences, art offers a refreshing alternative. By taking back your attention and giving it to each other, we can build stronger relationships, cultivate a sense of wonder, and find meaning in the world around us.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try looking at one painting at a time. Revisit it often, and notice how it changes depending on your perspective. And remember, art is not just something to be consumed; it's also an invitation to slow down, reflect, and connect with others.
I think art is a great way to do that. I mean, have you ever stopped to look at a beautiful sunset or a painting in person? It's like your mind just opens up and everything feels more alive 
. I've started doing this with my friends too - we'll plan an afternoon walk or visit a local museum and just enjoy the art together 
. It's amazing how it can break the ice and create some real connections 
.
- basically, we need to unplug from our screens and engage with the world around us through art 
. And it makes total sense that art can improve our mental health - all that stress and anxiety, just melt away when we're surrounded by something so calming.
. We don't have to be tech-savvy or art-literate - just curious and open to new experiences. And that's something we all can do, no matter where we live or what our backgrounds are 
.
like I haven't got enough to do already... but i guess if it helps people unwind & appreciate the little things in life, who am i to argue? art is defo good for us, just try not to get too caught up in the whole "art appreciation" vibe and forget about your phone notifications 
I'm all about that art life, you know? 
Like, I get it, our screens can be super distracting, but honestly, have you seen some of the street art out there? 
It's like, whoa! You could totally use that energy to fuel your creativity and productivity. 
Plus, all those art pieces are just begging to be shared with friends or family... it's like, a conversation starter, you know? 
. We need more people like Ali Smith and Claudia Winkleman who are all about appreciating art for what it is – a way to slow down, appreciate life's little moments, and maybe even improve our mental health 
. It's not just about being an artist, it's about finding joy in everyday stuff 
Just kidding, sorta. But in all seriousness, let's make art a part of our daily lives and see if we can't level up our sanity