We all have a different relationship to the arts.
But at some point, we’veallbeen moved by a song, poem, or film.
Art changes our bodies and brainsandYour Brain on Artshows us how.
Co-authored by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, this book introduces the emerging field of neuroaesthetics.
There’s a reason doctors are prescribing museum visits and first responders are painting to release trauma.
And after this read, you’ll understand why.
).Click hereto purchase your own copy.
Excerpt fromYour Brain on Art
You know the transformative power of art.
The arts bring joy.
But we now have scientific proof that the arts are essential to our very survival.
We know how art, in its countless forms, heals our bodies and minds.
We’ve got the evidence for how the arts enhance our lives and build community.
We know, too, how the aesthetic experiences that make up every moment alter our basic biology.
Or, more broadly,neuroarts.
Our goal is to share the building blocks of the neuroarts with you.
We hope it will enrich and inspire you, your family, your colleagues, and your community.
Many of us tend to think of the arts as either entertainment or as an escape.
A luxury of some kind.
But what this book will show you is that the arts are so much more.
They can be used to fundamentally change your day-to-day life.
They can help address serious physical and mental health issues, with remarkable results.
And they can both help you learn and flourish.
In Israel, a cancer hospital designed with sensory experiences in mind helps patients heal faster.
Around the world, health care workers are prescribing museum visits.
There’s a virtual reality program that alleviates pain.
All because of advances in neuroaesthetics.
And there is so much more to come.
Artist Norman Galinsky’s workSpiral Clusterrepresents the dynamic relationship between the arts and sciences.
Simple, quick, accessible “acts of art” can enhance your life.
And the possibilities are infinite.
Not in some idealistic, intellectual way.
In a real, grounded, practical way.
Your Brain on Artwill show you how.
Quiz: Do you have an aesthetic mindset?
The Irish poet John O’Donohue once said, “Art is the essence of awareness.”
Being in the aesthetic mindset is being present and attuned to the environment you are in.
We invite you to take the following short survey.
See how your score changes.
1 = Never
2 = Rarely
3 = Sometimes
4 = Often
5 = Very Often
1.
I attend music, dance, theater, museums, and/or digital art activities.
1 2 3 4 5
2.
I see beauty when I look at or experience art.
I am emotionally moved by music.
I am impressed by symmetry in artistic works.
I sculpt, paint, draw, craft, create films/video, or design.
When I look at art, I feel positive energy or invigoration.
I write poetry, lyrics, nonfiction, and/or fiction.
When I view art, my heart beats faster, or I have other physical effects.
I appreciate the visual design of buildings and interior spaces.
I take (or have taken) classes in art, craft, creative writing, aesthetics, etc.
When making or beholding art, I experience a sense of connection and community.
When experiencing the arts, I feel a oneness, unity, or connectedness with the universe/nature/existence/deity.
I am deeply moved when I look at art.
I experience joy, serenity, or other positive emotions when I am making or beholding art.
Creative Behaviorrepresents the degree to which a person engages in creative behaviors such as art-making.
Your cumulative score represents an overall snapshot of aesthetic responsiveness.
Individual scale scores:Count your score for each question below and divide by the number of questions.
