HOW TO TRULY EXPERIENCE JOY THROUGH ART
How to Truly Experience Joy Through Art: Cultivating Meaningful Connections
Some of life’s greatest moments are when we are experiencing a truly deep emotional connection with a place, a person or an object.
Feeling intense joy or pleasure comes close to describing that experience, but so does excitement, awe, happiness, elation, adventure, and euphoria. I want to help you discover true joy from experiencing art.
Art, by function and purpose, is created to create joy, and good art does even more. Great art can create feelings that go past feel-good emotions….and can tap deeply into the feelings of amazement and personal transcendence…even Nirvana.
Art has the ability to pull you out of the mundane, and to stir emotions and engage total cerebral connection with the art - as a profound human experience. It can be a moment where time seems to pause, an unparalleled journey of joy and wonder, allowing one to immerse themselves fully in the emotions, stories, and sheer creativity that has unfolded before their eyes.
Joy is not in things; it is in us. - Richard Wagner
Great art can be a catalyst to those special ‘moments’ that connect us deeply to our soul, that all senses combine together to create thoughts of awe-filled wonderment. Awe is defined as a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. When we experience awe, we feel a sense of transcendence and connection to something greater than ourselves. This can lead to positive emotions such as happiness, gratitude, and compassion.
I was giddy like a child, when I learned to feel joy. – Peter Ashworth
The overwhelming emotions experienced when encountering an impactful artwork can encompass a symphony of awe, reverence, and profound resonance, echoing the depths of the human experience and stirring the soul with an ineffable sense of wonder and connection.
Art has the remarkable ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from awe and wonder to introspection and joy. When we engage with art in a meaningful way, we open ourselves up to a world of beauty, inspiration, and profound experiences. In this article, I will help you explore how to truly experience joy through art by cultivating meaningful connections with the artwork and the creative process.
Be Present in the Moment: The first step in experiencing art is to be present in the moment. This means taking the time to shut out life’s distractions, and observe the artwork without any competing thoughts, to allow yourself to be fully present and immersed in the experience. Take a moment to slow down, breathe, and clear your mind of any thoughts, worries or other tasks,…and just drink in the art….just you and it.
Allow Yourself to Experience Joy and Wonder: Just let yourself go, shut out the distractions, and embrace a capacity to experience a moment of profound joy and wonder. Try to find personal meaning and mental connection with the art. Allow yourself to be fully present in that moment, embrace a mindset of pure openness and curiosity, and immerse yourself in a personal sense of awe and appreciation.
Embrace Openness and Curiosity: To truly experience joy through art, it's essential to approach it with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. Be willing to explore new artistic styles, mediums, and perspectives without judgment or preconceived notions. Allow yourself to be surprised, moved, and inspired by the art you encounter, even if it challenges your expectations or pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Look Beyond the Surface
Art is more than just what meets the eye. To truly experience art, it's important to look beyond the surface and delve deeper into the artwork's meaning and message. Consider the artist's intentions, the historical and cultural context in which the artwork was created, and the emotions and ideas it evokes in you. Think about the purpose, and consider the art in the context of your personal worldview, life experiences and cultural perspectives. Try to connect deeply and cerebrally with the art.
An artwork is a living organism that forms a perception in your mind, in conjunction with a relationship between you the viewer, and the artists creative thinking and techniques. And now here it is...hanging on this wall solely for your pleasure.
If you mentally break down a piece of art into its multiple components and elements, you will begin to comprehend how each of its parts functions and how those parts work together in harmony to create art, just as if you were putting together a jigsaw puzzle. This way you can see not just what an artwork looks like, but how it’s created, what its various elements, colors, forms and techniques do, how they interrelate together, and how they contribute to the feelings and connectivity of the artwork as a whole.
Engage with Art Mindfully: Take the time to engage with art mindfully, giving it your full attention and presence. Rather than rushing through a gallery or scrolling quickly through images online, slow down and immerse yourself in the artwork. Notice the colors, textures, and details. Pay attention to your emotional responses and how the artwork makes you feel. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment, experiencing the joy of connection with the art and its creator.
Find Personal Meaning and Connection: Seek out art that resonates with you on a personal level and speaks to your unique experiences, interests, and values. Look for themes, subjects, or artistic styles that evoke memories, spark inspiration, or ignite your imagination. When you find artwork that resonates with you, take the time to reflect on why it speaks to you and what it means in the context of your own life.
Create Your Own Art: Don't limit yourself to being a passive observer of art—become an active participant by creating your own artwork. Engaging in the creative process can be a profoundly joyful and fulfilling experience, whether you're painting, drawing, sculpting, or experimenting with mixed media. Allow yourself to express your thoughts, emotions, and innermost feelings through art, embracing the joy of self-expression and creativity.
Share Your Love of Art with Others: Art has the power to bring people together and foster connections between individuals. Share your love of art with others by discussing your favorite artworks, visiting galleries and museums with friends and family, or attending art-related events and workshops. Engaging in meaningful conversations about art can deepen your appreciation for the artwork and enhance your understanding of different perspectives.
Support Emerging Artists: Seek out opportunities to support emerging artists and invest in their work. By purchasing artwork directly from artists or attending local art shows and exhibitions, you not only acquire beautiful pieces for your collection but also support the creative community and help artists continue to pursue their passion.
Practice Gratitude and Appreciation: Cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the beauty and joy that art brings into your life. Take a moment each day to reflect on the artwork that has inspired you, brought you joy, or touched your heart. Whether it's a stunning painting, a thought-provoking sculpture, or a captivating photograph, express gratitude for the artists who create these works and the enriching experiences they provide.
In conclusion, experiencing joy through art is about cultivating meaningful connections—with the artwork, the creative process, and the broader artistic perspectives. By embracing openness, allowing yourself to experience raw emotions, engaging with the art mindfully, finding personal meaning and connection with the art, sharing your love of art with others, supporting emerging artists, and practicing gratitude and appreciation, you can unlock the transformative power of art and experience profound moments of joy and inspiration in your life.
“I want people to feel something when they experience my art.”
Peter Ashworth, is a California Impact Artist, who seeks to evoke profound emotions and inspire transformation through his art. As a creator, adventurer, and philanthropist, his purpose is to enrich lives and uplift communities worldwide.
'I have a hundred new creative ideas every day, many that manifest into my art.”
Believing in the power of exceptional art to engage, entertain, and uplift, he aims to spark imagination and encourage self-expression. With a keen eye for color and design honed over decades in corporate branding and advertising design, he crafts art that resonates with viewers, inviting them to think deeper and connect with their true selves. Through his creative process, Peter aims to make a positive impact on individuals, homes, society, and the environment. He sees a world where art creates impact and uplifting experiences, encourages well-being and fosters positive change in people.
Great Art Will Change Your Life.
Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review."It is my genuine hope that my art in your home will bring about a profound transformation in your life. Beyond mere decoration, art has the power to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and inspire creativity, fostering a deeper connection with your surroundings. I believe art has the potential to uplift your mood, reduce your stress, and promote overall well-being,.... creating a harmonious and nurturing environment where you can thrive. By surrounding yourself with pieces of art that resonate with you, you can create a personal sanctuary that reflects your style, values, aspirations, and aesthetic preferences.
My art is designed from the first brushstroke .... to create
impact and stimulation in your environment. I have 6 different collections, each designed to provide you a unique, personalized, and interesting creative space. The presence of my art in your home or workplace will truly elevate your life, fostering a sense of meaning, creativity, and connection that can permeate into every aspect of your worldview and daily life."
Great Art Can Change The World
He also founded a non-profit (Humanity We -humanitywe.org) a highly innovative solution to address extreme poverty in small communities around the world. The purpose of Humanity We is to move entire poor communities out of dehumanizing generational poverty. His life purpose is to uplift the lives of others through art, philanthropy, and helping others live better lives.
20% of all proceeds from his art goes to fund Humanity We, a registered 501.c.3 charity, which maybe tax-deductible to you as an individual or organization.
The Origin Story
His creativity was inspired by his upbringing on farms in rural New Zealand, where he was transfixed with creative thinking, adventure, and the juxtaposition of colors, composition, and design. Throughout his life, he has traveled and lived in multiple countries of the world, living in the USA for the past 35 years. He is an avid sailing Captain who enjoys ocean sailing in the most interesting places around the world. For many years he has studied human thinking - how the brain perceives and assimilates information and experiences (neuroplasticity), and how humans experience emotional impact and create understandings and worldviews. He now lives in Southern California, one of the foremost creative epicenters of the world. He lives in a world-famous small artist town, Laguna Beach, living close to the Pacific Ocean, where he gets much of his daily creative ideas and inspiration. In his past careers, he spent many years managing super-luxury hotels around the world, then created six Marketing and Branding agencies, where he honed his CEO, Consulting, and Creative Design skills in business strategy, imaginative design, and human interaction – overseeing advertising and storytelling for many well-known global brands and hundreds of small & medium-sized businesses.
Live a smaller footprint.
My journey into sustainable artistry began with two simple yet profound questions to myself: (1) How can art be created without leaving a heavy footprint on the environment? ….and (2) How can art and creativity create more fulfilling lives for people, and influence them to live better with less? These questions ignited my quest for innovation and a deep dive into sustainable art practices that have come to define my artistic process and methodologies…. and my core worldview. I advocate for embracing a lifestyle that minimizes our environmental footprint, encouraging moderation in consumerism, resisting the urge for excessive consumption, and prioritizing low carbon-high sustainability lifestyles and values whenever possible.