As an artist, I often get asked what compels me to create and share my work. But today, I’d like to reflect on what value artwork can provide from the other perspective—for the viewer and collector. Here are some of the deeply meaningful benefits art can offer us:

Inspiration – Great art has the power to awaken our senses, spark our imaginations, and open our minds to new possibilities. A single painting, poem, or song can illuminate entirely new ways of seeing the world and kindle new realms of thought within us. Art fuels the soul’s inspiration in ways that give us fresh vision and energy to create, dream and enact change.

Wonder – Masterful works of art allow us to see everyday scenes from wondrous new perspectives. We get to view the world through someone else’s eyes, noticing glorious details that previously escaped our gaze. Art invites us to rediscover the marvels in commonplace moments, environments, and objects by depicting them in an imaginative or symbolic light. This cultivates a spirit of curiosity, presence and childlike wonder within us.

Catharsis – Music, films, poetry, paintings give us a profound outlet to process emotions and make sense of deeply personal life experiences in ways little else can. By giving form to intangible feelings, art helps us interpret our own inner worlds. We gain insight into past struggles, current growth, and dreams. Art provides both a mirror to examine our lives and a window to transcend the self.

Connection – When we immerse ourselves in an artist’s vision, it can forge an indelible human connection across space and time. The passions, struggles, hopes conveyed through great works of art capture universal facets of human existence. We feel less alone in our experiences and sense the bonds that unite our shared humanity.

Gratitude – Art asks us to quiet our minds and pay attention, becoming aware of the gifts in our lives. It cultivates visceral gratitude for the splendor of sound, the glory of color, the beauty within nature and one another. Art epitomizes the abundance we already have by depicting it in poetic form. This grounds us in humility and grace.

Contemplation – The symbols, metaphors, and layers of meaning infused in provocative works of art invite deep contemplation. Art stimulates examination of society, nature, spirituality and our interior landscape. It raises questions and ideas that resonate long after the initial encounter, beckoning us to go deeper. Art expands our consciousness.

Respect – Paintings, photographs, and writings that artfully depict the natural world can stimulate reverence and respect for all life on our planet. By capturing nature’s majesty through art, we become more aware of its intrinsic value beyond utility. Art deepens our awe of the ecosystems and creatures we coexist with, compelling us to cherish and safeguard them.

For all these reasons and more, I am endlessly grateful as an artist each time a viewer connects with my work on a meaningful level or a collector chooses to share their space with one of my pieces. May the art we share continue sparking inspiration, beauty, and purpose in us all.