Life can be a whirlwind, juggling your job and being the superhero to your kiddos. In the chaos of everyday life, let's take a moment to chat about something that might not be on our daily agenda but plays a big role in our lives: art.

From finger paintings on the fridge to walking by a storefront with art in the window, art weaves into the fabric of our everyday. Join me in this exploration of how art impacts our world. No artsy-fartsy language, just a real talk about how art shapes our culture, influences our little ones, and maybe even gives us a quiet moment of sanity. Let's dive in and discover the down-to-earth magic that art brings to our not-so-ordinary lives.

The Role of Art in Our Homes

Have you ever thought about how art sneaks into our lives, making it all a bit more colorful? In the hustle and bustle of daily life, art becomes a silent but powerful contributor to the atmosphere at home. It's not just about the aesthetics; it's about creating an environment that resonates with your warmth and personality. If you ever walk into a space with blank walls, its evident that there is something missing. It can even feel as if the space hasn’t even been lived in. Lets be clear though, we are not advocating going out and spending thousands of dollars of fancy art to cover your walls. We are simply talking about adding personality to your space. From the children's finger paintings proudly displayed on the fridge to the quirky art projects scattered around, the home becomes a living canvases. These pieces, created with love and spontaneity, bring a unique charm that fancy artworks can't replicate. And in our opinion its the best kind of art to hang in the home because each art piece created by you or your kids comes with a story and a memory. 

Art in Everyday Places and Spaces

We might not be regulars at fancy galleries, but who really needs that to appreciate art in everyday life. Just walking around most spaces in our world, you will see that the owner of a restaurant, a florist, or the bodega on the corner will normally have added their own touch to their space. Art isn’t defined by a pricetag and its not meant to appeal to everyone. When someone decides to paint the walls a certain color, or they decide to decorate their space with a piece of art that makes them feel something, thats all that matters. If you pay attention as you walk through most spaces, you will see that the owner is telling you a story. They are telling you what is important to them. There are even more mundane places where art appears in our lives as well. Sometimes, its not even framed wall art.  

Art isn't confined to framed pieces on gallery walls; it's embedded in the very fabric of our daily lives. Consider the doodles on the shopping lists, the sketches on the margins of work papers – they're all expressions of creativity. These seemingly mundane manifestations of art contribute to the tapestry of our existence, adding splashes of creativity and imagination to the ordinary.

What's the Big Deal? Art in Our Lives

Let's ditch the fancy definitions and get real about what art means to us. Art is the expression of our individuality through multiple forms music, acting, painting, etc. All expressions of art are valid and serve a purpose. Although plying music or acting might be difficult to showcase in a living space, painted, doodling, or just simple arts and crafts are easy to exhibit in a home. These pieces then become an anchor to the memory and feelings that were felt when creating the art itself. These everyday expressions are the heartbeat of creativity, breaking down the walls of intimidation that often surround the our world. Art, in our lives, is accessible, personal, and always evolving. All you need to do is unleash your imagination and maybe have some paper and colors lying around.

Art: A Secret Weapon in Our Arsenal

Ever notice how a simple doodle or a colorful craft session can turn a hectic day around? Art is our secret weapon – a sanity break that brings smiles, laughter, and a bit of peace amid the turmoil of daily life.

Recently, everyone talks about being mindful in our daily lives. While being mindful takes practice and a lot of intentionality the short cut is to do things that require almost mindless focus. Art, for the sake of quieting the brain maybe one of the best things you can do. If you don’t feel like the type of person who can sit with a blank piece of paper and just doodle, consider downloading or buying a paint by number book. You’ll notice that while you are focused on the project in front of you, nothing in the world seems to exist. Its the perfect meditation. 

Art Inspiring Minds

We may not be Van Gogh, but our creations are masterpieces in their own right. Art projects aren't just about fun; they're planting seeds for future creativity and innovation in all our minds but especially in our kids.

Put a crayon in a kid’s hand and even if they don’t have any paper, they’ll find a way of expressing themselves and discovering new tricks. This is something adults can learn and adapt to our everyday lives. Its not about creating a masterpiece that should be hung at the louvre. Its about celebrating a moment. Creating a memory. The more we allow ourselves to fail while exploring the limits our ability, the more we are able to grow and expand our minds. Which each session, we can apply a new technique, learn a different color combination, or even change our perspective. Creating art is amazing for expanding all of our minds. If you feel like you may not be ready to dive into creating, you can always walk into any art gallery to appreciate the work of others. Use it as inspiration but not as a marker of your ability. Remember, if someone has a piece in a gallery, its their job. Your job is to kick butt in your everyday life and if you feel like you can, add the practice of artisitic expression in some way shape or form.

Why Art Matters 

Why does art matter to us normal people? It's not about impressing anyone; it's about those moments when art makes us pause, smile, or connect with ourselves, our kids, our family over a shared moment of expression.

Art matters because it's a source of joy, a simple pleasure that brightens our days. It's not about creating masterpieces but about the genuine connection forged over the liberation of our minds. These moments become cherished memories, bonding experiences that transcend the artistic outcome. Art matters because it adds a layer of richness to our lives, reminding us that amidst the responsibilities of life, there's always room for a bit of creative delight.

So, let's appreciate the everyday magic of art in our lives. Next time you're strolling through the grocery store or tackling a mountain of laundry, remember there is art around you. And hey, if you're up for it, maybe check out nxtgenart.com, where we're turning kids' artwork into a cool fashion line and paying their kids for their art. Because in our world, art isn't just a luxury; it's a down-to-earth, messy, and beautiful part of our amazing adventure. We hope we can inspire you and the nxtgen to create and keep a practice of artistic expression into adulthood. Cheers to the art in our lives!

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash