Art impoves mood, extends our lives, and reduces stress.
:Art is our go to safety net now.
My life has made me an observer of how art heals, improves and lengthens life. At first, it surprised me. Now, it's expected, more or less.
Have lots of time on your hands these days? Well, how often can we declutter those drawers, cabinets, and closets? We have better things to do now. Balance.
Playing with something. Creating something. Doing something. Key word is do.
Engage your mind in something new. Pick up where you left off with a hobby months or years ago? Find something new. Give yourself permission. Google the new art form.
Consider it an investment in you. Watch it improve how you feel. You will sleep more soundly satisfying the restless mind. Creating helps to relieve emotional depression. Certainly we will live longer, accordingly.
While preparing for The Floyd Gallery's upcoming "Environmental Portrait Photography' Workshop, I am searching for examples to share with participants. What I discover is countless scenes where people are reacting to the art they see before them. Performances. Exhibits. Yes, even parades.
Ms. Ronnie Asbell, a world renowned artist, taught art through puppetry. OK. I attended this parade through the blocks of Brooklyn Heights. They went around them twice. People were so delighted. Not so much for the entertainment alone. It was the joy they felt in their hearts and minds. Joy at recognizing what some of our fellow humans do for the sake of doing it.
PIVOT MEDIA in Florence, MA has been scanning some of my many slides. I am thrilled at how that makes me feel now. So go through your drawers, find images that make you feel good. Pick up an old hobby. Learn a new one. Bring more joy into your life now. If not now, when?
Stay strong, my friends.
Image: Puppet Parade, St. Anne's Academy, Brooklyn Heights, NY ©Robert Floyd, 1979
About the Author: Robert Floyd is a naturalist, photojournalist, photo gallery creative director. ..and so appreciative of heroes in his life. You can usually find him, when he’s not in The Robert Floyd Photo Gallery, he plans 2020 field trips in the beautiful Pioneer Valley, Cape Cod, Cape May, Newport, Manhattan, and Canada.
Follow him here and on FACEBOOK: ROBERT FLOYD GALLERY/LEARNING CENTER. You'll be glad you did.
