What Happens To Your Brain When You Make Art?
Did you know that Art Enhances Brain Function and Well-Being?
The creation of art can spark the imagination for a brighter future. Art's ability to stretch our creative abilities may explain why humans have pursued artistic pursuits since ancient times. Our brains act as predictive tools that use data to anticipate our next steps, especially those crucial for survival and development. Making art involves a series of decisions, such as choosing drawing tools, picking colors, and translating observations onto paper. Ultimately, it involves analyzing images and interpreting their meanings.
Art has the power to change consciousness by activating the brain's reward system. Despite potential anxieties related to artistic expression, engaging in visual creation triggers the brain's reward pathway, resulting in a pleasurable experience. Studies have shown an increase in blood flow to the brain's reward center, the medial prefrontal cortex, during art-making activities. This suggests that creating art may benefit individuals dealing with health conditions related to the activation of reward pathways, such as addictive behaviors, eating disorders, or mood disorders.
Participating in art promotes deep focus, leading to a state known as "flow" within the scientific community. This state involves complete immersion, causing a loss of awareness of time and space. During a flow state, various brain networks are activated, including a "Relaxed Reflective State" characterized by focused attention on the task and a sense of pleasure. This state is characterized by increased theta wave activity in frontal brain regions and moderate alpha wave activity in frontal and central areas.
Art-making has also been found to reduce stress levels. While the field of art therapy is evolving, evidence suggests that creating art can help alleviate stress and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association in 2016 found that a 45-minute art session in a studio setting with an art therapist significantly reduced cortisol levels in 39 healthy adults. Cortisol is a stress-responsive hormone. Interestingly, the research showed no difference in health benefits between experienced artists and beginners, suggesting that individuals of all skill levels can enjoy the benefits of creating art.
You are invited to join us for a painting and wine class at the studio, where wine is known for its stress-relieving properties! Alternatively, you can take part in our virtual classes to paint from the comfort of your home. Our focus is on promoting enjoyment, unleashing creativity, spending quality time with loved ones, and encouraging relaxation. Many have shared how therapeutic it is to attend our painting classes. Customers often arrive at the studio feeling stressed but leave with a sense of contentment and a masterpiece in hand. Painting at home is another great way to relax and bond with friends or family. Whether you prefer in-studio or virtual classes, you can be sure of a memorable experience, relaxation with loved ones, and creating something to be proud of!