The 7 Functions of Art for Healing

5/17/2022

In light of recent heartaches and challenges, many individuals are seeking healthy ways to cope with a multitude of ever-shifting thoughts and feelings. We don’t want to forget the past, so how can we move forward? What is one to do in the face of such times?

The Function of Art by Laura M. Johnson, Twin Cities Murals, 2022.

Art can help us process feelings and emotions in a multitude of ways. In the beautiful book, Art As Therapy, philosophers Alain de Botton and John Armstrong outline seven functions that art plays in our lives to provide meaning. When you don’t know what to do, let the creative power of art give you the strength necessary to start anew, with courage and faith.

Remembering
Hope
Sorrow
Rebalancing
Self-Understanding
Growth
Appreciation

1. Remembering

Humans often have short memories, which is why we place such a high value on the practices that allow us to pass stories, ideas, and events on to each other across time and space. This of course refers to writing books, oral storytelling traditions, and sharing posts on the internet. Art serves this purpose, as well. Oftentimes, art helps us capture memories and feelings when the necessary words don’t exist. Art, whether a photograph or a painting, a quilt or a tattoo, helps us cherish memories of loved ones or experiences that shaped us even when we are no longer close by.

2. Hope

From our own observed experiences to the news we hear, we are constantly being reminded of the many problems, inconveniences, and huge injustices all around us. Sometimes, “pretty pictures” of sunsets, blooming flowers, a favorite special place might seem small or insignificant in the face of struggles. However, these kinds of images trigger feelings of optimism, happiness, and hope. You’ve probably heard the idea that your thoughts often shape your reality and your reality influences your actions. If you want to add more sunshine into your life and those around you, why not surround yourself with beautiful, hope-inspiring art?

3. Sorrow

As mentioned above, life is not always easy. Sometimes, the greatest sorrow descends if we have failed to acknowledge and process our feelings of loss or grief. One thing art helps us to do is face sorrow head on – and to find comfort in the knowledge that, as Botton and Armstrong poetically point out, “sorrow is written into the contract of life.” This understanding is not meant to be defeatist; instead, it offers a reminder that you are not alone. Art honoring struggles pays tribute to our collective efforts to move forward amidst sadness and chaos.

4. Rebalancing

Working in the Studio, 2022.

We all have our good days and bad days. Ebbs and flows of feelings and mindset are natural. Sometimes, however, certain emotions seize too much power and influence in our lives. You might become overly serious and controlling. Or, you have become increasingly unreliable or unable to follow through on commitments. A healthy dose of the right form of art can help rebalance us. The former state might try enjoying something silly, playful, and lighthearted – such as a comedy show, a salsa lesson, or sticking googly eyes on the faucet of public restrooms. For the latter, something more rhythmic and steady could be the ticket – like a drum circle, or appreciating an intricate tiled mosaic, where each piece has been placed carefully, lovingly, to create a masterpiece. Do you have an emotion that needs to be rebalanced?

5. Self-Understanding

Humans are magnificently adaptive, able to face challenging situations head-on. Every experience, relationship, and new piece of knowledge shapes us, yet we contain all of these various versions of ourselves, contained layer upon layer. Without reflecting on our journeys, important aspects of us can become lost and buried deep within until something outside of us manages to strike a chord. We might be drawn to a certain painting, song, or story that we encounter. When these moments occur, ask yourself, “Why do I feel this way? Why does this make me smile? Or want to cry?” In this way, art provides a helpful mirror for us to understand ourselves.

6. Growth

How We Grow by Laura M. Johnson, Twin Cities Murals, 2022.

As we engage with art of all forms, we will of course encounter works of art that inspire, delight, and please us. However, we will also frequently run across art that we viscerally dislike – maybe even despise! Because of the many styles and genres of art throughout time and geography, you’ll quickly realize that the majority of art is made by people with thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that differ drastically from our own. Have you seen a work of art that you didn’t like? Strong reactions like this shouldn't be ignored. In facing our knee-jerk reactions, we are likely to encounter valuable insight that can point us on areas where we require growth.

“Engagement with art is useful because it presents us with powerful examples of the kind of alien material that provokes defensive boredom and fear,” states de Botton and Armstrong. “And allows us time and privacy to learn to deal more strategically with it.” When we allow ourselves to be open to gently engage with what is initially strange, confusing, or boring to us, we grow deeper empathy and understanding of others and ourselves.

7. Appreciation

One of the most harmful natural tendencies humans face is how quickly our everyday lives become ordinary and therefore, unsatisfying to us. Dissatisfaction is like a weed. Social media and our tendencies to compare ourselves with others doesn’t help. This “compare and despair” mindset can take over if we let it and because of it, we will fail to see or fully appreciate the blooming flowers in our lives – a sister who stops by to share the first watermelon of the season, or a partner who wakes up five minutes early so the coffee is ready when you get up. One of art’s most poignant powers is its ability to train our focus and attention on what is closest to us – to silence the noise and direct us to see the many wonders at every turn.

During these difficult times, it is my greatest wish that we may harness the power and magic of art to unite us, bring us peace, and grant us hope.

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