The Restorative Power of Art: How it Inspires Creative Thinking
Today is World Art Day, and quite a few of us at The Team make or appreciate art to a considerable extent.
As noted in our Creativity blog post last year, not all of us have the most creative-sounding job titles. However, scratch the surface, and you will reveal a huge range of creative, artistically inclined people. Together, we contribute to a great diversity of thinking.
We are in the unique position of being based so close to the Tate Modern, and its diverse, immersive, ever-evolving and challenging display of some of the world’s best art.
But art isn’t just about what’s on display in these cultural behemoths – it’s also about what we do, see and appreciate in our everyday lives. And how we engage with what’s around us, what stimulates us and provokes us.
And what’s created in the fringes. Whether it’s in garages, bedrooms, workshops or on the street and on screen, there is a multiplicity of inspiration to be found in our ever-evolving digital lives.
How does art change us and the world around us?
Well, a good place to start is to understand how it supports our brains and bodies.
In the book, ‘Your Brain on Art’, the authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross delve into the science behind how engaging with art, either through creation or observation, can profoundly impact our brain function, mental health, and overall well-being.
Their book explores the emerging field of neuroaesthetics and its implications for personal and societal health. Here’s a starter for ten:
- Stress reduction and emotional wellbeing: Engaging in artistic activities, even for short periods, has been shown to significantly lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, improving your mood and emotional balance.
- Neuroplasticity and cognitive enhancement: Artistic engagement stimulates the brain's neuroplasticity, which enhances cognitive functions such as memory and problem-solving skills. They also mention how doodling can be beneficial to our attention spans and ability to focus. Forget what your teachers told you! Doodle away!
- Mood improvement and pleasure: Both creating and experiencing art can activate the brain's reward system, leading to the release of dopamine – resulting in feelings of joy and satisfaction, which seems obvious to most of us!
- Physical health benefits: Incorporating art into healthcare settings, such as hospitals, has been linked to improved patient outcomes. Exposure to art can alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall recovery times.
- Social connectivity and community engagement: Taking part in communal art activities fosters social interaction and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for mental health and can combat feelings of isolation and loneliness – an increasing issue across all age groups in modern society.
You can watch their fascinating seminar – which explains how one art experience a month can extend your life by up to 10 years – here.
How can we connect with art?
We asked several Teamsters a few questions about what Art (in whatever form) means for them. And we wanted to share some of their answers, in the hope that it may inspire you.
1. What does art mean for you?
It’s a subjective, fluid medium that is reflective of whatever the person needs or wants to express. That’s what I love about art – it can be so personal.
– Laura Ring, Senior Graphic Designer
For me, art is a beautiful expression of what you see in the world and what you would like to see. As someone who has always appreciated street art, especially in those areas that would be very grey without some colour, it’s always a joy to find a beautiful piece outdoors too. From the smallest paste up to the largest of murals, I love that finding the unexpected can bring so much joy.
– Kat Anastasiou, Producer
Art is an outlet for me, a moment where I can go into a state of ‘flow’ and just let things happen. Saying that, it’s not always relaxing – it can often be exhausting too!
– Ciara Rollings, Client Director
2. How does the art you enjoy inspire and inform the work you do every day?
Music inspires me in so many ways. Mainly to get stuff done, focus, and think open-mindedly. I think connecting emotionally with someone else’s art is an important form of empathy.
– Zoe Cooke, Marketing Intern
It reignites and refreshes my creativity. When I see art I love I feel inspired and motivated, it sparks ideas.
– Sally Tarbit, Director
As a designer, I thought my skill set was different from an artist’s. However, learning to paint this year has made me realise that the skills are closer than I thought and has given me added confidence in my creative decision-making.
– Bob Wheller, Creative Lead
3. What kind of art inspires you?
Sydney Swisher blends ‘memory with fabrication’ by painting scenes into fabric – it’s mesmerising to watch. I’m always taken aback when you see this level of imagination and creativity, particularly when the artist’s medium completely changes the context of the art.
– Laura Ring, Senior Graphic Designer
I am forever in awe of the 13th arrondissement of Paris where the murals are plentiful and lift the grey, drab buildings into something special. Watching any of my favourite artists create something from scratch is something that’s both inspiring and uplifting. If you go to Paris and haven’t seen this outdoor gallery, you really should take the time.
– Kat Anastasiou, Producer
I love experiencing art in galleries, but I especially enjoy it when it’s unexpected and part of our environment. I have a soft spot for the Paolozzi mosaics at Tottenham Court Road tube station, which inspired me to try my hand at Mosaics a few years ago.
– Ciara Rollings, Client Director
Final Thoughts
Art is everywhere – in our work, our homes, our cities, and our minds. It fuels our creativity, connects us to others, and helps us understand ourselves. Art has the power to inspire and transform – both the work we do and the lives we lead.
So, whatever your interests, your job or your schedule, take a moment to engage with something creative. You never know what it might spark.
