Art is Always a Necessity

In these difficult economic times, we often hear people say that they are art lovers, but they can't justify buying art because "art is not a necessity."

"Irish Girl" by Jacqueline Chisick

On the surface, this makes some sense... but when we delve a little deeper, it begs the question of what really constitutes a "necessity?"

We can probably agree that air and water are necessities, as are food and shelter. But we soon get into a gray area: Is the 47th app subscription for for your smartphone at $2.99 a month really a "necessity?" Especially when you just use it three times and then forget you have it? Is the 43rd pair of earrings you'll wear twice a year more of a "necessity" than a piece of art?

Humans have adorned their walls with paintings and their spaces with decorative objects for all of history-- going all the way back to our distant ancestors living in caves.

The magical thing about art is that it offers us lasting moments of joy long after some of our temporary "necessities" are gone. We must remember that it is impossible to put a "price" on the joy we get from having beautiful and meaningful objects of art around us...

Original illustration by Julie Zarate

When I was a small child, I would visit my grandparents' house and while the adults were busy with "adult things," I would be set down with books at puzzles in their living room... where the walls were also covered with dozens of paintings.

As often as not, I would end up spending hours just looking at the places and people portrayed... and letting my imagination go to work. As an adult, some of these paintings now hang on our walls... and remind me not only of my grandparents, but of my childhood. Much as we might like to think otherwise, we generally don't get to associate such memories with "practical" things.

I grew up in a house filled with all kinds of art-- and I feel certain these early impressions led to my adult love of things artistic and creative. I also know that my parents' love of art contributed to a life in which I have often chosen to "go another year without new shoes" in favor of adding a new piece of art to my collection.

But why do perceive art to be a "necessity?"

Because art tends be both calming and mood enhancing. Imagine your home with bare walls... a bit depressing, don't you think? As humans, we constantly look at our immediate surroundings; finding beauty, or points of interest, in our field of view helps us not only calm down, but it stimulates our minds as we reflect, imagine, consider, reminisce or wonder. That's what art does. And that's why I consider art a "necessity."

Thanks for reading!