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We’ve all had those days - the world feels too loud, the “to-do” list feels never ending, and the walls of our home start to feel like they’re caving in.
For those of us navigating the ups and downs of mental health, we know that nature is often the best medicine. I don’t know about you, but a walk in the woods or a moment in the garden can ground me like nothing else.
But what happens on the days when you can't get outside? When you just can’t get motivated, the weather doesn't cooperate, or you’re stuck behind a desk?
This is where art can have a profound effect on our mood…..it provides an intentional way to bring the quiet, healing spirit of the outdoors into our home.
Art as Therapy
There’s a term in design called Biophilia—the idea that humans possess an innate desire to connect with nature. Studies have shown that even just looking at images of nature can reduce heart rates.
In my studio, I don't try to replicate nature perfectly. Instead, I focus on things like the bouncing light on foliage & the way patterns form on the leaves.
Bringing a botanical painting into your home is so much more than just filling a gap on the wall.
It becomes a form of self-care —those organic shapes & earthy colours are exactly what our brains need to switch off the noise and find a little peace.
I love this quote by Lao Tzu - "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
Why Abstraction Helps a Busy Mind
If you struggle with anxiety or "brain fog," sometimes looking at a highly detailed, realistic painting can feel like more "information" to process. Abstract art offers a different kind of relief:
• No "Right" Answer: You don’t have to identify what you’re looking at…..Your mind is allowed to simply wander through the colours & shapes.
• A Place for the Eyes to Rest: My paintings are built on layers of light and organic shapes. They provide a calm focus in a room, giving your eyes a place to land that isn't a glowing screen or a cluttered shelf.
Creating Your Sanctuary
Choosing a piece of art for your mental well-being is a profound act of self-care. It’s a way to acknowledge your environment matters and that you deserve a space that heals rather than drains.
Whether it’s a small canvas on your bedside table to greet you in the morning or a large statement piece in your living room, art can be a powerful anchor. It reminds us that, like nature, we have seasons. We have moments of wild growth, and also times where we need to retreat into the shadows to recharge.
How does the calming energy of nature help you in your darker moments? Let us know in the comments below.
