HHow often do you find yourself reaching for your phone? Are you quick to respond to notifications, getting lost in that small black screen during your commutes? What about while eating or as soon as you wake up? Does it give you a sense of richness and vitality? I’m equally guilty of the same habits. We swipe, like, and scroll in a world designed to capture our attention. But how can we dedicate just five or ten minutes to enrich our lives instead?
I enjoy seeking insights from artists. They encourage us to pause and consider different viewpoints and to appreciate the beauty of nature. The world is evolving right before our eyes, and artists remind us of the joy of creating and discovering within a landscape where AI might supplant our creativity. They help us see potential everywhere—whether it’s arranging words into sentences, crafting paragraphs into books, or using paint to conjure visuals. Their work can shift our perspectives, impart knowledge, and even instill a sense of calm.
It’s backed by science: 2024 survey commissioned by the British government highlights that engaging with art not only boosts physical and mental health but, as Sarah Carlsberg notes, “reduces healthcare costs and increases national productivity.” Recently, King’s College London reported that out of 50 participants aged 18 to 40 who viewed paintings, there was a 22% decrease in stress hormones. (In contrast, those who viewed digitally exhibited only an 8% reduction.)
No matter our situation, art and artists will always guide us. I’ve embraced the wisdom of creatives—whether for inspiration, reflection, relationship insights, or daily organization. This has led me to compile 366 short passages of daily wisdom into a new book titled how to live an artistic life.
Featuring insights from artists like Tracey Emin and Marina Abramovic, alongside writers like Ali Smith and Iris Murdoch, each entry includes reflections, rituals, encouragement, and creative exercises. The book follows the seasons (with January focusing on Beginnings, February on Love, August on Beauty, and November on Memory), allowing me to respond creatively to the artists’ words and engage everyone in the act of creation.
I wrote this book during a time of feeling uninspired and distracted. The words of these artists helped me rise above that fog. Did you catch writer Patricia Highsmith’s habit of making her workspace “as enjoyable as possible” by lounging in bed surrounded by cigarettes, coffee, and donuts? Or art critic Jerry Saltz’s advice to engage with those next to you in a museum by asking, “What do you think about that?” Dialogue sparks ideas. Museums have always served as spaces for conversation, community building, and direct connections—many of which are free to access in the UK.
“Cigarettes, mugs of coffee, donuts”… Author Patricia Highsmith discusses ways to enhance work life. Photo: Dino Fracchia/Alamy
When feeling overwhelmed, author Hisham Matar and broadcaster Claudia Winkleman suggest focusing on just one artwork at a time. Return to it later and take note of how your perception shifts with your circumstances. As you change, so does the artwork. If visiting a museum isn’t an option, consider exploring art online or in books, share it with someone, and inquire about their thoughts. As Smith remarked, “Whenever you stand in front of art, you participate in it and awaken something within you.”
Why do we engage with art? Perhaps it resonates with Paula Rego’s thought expressed to her son, director Nick Willing: “An artist travels to places unseen and returns with something both novel and instantly familiar.”
Living an “artistic life” doesn’t necessitate becoming an artist. It’s about enhancing what you already possess. As Laurie Anderson reminds us in her December entry (focusing on joy), prioritize “the things that make you feel free and truly good.” While many wellness programs come at a cost, artists like Abramovic emphasize the value of stillness: “Doing nothing is the genesis of something.”
Be present in the world. Engage with people. Visit places, big or small. Look up at the sky, rather than yourself mediated through technology. Let’s reclaim our focus and turn it towards one another. The new year is a gift. Go forth, seize it, and live artistically.
Source: www.theguardian.com
