The Impact of Art on Physical, Social, and Spiritual Well-Being

"You look at a painting and bam, it hits you,” Joseph Campbell once said. “You don't know what it is, but it says something to you.” This is the power of art. Just like myth, it guides the unconscious mind, providing a spiritual connection and helping us learn and understand, ultimately contributing to societal cohesion.

Defining Art

I define art as an expression of creativity. Anyone who ceases to be creative ceases to exist in a meaningful way. Throughout the universe, everything we see is a creative manifestation of God. Our destiny is to be companions and co-creators with our Creator.

Therefore, if art brings out our creativity, and creativity embodies the essence of God, art connects us with our Creator. How can that be anything but beneficial?

Despite my disinterest in social media, a friend directed me to an Enlightenment and Non Duality group. Intrigued by the challenge of tackling questions from these perspectives, I participate to answer to myself rather than for others. So, let us explore the essence of beauty and the role of art.

The Perception of Beauty

We often hear, “Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.” But what does this imply? Why do we desire beauty? Is our concept of beauty truly ours, or is it influenced by the artist, religion, society, or those who commission the art? Does art represent entertainment, social commentary, humor, or something more?

Moreover, what is the purpose of art? Is it to reflect reality or fantasy? Does art have a perspective? Is it about craft and precision or spasmodic mania, or merely decoration?

What is the difference between art and talent, and what is their relationship? Who determines the value of art? Are art historians the definitive judges? Consider uniqueness, age, scarcity, and whether the artist is alive or not. What is the end goal of art: sales and recognition through museums, or a desire for possession?

When did art and beauty become what they are today? Did the artist who created it have a known intention?

What about the division between artists and non-artists? Can non-artists create art? Is art school necessary to be an artist? Why do people divide themselves by saying “I am an artist, but you are not”? Why do we say “starving artist”? Is it because there is no sale tied to the product itself? Are we giving our lives to a concept?

Reimagining Art and Beauty

Consider this: what if art/artistry, both the product and the act of creating, were not about the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain? If art had no point, no connection to thoughts, concepts, or money, what would it be? If beauty were not about the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain, what would it be?

Can art be observed or produced without authority, thoughts, beliefs, or ego, changing its value? Would beauty still hold significance if it allowed us to answer these questions for ourselves without the influence of mankind's consciousness?

Is beauty pretending to be something or is it just what it is? Does there need to be a disconnect in our concept of the relationship between art and beauty? If we can see that with full attention, maybe for once, art will contribute toward true well-being.

Reflect on these questions, and let them enrich your own journey in understanding the profound impact of art on our physical, social, and spiritual well-being.