January 31st is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day. Of the wide array of art created in the world, it’s the pieces that move us to tears or cause us to burst out in laughter that remain with us for a lifetime. Whether we are touched through music, dance, painting or words, art has the power to change us and inspire our hearts.
The Oxford Dictionary defines art as follows:
noun. The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
Despite attempts at defining what art is, it continues to be a subject of controversy as to what exactly is art. I think it’s true that beauty is, indeed, in the eye of the beholder and it depends on personal taste as to what one considers art. Whether one is standing in a museum gazing at a famous artist’s masterpiece or a child’s lovingly created drawing, the emotional impact that speaks to your heart is what really matters.
When asked to write a blog about Inspire Your Heart with Art Day for our company’s website, I paused, wondering what that had to do with our consulting business. I realized art is everywhere if you look for it. While some people may use a paint brush, clay or other medium to create art, others use words and presentations to convey their ideas. The goal of these words and presentations, as with art, is to create an emotional connection with the audience.
I thought about our company’s operating principles and realized some of them had a connection to art, as well.
Communication – Art is a form of communication by the artist that should “speak” to the audience in some manner. Painting a picture with words or a creative presentation to sell a client on a product or idea can be a form of art.
Empowerment – Activities that help to develop a greater sense of confidence and self-worth create empowerment. Having taken classes in woodworking, glass blowing, painting, pottery and other art forms, I can attest to the sense of confidence and self-worth one can feel after completing a project. Losing oneself in the creative process is a great way to recharge as well and can renew the spirit and mind which can lead to greater work productivity.
Inspiration – As in the definition above for art, inspiring others takes the application of human creative skill and imagination. Think outside the box and get creative when brainstorming ideas. Don’t just sit around a table talking. Break out the colored markers and blank paper and see what happens when people let their inner artist out and start putting ideas to paper.
Inspire Your Heart with Art Day encourages us to explore the many genres of art and let it inspire us. So get out there on January 31st and either spend some time appreciating some art or create something yourself.
The National Day Calendar provides these suggestions on how to observe:
- Visit an art gallery.
- Read a good book.
- Listen to music.
- Attend a ballet performance
- Start your masterpiece.
- Teach someone how to play an instrument.
- Attend an art lecture.
- Explore a new technique.
- See an inspirational film.
- Share your art with others.
Use #InspireYourHeartWithArtDay to post on social media.
