Creating Positive Environments, Part 1: Using Art

One of our most active senses is sight. What we see can affect our outlook and attitude by how its counterpart, our brain, perceives visual information that it filters through its memory banks. You can improve the odds and therefore your attitude and outlook by creating environments that are viewed as positive. Here, in part one, the positive effects of using art will be explored.

Art, in two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) forms, can be pleasing to the eye and the mind in a variety of ways. Our minds enjoy problem-solving. From the simple to the complex, figuring things out is one of its favorite past-times. The other is rest. That is why art is attractive. Some art appeals to its thoughtful aspects and some to its restful ones. The, the subconscious and conscious come into the picture. When all aspects are in sync with each other is when you receive the greatest amount of pleasure from it. Although the conscious mind might not like a Picasso your subconscious part might think it is speaking its language.

Art is a language, a symbolic one, literally. Some symbols are put down simply as a straight line, a geometric shape, or a primary color. Others are more complex as symbols are combined to make a flower, a house in a forest, or a sail boat crashing the ways near an island with stilted huts. Just because something appears simple, however, does not mean that it is interpreted that way by the subconscious. For it, a red circle on a black background can say a whole lot of things to some people because of how it is perceived and interpreted. My artwork, therefore, might appeal to one type of person where a Rembrandt would appeal to another. Again, it is not the simplicity or complexity of the work, as my contemporary art can be very complex in design, too. It is the subconscious language that is spoken and how our brain is wired to understand it.

There are several ways to create a positive environment with art. The first is to disregard that notion that all the colors in the artwork need to match your sofa or your overall d?cor. Choose what feels good to you. Don't deny it, no matter what. In my bedroom, I have a large painting on canvas, four small paintings on canvas hung in a series, and a medium size wall sculpture. The shapes and colors are bold, bright, and primary. None of the subject matters coordinate. My choices were made because when I open my eyes in the morning, I see these cheerful pieces and they make me smile. What a way to start the day, huh?

Second, consider original artwork, that which comes directly from the artist?s creative hands. This includes artist pulled prints. There is an energy that I believe is palpable from such work. There are remnants of handprints, brushstrokes, hammers, and polishers, in other words, elbow grease. Even manufacturers are adding textured glazes to their prints to try to make them look more original. Original art has the spirit of the artist in it. Manufactured art has the spirit of the machine that made it. In a small hall leading to the bedrooms, hung salon-style, floor to ceiling, is a montage of works done in neutrals, blacks, whites, grays, and beiges. They feel restful and relaxing as I view them from my living room. Subject matter ranges from abstract to realistic. They are in pencil, charcoal, pastels, and inks. They are interesting singly and as a grouping.

Most people do not realize how affordable original artwork still is. So, if you like the colors of Matisse or the forms of Moore, there are other artists out there doing similar work today. Artists study other artists. Visit local galleries where they feature local or emerging artists. Check out the internet. Go to local art shows especially the smaller ones. Do an experiment for me. Replace a manufactured print with an original work of art. After a few weeks or a month, although you might notice it immediately, let me know what you think.

Spaces that appeal to our sense of sight can be created simply and affordably with art. They then become positive environments in which you can do your best work and living. Creating a positive environment with art is all about you.

Copyright 2005 Kathy Iwanowski. All Rights Reserved.

Kathy Iwanowski, a former cancer nurse and manager, creates art, speaks, and writes about creative living and work. Her articles, editorials, and reviews on art, business, creativity, and nursing subjects have been published in newsletters, ezines, and books in the United States.

To arrange for Kathy as a speaker for your next event or to find out more about her work, visit her website at http://www.kathyiwanowski.com

maide service in Lincolnshire ..
In The News:

Denmark's 3D printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.
Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.
New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.
The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.
San Francisco Giants invite Jamie Grohsong to throw ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park after he learned to play baseball with a bionic hand following an injury.
FBI warns cybercriminals are stealing family photos from social media to create fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams targeting victims.
Instagram's new 'Your Algorithm' tool lets you control your Reels feed in real time. The app now gives you power to customize what videos you see.
Major Marquis fintech breach exposes 400,000-plus Americans' data through unpatched SonicWall vulnerability, with Texas hardest hit at 354,000 affected.
Free up iPhone storage fast by clearing large photos and videos from Messages app. Simple steps for iOS users to delete attachments without losing chats.
Scammers are flooding inboxes with fake tracking alerts that mimic real carriers, exploiting the holiday rush to steal logins and personal data.
The Fox News AI Newsletter brings you the latest news on AI technology advancements and the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Texas family reunites with missing 11-year-old cat Grayson after 103 days using Petco Love Lost's AI photo matching technology and community help.
Tired of AI customer service loops? These insider tricks help you escape "frustration AI" and get real human help when you need it most for urgent issues.
Unlock richer audio from your streaming apps with simple tweaks to volume normalization, equalizer settings, and quality preferences for cleaner sound.
Scammers are sending fake Facebook settlement payout emails that mimic legitimate notices from the privacy settlement administrator to deceive users.
Holiday shopping scams surge as fake refund emails target distracted consumers during Black Friday and holiday seasons, costing Americans billions annually.
The AI-powered IRMO M1 exoskeleton features four modes, including turbo, eco, training and rest for hiking, running, cycling and sports with eight-hour battery life.
OpenAI announced upgrades for its ChatGPT Images platform on Tuesday, saying the program can now make more precise edits and produce images more quickly.
Chrome for Android now turns web articles into AI-powered podcast conversations. Get hands-free browsing with Google Gemini's natural audio summaries.
LastPass faces $1.6 million fine from U.K. regulators after 2022 data breach exposed 1.6 million users. Password manager failed proper security controls.
Petco disclosed a data breach exposing customer Social Security numbers, financial account details, and driver's license information due to a software error.
Baseball teams can now analyze complete swing mechanics in normal training environments using Theia's markerless AI system that processes standard high-speed footage.
Smart home hacking fears overblown? Expert reveals real cybersecurity risks and simple protection tips to keep your connected devices safe from hackers.
MIT develops needle-free glucose monitor using light technology. Revolutionary device could replace painful finger pricks for diabetes management.
The ClickFix campaign disguises malware as legitimate Windows updates, using steganography to hide shellcode in PNG files and bypass security detection systems.

The Use of Affirmations

What is an affirmation? One possible definition is a specific... Read More

Banish Shallow Breathing And Boost Self Esteem!

You know, very often, the manner in which a person... Read More

Perspective Is Everything

Ever witnessed an incident that needed to be reported to... Read More

Attitude Adjustment 101: Nine Ways to Transform You From Mediocre to Magnificent

"Work on your career and you'll make a living. Work... Read More

Mindfulness: Youre Soaking In It!

Looking for a bit more mindfulness in your daily life?... Read More

The Power of Passion

Improving this single attitude makes your days fly by. You... Read More

Today, A Wonderful Day

Believe me, today is the most wonderful day of your... Read More

An Unquestionable, Positive Demeanor - How to Maintain it

Near the end of December 2004, I received an email... Read More

Good News! The Pathway of Change Is Predictable

Often when radical change occurs in our lives we feel... Read More

Clenching?

What are you holding onto? Wanta quit?There are many things... Read More

Not Getting What You Want in Life? Your Thoughts Could Be the Culprit

Unhappy? Stressed out? Do you feel you not only want... Read More

Establish What you Want with NLP

Recently, a lady came to see me and she had... Read More

Taking Yourself Too Seriously? - Suggestions for Reclaiming Your Perspective

"We can change our circumstances by a mere change of... Read More

The Gift of Envy

The summer I was 20 years old, I worked as... Read More

How to Cope With Your Inner Food Critic

Every day that I eat EnergyRich? Food, I get almost... Read More

Improve Your Self Confidence

Knowing yourself is the foundation of self-esteem, self confidence and... Read More

Do You Believe What You Think?

If you work toward what you dream, the dream can... Read More

Think Positive: Using Affirmations to Create Health, Wealth and Beauty

You've heard the buzzwords: Attitude is everything! Change your perspective!... Read More

10 Tips to Cope with Negative Emotions at Work

It's a fact of life - if you want to... Read More

Big Move to a Small Town

I'm getting calls from folks who say, "I hear you... Read More

Short Cut to Self-Confidence: Say Yes to You!

You are the only one that can give confidence to... Read More

You, Your Self Estem, and Its Importance in Your Growth!

IntroductionDid your boss, took you for a ride? Did your... Read More

Improve Your Relationships Instantly

Discover how easy it is to improve your relationships. The... Read More

What Should You Be Committed To?

There are many dynamics that go into making a great... Read More

P. M. A.

P.M.A - so what is it? Some people will automatically... Read More

cleaning lady near Deerfield ..