What Is the Artist’s Role in Society?

We asked artists around the world: “What is your role as an artist in society, your local community, and the world at large?”

Every artist plays a different and necessary part in contributing to the overall health, development, and well-being of our society.

Creative thinkers and makers provide their communities with joy, interaction, and inspiration, but they also give thoughtful critique to our political, economic, and social systems — pushing communities to engage thoughtfully and make steps toward social progress.

Museum of Natural History, Lisbon 2015. Photo courtesy of Bruno Castro Santos
Museum of Natural History, Lisbon 2015. Photo courtesy of Bruno Castro Santos

From documenting human history to expressing collective emotions, these nine artists from around the world tell us how they view their role as creative contributors. 

On the Quiet Moor by Lesley Birch
On the Quiet Moor by Lesley Birch

Artists are a vehicle for expressing universal emotion

Art is about connecting with people’s emotions. It’s personal and at the same time, universal.

I’m an expressive painter, working from the landscape and my memories. And yes, my work is personal, although it may not seem so at first. Feelings about my relationship with my mum, dad, and family creep into the work.

It’s a human urge to express emotion through the medium of mark-making. We all carry with us memories of our past experiences.

An artist has the ability to ‘feel strongly’ to be ‘sensitive to things and express this in the paint, gesture, or color. The artist ‘absorbs’ the atmosphere of a place or the memory of a feeling. Sometimes, it’s a burden for the artist to carry all this emotion – to be so sensitive.

Most  folks block out emotion. Then, suddenly, a painting ‘speaks’ to them. At that point, the artist has done their job. For me, it is wonderful to connect with people through my work  — when people respond to a painting and really ‘feel’.  
My painting is mainly about my self-expression communicated out there on the canvas, but really I think it is everyone’s expression — I’m just a vehicle.

Everybody hurts. Everybody loves. Everybody hopes. And, everybody dies. Mainly, art is about our own sense of mortality.

Lesley Birch, York, UK

Wind by Nina Fraser
Wind by Nina Fraser

Artists are responsible for unearthing the truth 

I  believe that the artist’s role, above all things, is to be as true to themselves as they can — within society, the community, and the world at large. This sounds like a cliche but is in itself much harder than it seems.

Being  an artist involves wearing all sorts of masks, just like any other job, but the difference is we have the lingering responsibility to unearth the truth of things. Sometimes we will seem vulnerable, sometimes we will make mistakes. But the main thing is not to give up.

This resonates with people on a personal and global level, because it is not only empowering but starts from inside ourselves. Before deciding to follow my own artistic path, I co-founded a community arts cafe. This was an amazing experience in itself, but as it wasn’t my true vocation I felt there was a limit to how much I could give. This is because I started from the outside in, trying to fix things around me, before realizing I needed to tap into something central to myself.

Kiss my... by Ginny Sikes
Kiss my… by Ginny Sikes

Artists work to illuminate the margins and make societal change

 

Rather than the word “role”, I prefer “commitment”. Over many years as an arts educator, I have helped people and communities find their voices and express their concerns through individual and collaborative art projects. This used to be called public art. Now, it is often known as social practice.

My own work is rooted in feminism – where expressing my emotions, goals, and ideas, in the realm of the personal, social and political, is an exercise in communicating my individual experience. Working with artists and in art spaces in other parts of the world, beautiful exchanges of ideas often happen –which creates artistic growth, empathy, and new understandings.

All  of these acts can illuminate what lies hidden or repressed in the  margins or shadows. New ideas can be brought to life. These ideas can lead to small or large changes in attitudes and even society.

De Negen Bargen, Noordsche Veld, Zeijen by Maarten Westmaas
De Negen Bargen, Noordsche Veld, Zeijen by Maarten Westmaas

They tell stories and pass on traditions

Holland is a crowded space. Our history is filled with stories about how we made land out of the water and tamed the deadly seas. Honored by writers, poets, and painters. The word ‘landscape’ stems from the Dutch word ‘landscape: View of the land. It was invented here in the 17th century, with low horizons and great cloudy skies.

Millions of landscapes were painted here by the great masters as Rembrandt, Ruysdael, Hobbema, Weissenbruch, Mauve, van Gogh and Mondriaan. All were inspired by our flat landscape and big horizons. It is this centuries-long tradition in which I stand. ‘Creating the Dutch landscape’ is my motto, my theme, and my life.

But, our landscape is changing. Our ever-growing population is altering the look of the land. Cities grow and our landscape history is sinking beneath concrete, buildings, and tarmac.

So, as an artist, I not only want the world to see the beauty of the Dutch landscape, I also want to grow awareness about the lasting visible traces in the landscape. From our 5000-year-old megalithic monuments to our recent day modern windmills. As a photographic detective, I search for stories about our landscape.

We have to be careful with this landscape which is difficult with so little space and more than 17 million inhabitants. That’s why I decided to donate 10 percent of all my income to the organizations that protect the Dutch landscape. That’s the least I can do as an artist — to protect the horizon.

Maarten Westmaas, the Netherlands

Peace by Shih Yun Yeo
Peace by Shih Yun Yeo

Artists connect with and inspire people globally

As we live in a global village, we are somehow all connected via some form of social media. Artists are no longer hermits and we are all “out there [in the world]”. I hope my role as an artist is to inspire, connect, and collaborate!

My abstract works are paintings and drawings at the same time. Paintings of geometric and organic shapes and lines, composed of layers of ink, acrylic, and other mediums allude to the gestural surface marks of Abstract Expressionism. My paintings reflect not only the radical conflict between the two “colorless” colors (black and white) but also their interaction and interdependence. There is a historical richness here, the temporal quality of landscape ink painting, the physical strength and boldness of the black ink, and its generosity and infinite possibilities.

Shih Yun Yeo, Singapore

Untitled #15 by Bruno Castro Santos, 2017, color pencil and graphite on paper, 33x46cm
Untitled #15 by Bruno Castro Santos, 2017, color pencil and graphite on paper, 33x46cm

Artists record and preserve our human history

We live in an ever more intricate society where every individual regardless of its specific role plays an important part in the social biodiversity of the world.

Artists have been crucial from the very beginning of our existence. From prehistoric cave paintings to frescos around the world, to scientific drawings, to the avant-garde movements, artists have contributed to expanding human evolution from many different perspectives.

This expansion, much like the universe, is still going on and artists still play an important role. I see myself as part of a community whose work as a global force contributes to this human growth.

There is a crescent complexity in the way the art world evolves and the myriad agents who orbit around it are intimately interlaced with artists and their production. Although artists typically work alone in their studios, they are part of a much larger community and they play a much larger role than one might anticipate.

Bruno Castro Santos, Lisbon, Portugal

INDUSTRIAL & URBEX: 'WHITSTABLE WHARF' (UK) by Aleta Michaletos
INDUSTRIAL & URBEX: ‘WHITSTABLE WHARF’ (UK) by Aleta Michaletos

Artists offer messages of hope

I take my role as an artist very seriously, although I still have endless amounts of fun and experience great joy in my studio. I try to be very thoughtful and socially and politically aware of my surroundings. Whenever I experience feelings of discomfort in my life, I  need to find an answer by transforming those feelings through my art.

An artist’s role is almost that of an Alchemist — capable of transforming a few humble materials into objects which are imbued with spiritual and aesthetic value and then possibly also material value.

I prefer to be a harbinger of good news and hope, in this increasingly broken world of ours and I find that images have immense power to restore collective emotional pain and lift the spirit. 

Because I transform my own anguish concerning the present and also the future into something tangible which is simple, hopeful and beautiful, my role is to offer through my art and without being superficial, a message of hope to society, my community and the world at large.

Aleta Michaletos, South Africa

Parrsboro Weir by Poppy Balser
Parrsboro Weir by Poppy Balser

They are ambassadors of the natural world

I have always lived within walking distance of the ocean. I feel my role as an artist is to be an ambassador for the natural beauty that is found here. I paint out-of-doors as often as I can to get the clearest vision I can of my surroundings. That helps me capture it the most the highest level of truth.

I make my paintings to capture the parts of our landscape that I cherish and find beautiful. In doing so, I am preserving views that may disappear without notice. Think of all the paintings made of the Northwest landscapes that are no records of what those environments looked like there before the wildfires that have swept so much of that part of the continent.

One of my recurring subjects is the herring weir, which is made of nets to catch wild herring. The weirs are largely unique to the Bay of Fundy. When I was young there were herring weirs everywhere; they were commonplace. Now, they are almost all gone. I now have to travel a fair distance to paint the remaining ones while they are still here. These rather odd assemblages of netting might not mean much to people who have no connection to this area, but they are instantly recognizable to the people from here, who find great meaning in my paintings of the weirs.

I go out to paint the things that I find beautiful, never knowing what might someday become extra special because it, too, may no longer be easily seen outside of paintings. I put my paintings out into the world so that people who will never get a chance to come here might still be moved by the views of this place. 

Poppy Balser, Canada

Artists create a sense of community

There are many roles that an artist fills. But, in smaller cities, having local artists brings a sense of pride to the community. It also sets examples for young people who might be considering careers in the arts. Artists support their communities by teaching their art and craft.

Also, in most communities, there are auctions that benefit local causes and charities, and donations of art by local artists are some of the most popular items at these auctions.

Credit:

Steve Immerman, https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/what-is-the-artist-s-role-in-society

How Art Changes Consciousness

Art can heal us, inspire us, and alter our brain chemistry

By Jacob Devaney

With so much talk about the evidence of the positive effects of yoga and meditation, you might be surprised at what scientific research also says about how art affects the brain. Long before modern neuroscience, artists were creating works to inspire people, and today complex brain imaging scans can show us just how art changes the physiology of our brains. Contemplation, observing, and taking in the beauty all stimulate pleasure centers within the brain while increasing blood flow by up to 10% in the medial orbitofrontal cortex. This can lead to an elevated state of consciousness, well-being, and better emotional health.

“The blood flow increased for a beautiful painting just as it increases when you look at somebody you love. It tells us art induces a feel-good sensation direct to the brain.”
– Professor Semir Zeki, chair in neuroaesthetics at University College London

Observing Art

Mirror Neurons are neurons that fire both when a person acts and when the person observes the same action performed by another. This brings us back to a very basic concept in human evolution which involves modeling. When you observe a profound piece of art you are potentially firing the same neurons as the artist did when they created it thus making new neural pathways and stimulating a state of inspiration. This sense of being drawn into a painting is called “embodied cognition”.

“Art accesses some of the most advanced processes of human intuitive analysis and expressivity and a key form of aesthetic appreciation is through embodied cognition, the ability to project oneself as an agent in the depicted scene,”
– Christopher Tyler, director of the Smith-Kettlewell Brain Imaging Center

This explains why we might feel like we are dreaming when we look at impressionists like Claude Monet or having an ecstatic vision while looking at a painting by Alex Grey. The ability of art, combined with our own imagination, to transport us to other realms is astounding. Artists have the ability to show us new worlds but we shouldn’t put them on a pedestal because each of us is an artist.

“Making art activates the whole brain and can foster integration of emotional, cognitive, and sensory processes.” – Joan French MA NCC LCPC

Creating Art

The act of creating art is also therapeutic which has been the impetus for the art therapy movement. Every one of us lived like artists as children and we have the ability to bring back this powerful form of expression and self-healing if we allow ourselves to. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy smearing paint on a canvas and letting your pleasure centers light up like a child!

“Art therapy, sometimes called expressive art or art psychology, encourages self-discovery and emotional growth. It is a two-part process, involving both the creation of art and the discovery of its meaning.”
– Paula Ford-Martin

Modern Visionary Artists are applying the idea that art inspires community, is educational, and has the capacity to elicit spiritual revelations. Painting together in groups and painting live at musical events, these artists are allowing participants in on their creative process. Seeing and understanding that even the finest pieces of art have many moments when the artist isn’t satisfied or needs to paint over something is revealing for each of us on our spiritual journey.

Celebrating how Art changes Consciousness

Artist Alex Grey has opened Cosm in New York which is being called a Chapel of Sacred Mirrors. Within the Visionary Art Movement is the idea that creativity itself is a path to the divine. This includes creating art, gathering around/celebrating art, and creating communities that foster creative expression in all of its forms. Creativity may be one of the greatest things about being human and art can be a great teacher for us on this evolutionary journey.

“To awaken and catalyze the spiritual path of each person by providing access to the highest mystic truth through art and creative action”. – Cosm Core Value

We are surrounded by billboards and advertisements which utilize art to persuade us to purchase things that we usually don’t need. There is currently a large movement towards beautifying public places with murals that contain cultural and community relevance. Imagine how we might create a more peaceful, vibrant world by surrounding ourselves with beautiful art…

I’d like to see a world where scientists, politicians, and spiritual practitioners gathered around art to learn and share with each other towards creating a better world. Visual art can heal us, inspire us, and alter our brain chemistry leaving us filled with inspiration and love. We don’t need science to prove this to us but now that it has what are some ways that you will invoke art and creativity for your own spiritual journey?

From setting the right tone for your brand to improving relationships with your employees, potential clients, and the community, a corporate art collection can do wonders for you and your work environment.

At Corporate Artworks, our staff of experienced, creative art consultants will guide you in selecting an artwork program that reflects your company’s brand and culture, enhances your environment and projects your success.

Source: https://www.naturalblaze.com/2019/09/how-art-changes-consciousness.html

Boring offices dampen creativity claims report

Recent research has confirmed the suspicions of many frustrated workers by finding boring offices can have a negative effect on creativity.

A survey of 2,000 office workers, carried out by Overbury, discovered one in three employees felt their workplace was ‘demotivating’. Around a quarter of respondents described their working environment as “sedate and silent”.

One in ten even described their office as “a creative and cultural desert”. Many respondents (35%) said they liked to work from home ‘whenever possible’; citing an uninspiring office as their main reason for doing so.

When employees were asked how their offices could be improved, the most common response was found to be creating a ‘more social space’. Many said this was because inspiration often comes from chatting with colleagues.

A band of chilly workers said they would most like better heating in their office, which was the second most popular answer. Other frequently-mentioned improvements were better furniture, more access to refreshments and better coffee.

Anthony Brown, a director at Overbury, said: “At a time when organizations in the UK are looking to their staff to drive innovation and competitive advantage, it is worrying to hear that so many employees are lacking the tools they need to be creative.

“Organisations are missing a golden opportunity to foster greater ideas generation by putting creative collaboration and social interaction at the heart of their office design.”

Just because your job tasks may be a bit boring doesn’t mean your work environment has to match. Corporate Artworks will help you discover a wonderfully creative and enriching environment for you and your staff to focus, work and grow together.

Schedule an appointment to speak with a customer service representative for more information regarding our services or to answer any questions you may have. This is a 5-10 minute assessment to find out more about your needs and how our Art Consultants can help you with your project. If you would like immediate assistance, please feel free to call our office at (847) 843-3636 or contact us via email on our Contact Us page.

Source:

Ames, Peter. Boring offices dampen creativity claims report. https://www.officegenie.co.uk/blog/20130301-boring-offices-dampen-creativity-claims-report. Date Accessed 11-5-19

Art and Health: The Real-World Benefits of Viewing Art

Want to improve your health? Forget fad diets or fasts and try looking at some art.

It’s true—recent studies and research have proven that a trip to the art gallery or a museum can positively impact your health and well-being in several essential ways, like lowering anxiety and depression and boosting critical thinking skills.

Here are some hard facts on why art is good for your body (and your soul).

Viewing art makes you healthier

A research study in Norway, known as the Nord-Trondelag Health Study, collected information from 130,000 Norwegians ages 13 and up. The study questioned more than 50,000 men and women about how often they participated in cultural activities like attending galleries and museums or viewing films.

According to Koenraad Cuypers, a researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the study discovered that there was a definite correlation between participating in cultural activities—like creating art or attending concerts—and having increased rates of good health, satisfaction with one’s life, and lower rates of anxiety and depression in both men and women.

Specifically, 84 percent of those who participated in at least 4  art-related activities reported good health, and 91 percent reported a high level of satisfaction in their lives.

Furthermore, the study concluded that these benefits were found in people who both created or consumed the arts. That means that people who enjoy looking at art get the exact same health benefits as people who enjoy making art.

Interestingly enough, females received more benefits from actively creating art, while males got more benefits from passively viewing art.

Museum and gallery visits improve thinking and empathy

A study published by the University of Arkansas in 2014 determined the impact of students taking a field trip to an art museum, showing that the visit changed how the students thought and felt for the better.

More than 10,000 students were surveyed, and the majority of them (70 to 88 percent) retained factual information from the tours. Students also displayed improved critical thinking skills as well as gains intolerance and historical empathy following the trip.

Art can help you mimic the physical sensation of falling in love

Additionally, science has shown that viewing beautiful artwork can actually cause you to experience the same physical reactions we get when we fall in love.

Professor Semir Zeki, a neurobiologist with the University of London, scanned the brains of volunteers while they viewed 28 works of art. Zeki discovered when a person views art they find beautiful, it triggers an immediate release of dopamine into the brain–a chemical related to feelings of love, pleasure, and desire.

These scientific studies just prove what many great thinkers and philosophers have expressed in the past.

Plato, for instance, believed that the arts were powerful shapers of character, able to stir up emotions and influence our behavior.  Meanwhile, G.W.F. Hegel saw art’s role as giving intuitive, sensuous benefits to the viewer by showing us what divine and human freedom can look like.

It turns out that the philosophers were right. Art CAN make you happier. Art CAN nourish both your body and spirit—and it can do it in ways that a salad or supplement never could.

So, for the good of your health, go look at some art, OK?

credit: https://www.parkwestgallery.com/art-and-health-the-benefits-of-viewing-art/

6 signs your office needs an art facelift

1. Your office walls are absolutely desolate or have sparse wall decor.

2. The artwork that is in your office is from in a decade that is not this one. (Classic reprints such as a Van Gogh aren’t included in this).

3. You catch your clients doing one of these faces

4. You have cheesy motivational posters and your employees secretly hate them. Motivational posters do nothing to actually motivate people or get a company growth. A company with a positive culture and strong core management values that actually entice employees to want to do their best will though.

5. You, your employees, and staff are bored mentally. As the old saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” There is no motivation or spark of creative energy when you are in the space. This one employee was so bored with the blank walls in his work environment he decided to do something about it – with his boss’s permission of course.

6. Your company mission statement is nowhere to be found. With a mission statement proudly mounted on your office walls, you can communicate to your team the qualities that mean most to your organization like fairness, diversity, respect for ideas and creativity, training, tools, empowerment, and more. These are themes that matter and resonate with your staff.

There are so many underrated benefits to displaying artwork in corporate environments. –  Helps workers restore mental energy and reduce stress. Younger workers also see more positive benefits from having art. This includes increased productivity at 54% compared to 34%, reduces stress (58% to 45%), and increases happiness (60% to 49%). –  According to the respondents in a survey, they also believe it positively affects new clients and potential employees. Almost half or 49% said artwork does this by giving a good impression. –  Moreover, these offices saw fewer employee health complaints.

Contact Corporate Artworks today to start enhancing your workspace!

Whether you want to project an image or enhance your work environment, we will help you every step of the way. As professional art consultants, we’re experts at creating unique, eye-catching, and productive corporate environments.  Please peruse our site. Explore our services and portfolio. Then contact us to discuss how best to use quality art to help accomplish your corporate goals.