Art is Good for the Heart
- susiecollingbourne
- Oct 15
- 1 min read
The world has felt heavy recently.
I’ve tried turning away from the news as it can be overwhelming, but I don’t want to become disengaged or disinterested about issues that matter.
My body feels it, my mind tumbles over worries relentlessly, even when I’m dreaming.
Painting has been a refuge, but too much time in my studio, alone and ruminating, isn’t always helpful.
I wish I could find some kind of magic wand, or quick fix for something I suspect a lot of us feel from time to time. But I’ve learned that none of these instant improvements actually work in changing our inner dialogues that have been having conversations for a long time.
One small thing I’ve found that has helped me is to make a point of going to see original artwork in galleries as often as possible, preferably with someone.
To stand in front of a painting and be transported into another artist’s world - to see what they wanted to express, to feel their brushstrokes, to be inspired by colour and light - does something good for me.
As Picasso wrote: “art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
I passionately believe in the ability of original artwork to transform the tone, personality and essence of any space. A painting can bring quiet joy and daily renewal; it can remind us that beauty, imagination and connection still exist.
Especially when the rest of the world feels uncertain, that reminder really matters.
Susie
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