You need art. Everyone does. Real art. Made by human hands. Not a print, serigraph, or digital image, but something into which someone has poured part of their soul. A thing that, when you see it, you know in your heart carries a tangible piece of someone's life. It might represent five minutes of their effort or five days, but they created it. They put their time, energy, and passion into that one thing, and now it’s yours—or at least it hangs on your wall.
Scientific evidence supports the importance of engaging with original art. A study commissioned by the Mauritshuis in The Hague found that participants' brains were up to 10 times more active when viewing original works of art compared to reproductions, even in identical settings. The research, using mobile EEG devices, quantified the strong emotional connection people experience with original art. In essence, it proved what we’ve long suspected: going to the museum—or simply engaging with real art—is profoundly good for you. Why does encountering real artwork evoke such an intense experience?
Marshall Arisman postulated that original artwork contains a piece of the artist's soul, embedding it in the fabric of the universe and binding the viewer to the creator. Metaphysics aside, this idea resonates with me. If I create something and give it to someone, it feels as though we’re connected across space and time. Books have a similar quality, though physically they aren’t original works. The ideas, however, are unique. Imagine reading an original manuscript by Twain, Tolkien, or Woolf—those works hold value beyond their scarcity. They represent connection through ideas, which applies equally to the visual arts.
This connection exists even for the artist. Revisiting works from years past feels like meeting a former self, a version of you that no longer exists. That’s why art we once dismissed as “awful” often feels deeply evocative when revisited years later—it speaks to the soul of the person we once were.
So, own original art. Not prints or posters. They’re fine, but they aren’t the same. Fill your home with original works and see how they transform your space and your life. And embrace the weird stuff. A chicken painting? Fantastic. A chicken painting piloting a spaceship shaped like a tractor towing a cake? Even better.
Where can you find such treasures? Galleries are great, but not everyone can afford them. Instead, ask an artist friend for a piece of their work. Not a commissioned painting of your dog or child—they might just say no. However, money greases all wheels. Instead, say something like: ”Hey, can I have one of your orphaned works? It doesn’t have to be finished or even ‘good.’ I just want a piece of you on my wall, so every time I see it, I’m invigorated by an original work of art and reminded of you.”
Every artist I know saves their old work. Some burn it or paint over it, but few would ever throw it away. You wanting one of those relics is a breathe of fresh air. If they agree, frame that piece like it belongs in a museum and hang it with pride. Over time, you’ll grow to love it, and the artist will love you for loving their work.
You need art. And art needs love.
I miss the artwork of yours and Angie's that we used to have hanging in our house. It greeted us on the way in the door. Had we not moved and liquidated everything, I'd still have it. We did pass it down to a young friend, so maybe it's better that we shared the gift of art.