Home
>
Positive Attitude Tips
>
Creating Positive Environments, Part 1: Using Art

Creating Positive Environments, Part 1: Using Art

One of our most active senses is sight. What we see can affect our outlook and attitude by how its counterpart, our brain, perceives visual information that it filters through its memory banks. You can improve the odds and therefore your attitude and outlook by creating environments that are viewed as positive. Here, in part one, the positive effects of using art will be explored.

Art, in two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) forms, can be pleasing to the eye and the mind in a variety of ways. Our minds enjoy problem-solving. From the simple to the complex, figuring things out is one of its favorite past-times. The other is rest. That is why art is attractive. Some art appeals to its thoughtful aspects and some to its restful ones. The, the subconscious and conscious come into the picture. When all aspects are in sync with each other is when you receive the greatest amount of pleasure from it. Although the conscious mind might not like a Picasso your subconscious part might think it is speaking its language.

Art is a language, a symbolic one, literally. Some symbols are put down simply as a straight line, a geometric shape, or a primary color. Others are more complex as symbols are combined to make a flower, a house in a forest, or a sail boat crashing the ways near an island with stilted huts. Just because something appears simple, however, does not mean that it is interpreted that way by the subconscious. For it, a red circle on a black background can say a whole lot of things to some people because of how it is perceived and interpreted. My artwork, therefore, might appeal to one type of person where a Rembrandt would appeal to another. Again, it is not the simplicity or complexity of the work, as my contemporary art can be very complex in design, too. It is the subconscious language that is spoken and how our brain is wired to understand it.

There are several ways to create a positive environment with art. The first is to disregard that notion that all the colors in the artwork need to match your sofa or your overall d?cor. Choose what feels good to you. Don't deny it, no matter what. In my bedroom, I have a large painting on canvas, four small paintings on canvas hung in a series, and a medium size wall sculpture. The shapes and colors are bold, bright, and primary. None of the subject matters coordinate. My choices were made because when I open my eyes in the morning, I see these cheerful pieces and they make me smile. What a way to start the day, huh?

Second, consider original artwork, that which comes directly from the artist?s creative hands. This includes artist pulled prints. There is an energy that I believe is palpable from such work. There are remnants of handprints, brushstrokes, hammers, and polishers, in other words, elbow grease. Even manufacturers are adding textured glazes to their prints to try to make them look more original. Original art has the spirit of the artist in it. Manufactured art has the spirit of the machine that made it. In a small hall leading to the bedrooms, hung salon-style, floor to ceiling, is a montage of works done in neutrals, blacks, whites, grays, and beiges. They feel restful and relaxing as I view them from my living room. Subject matter ranges from abstract to realistic. They are in pencil, charcoal, pastels, and inks. They are interesting singly and as a grouping.

Most people do not realize how affordable original artwork still is. So, if you like the colors of Matisse or the forms of Moore, there are other artists out there doing similar work today. Artists study other artists. Visit local galleries where they feature local or emerging artists. Check out the internet. Go to local art shows especially the smaller ones. Do an experiment for me. Replace a manufactured print with an original work of art. After a few weeks or a month, although you might notice it immediately, let me know what you think.

Spaces that appeal to our sense of sight can be created simply and affordably with art. They then become positive environments in which you can do your best work and living. Creating a positive environment with art is all about you.

Kathy Iwanowski, a former cancer nurse and manager, creates art, speaks, and writes about creative living and work. Her articles, editorials, and reviews on art, business, creativity, and nursing subjects have been published in newsletters, ezines, and books in the United States.

To arrange for Kathy as a speaker for your next event or to find out more about her work, visit her website at http://www.kathyiwanowski.com

move in cleaning service Mundelein ..

In The News:

Quick iPhone and Android battery optimization techniques help your device stay powered all day by turning off hidden features that secretly drain power in the background.

Kodiak Driver autonomous truck achieves perfect 98 safety score, matching top human fleets in groundbreaking AI evaluation by Nauto's VERA system.

New 401k catch-up contribution rules in 2026 will change taxes for high earners over 50. Learn how scammers exploit these changes and protect your retirement savings.

Kurt Knutsson's guide covers social media privacy protection through location settings, account privacy controls and two-factor authentication to prevent scams and data breaches.

Revolutionary retinal implant restores central vision in 80% of patients with advanced macular degeneration, offering hope where treatments once only slowed blindness.

Learn how to use passkeys on Windows and Mac computers without cameras or fingerprint readers. Discover secure authentication methods that replace passwords.

Tesla's FSD v14.1.2 update reintroduces Mad Max mode, enabling higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than the standard Hurry profile setting.

A phishing email scam targeting American Express customers shows how cybercriminals use fake urgent messages to steal personal and financial information.

Facebook's new Meta AI feature analyzes your camera roll photos to create polished collages automatically, but requires cloud processing and raises privacy concerns.

A New Jersey teenager filed a major lawsuit against AI/Robotics Venture Strategy 3 Ltd. over ClothOff, an AI tool that created fake nude images from her social media photos.

Microsoft reports Storm-2657 cybercriminals sent phishing emails to 6,000 addresses at 25 universities to steal payroll credentials and redirect funds.

Astronomers have discovered asteroid 2025 SC79, a skyscraper-sized space rock orbiting the sun in just 128 days. the second-fastest known.

The Fox News AI Newsletter delivers the latest developments form the world of artificial intelligence, including the technology's challenges and opportunities.

A cyberattack on SimonMed Imaging exposed personal information of 1.2 million patients, including medical records, financial details and identity papers.

Spotify's managed accounts for kids under 13 now available in at least seven countries, allowing parents to filter and block explicit content and songs.

Friendly text conversations about BBQs and social events can lead to WEEX gold trading scams that target older adults with fake investment opportunities.

California company Skyeports creates self-healing glass spheres from Moon regolith that generate solar power and support plant growth for sustainable lunar living.

Cleafy researchers discover fake VPN streaming app Mobdro Pro that installs Klopatra banking Trojan, giving attackers full control over Android devices.

Police departments across the U.S. and Canada are adopting virtual reality training to better prepare officers for high-pressure, real-world situations.

House Bill 469 would prevent AI systems from owning property, serving as executives, or gaining legal personhood in Ohio under Representative Thaddeus Claggett's proposal.

Public voter records expose retirees' personal details to election scammers who create targeted cons using names, addresses, and voting history data.

Instead of fearing what comes next with artificial intelligence, think outside the box. Here are high-earning AI jobs that don't require a computer science degree.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says polite words like "please" and "thank you" cost millions annually, while direct prompts may improve ChatGPT accuracy by several points.

Chattee Chat and GiMe Chat exposed intimate conversations and photos, revealing users spent up to $18,000 on AI companions before the breach.

New Instagram parental controls allow families to manage teen screen time and content limits through the Family Center with stricter safety settings.

Creating Positive Environments, Part 1: Using Art

Positive Attitude Tips