Art nourishes our mind, body and soul in a way that perhaps no other human activity can. We know those who have devoted their entire lives solely to the creation of their art; often withstanding great difficulties and, in many cases, at the cost of lifelong troubles and tribulations. This gives us an intimation of the rich rewards and benefits that we can reap from art, and especially from practicing art ourselves.

When we pursue a creative activity, whether it’s drawing, painting, or photography, and we pursue it with enough integrity and affection, this inevitably serves to stimulate our perception and hone our senses. In other words, it makes us more attentive to our surroundings and all the little details that fill up the physical space around us. An artist is able to use the time and space in which he lives in a more creative manner compared to individuals who do not engage with any creative endeavor.

Science tells us that practicing art stimulates both sides of our brain and helps develop greater hand-eye coordination. Studies show that people who pursue some creative endeavor normally excel in other areas of learning as well. Children perform better at school when their curriculum is integrated with arts; they commit more wholeheartedly and are able to learn faster.

Art opens up our mind and makes us more aware of all the different possibilities and potentials that life has in store for us. It opens our eyes to all the beauty that surrounds us--the beauty that, for the most part, stays clouded from us in the course of our daily grind.