Art is for Everyone

We were artists long before we were farmers or historians or mathematicians.

The earliest examples of fine sculptures are at least 30,000 years old, and there are many surviving paintings made over 15,000 years ago. Whatever inspires us, the need to express ourselves with literal or abstract creativity is fundamental to human development and history.

What makes art so unique is that it is intensely personal and public at the same time.

We may acknowledge the negative effect that the modern armchair spectator lifestyle has on our physical well-being, but I am unaware of any research into what becomes of the armchair artist:

Just how is our creative drive impacted by the passive nature of today's entertainment culture? What do these idle hands get up to?

Anyone who has seen the concentration and focus that children put into their weird and wonderful colour schemes will recognize how important this is in children's development. We may not understand the meaning of a three legged blue cow eating red grass under a purple sun, but we see the sense of achievement and confidence the activity of drawing it brings to a young child's life.

Art Appreciation

As adults we can derive as much satisfaction from the work of others as we do from our own efforts and this is perhaps the single most important quality that allows us to develop and grow as conscious beings.

Our ability to empathise with, and learn from others, is what takes each generation a stride further than the previous. This is the essence of human development and any failure to nurture this quality will surely have consequences that we cannot properly predict. Here is where the artist, who wants us to feel what they feel and see what they see, may be the foundation of science and civilisation.

The History of Art

The British Isles have a diversity of culture and landscape that has inspired artists and poets throughout history.

The UK also has a wealth of galleries and museums where anyone can stand and be amazed, or not, by the artistry of others.

While the great art galleries are located in our major cities, do not forget the many stately homes and small museums dotted around the countryside which also display the works of local artists and archaeological finds, often dating back to pre-historic times.

Any visitor to London will probably be aware of the number of opportunities to view great works of art, but a few questions asked at any local Tourist Information Office can provide a surprising number of other locations to visit.

Getting Started

For those wishing to (literally) get their hands dirty, there's no time like the present.

The entire length and breadth of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland has colleges and schools running daytime and evening art classes.

Almost every high street will have at least one shop selling artist's materials and art supplies: There are books on art and pictures and prints available in every town and city: And of course, there are numerous on-line suppliers.