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The Hidden Value of Art in Daily Life

The Hidden Value of Art in Daily Life

Art, in all its forms, whether painting, sculpture, music, dance, or writing, has the power to shape our perspectives and teach us profound lessons about life. Yet, many people believe art has little value, often overlooking the fact that nearly everything around us stems from some form of artistic creation.

From the buildings we live in, to the everyday objects we have and use, art influences and shapes our world in ways we that often go unnoticed. Beyond its beauty and emotion, art nurtures life skills and imparts wisdom that extends into our daily experiences.

My Journey

I remember a moment early in my art career that changed how I viewed the world around me. I was struggling with a large canvas, trying to create something meaningful that resonated. Frustrated, I left my studio and wandered the local streets, parks and shops, hoping for some inspiration.

As I walked, I started to notice things I'd always taken for granted. Things like the curves of the buildings, the design of the park benches, and even the street signs all had some touch of artistry. For instance, the way the sunlight played on the glass windows of a building, or the intricate patterns on a manhole cover.

Everything had been created by someone, designed with intention, purpose, and a vision. The intricate metalwork on a railing, the smooth lines of a lamppost, and even the way shadows fell across the pavement were all art.

I realised then that art wasn't just on gallery walls or in museums. It was actually all around us, woven into the very fabric of our daily lives. The architecture, the clothing that people wore, and the products displayed in shop windows were all the result of someone's creative process and vision that had been brought to life.

That realisation shifted my approach to creating. It taught me that art has a deep, intrinsic value, even if it isn't immediately recognised. Every day, we interact with countless objects that have been carefully designed by someone like me. That's when I understood that art isn't just about self-expression; it's about shaping our world, even in the most subtle of ways.

Since then, whenever I pick up my brush, I remind myself that what I create could become a part of someone's daily life. It might be overlooked or inspire them in ways that they don't even realise, just like those small details I noticed on my walk. Art, whether recognised or not, holds immense value, and it teaches us to look deeper, to appreciate the beauty in the everyday.

Everyday Examples of Art We Overlook:

  • Architecture: The design of buildings, homes, and public spaces.
  • Product Design: The look and functionality of things like phones, furniture, and appliances.
  • Fashion: The clothes we wear are created by designers using fabric, texture, and colour.
  • Graphic Design: Logos, websites, and advertisements that surround us.
  • Interior Design: The layout and aesthetics of our living and working spaces.
  • Automobile Design: The sleek lines and ergonomics of the cars we drive.
  • Packaging: Yes even the visual appeal and usability of product packaging is created from design.
  • Public Art: Sculptures, murals, and installations that enhance cityscapes.

Here are some of the key life lessons that art teaches us:

Patience and Persistence

One of the first lessons art teaches is the value of patience. Whether you're painting on a canvas, writing a beautiful song, or learning to play an instrument, achieving mastery takes time. Every stroke, note, or word adds up, but only if you're willing to put in the hours.

Art is rarely perfect the first time, and the actual process often involves repetition, experimentation, and refinement. This teaches the life lesson that patience and persistence are essential for your progress and growth regardless of the field.

Embracing Mistakes

In art, mistakes are often celebrated rather than shunned. An accidental brushstroke can turn into a beautiful detail; a wrong note can inspire a new composition. This mindset encourages a healthy approach to life's missteps.

Rather than seeing mistakes as failures, art teaches us to embrace them as opportunities for growth and creativity. This adaptability is crucial in facing life's unpredictable challenges.

collette artist at New Plymouth beahc

Perspective Matters

Art constantly reminds us that perspective matters. A painting can be interpreted in countless ways depending on the viewer's background, emotions, and experiences. Similarly, life's events are shaped by how we choose to see them.

Art encourages open-mindedness and the understanding that there isn't always one "right" way to view a situation. This awareness can foster empathy, allowing us to appreciate others' perspectives and navigate the world with greater compassion.

The Importance of Self-Expression

Art gives a voice to thoughts, feelings, and experiences that are difficult to express through words alone. Art allows us to share our innermost emotions with the world, whether through abstract colours on a canvas or intricate melodies in music.

This form of self-expression is vital for mental and emotional health. It teaches us that communicating our feelings, even in non-verbal ways, is essential for personal well-being and can help build deeper connections with others, empowering us to express ourselves more fully and be better understood.

The Value of Impermanence

A lot of art, particularly performance art like dance or theatre, exists only for a fleeting moment before it disappears. Even physical artworks can deteriorate over time. This impermanence mirrors life itself, reminding us that nothing lasts forever.

The transitory nature of art teaches us to appreciate the present, savouring moments of beauty and joy while understanding that change is inevitable, making us more appreciative of the present and the beauty it holds.

knitted tree installation

Discipline and Focus

Art requires concentration and dedication as a hobby or career. Whether it's completing a detailed sculpture or finishing a complex piece of music, staying focused on the task at hand is essential.

The discipline to practice consistently, refine your skills, and pay attention to detail is a lesson that transfers well to any other aspect of life. Focusing intensely on something teaches mindfulness and helps sharpen our abilities in a world filled with distractions.

The Power of Vulnerability

Creating art often means having to put a piece of yourself or your soul on display, knowing that we could be judged or criticised. This vulnerability is a powerful teacher. It shows that being open and honest about who you are and what you stand for, can lead to deeper understanding and connection.

Because in life, we often try to protect ourselves by hiding our true selves, and art teaches that it is through vulnerability that we find authenticity and strength.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Many forms of art, such as theatre productions, musical bands, or large-scale art installations, require some form of collaboration. Working with others tends to bring a vision to life that teaches the importance of teamwork, compromise, and communication.

Because each person's contribution matters, and learning to blend their individual talents to create something much more significant is a valuable lesson in both art as well as life.

Resilience in the Face of Criticism

Artists are often subjected to critique, whether positive or negative. This process teaches resilience. Learning to separate constructive criticism from negative judgment helps you grow without taking things too personally. Art teaches us that criticism is inevitable, but how we respond to it defines our ability to improve and move forward.

artists collaborating in a room

Joy in the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Art is about the process as much as the final product. Whether you're sketching out ideas or refining a piece of art, the joy often comes from the act of creation itself, not just the outcome.

This is a valuable life lesson in itself. We often focus so much on achieving these goals that we forget to enjoy the journey. Art reminds us that the path we take in life to reach our ultimate destination is as important as where we eventually end up, inspiring us to find joy in every step of our creative journey.

Conclusion: The Hidden Value of Art in Daily Life

Art teaches us more than just techniques and styles, it also gives us tools to navigate life with patience, resilience, and creativity. While some may believe that art holds little value, its influence is everywhere, from the architecture we walk through to the everyday items we have.

Whether you're an artist or an admirer, the lessons found in the world of art can help shape how you see yourself and the world around you.

Through patience, self-expression, vulnerability, and collaboration, art offers us all a lens to view life's complexities as well as its joys, helping each of us to grow into more thoughtful, compassionate, and resilient individuals.

While you're here, take a look at my article on How To Be More Experimental As an Artist

Posted: Tuesday 15 October 2024


Don't forget to take a look at more of New Zealand contemporary artist's work in Collette's Online Galleries