How to Curate Art for Healing Spaces

Did you know that the brain releases the feel-good hormone dopamine when it sees something beautiful?

Researchers from the fields of environmental psychology and neuroscience have learned that healing is promoted by surroundings that reduce stress and engage the senses in therapeutic ways. By carefully curating your art collection and selecting pieces that integrate biophilic design principles you can create a calming and soothing atmosphere whether you are curating for a hospital, medical clinic, yoga studio, spa, home or workplace.

Biophilic Design reconnects humans to their natural habitat through the built environment. Through the survival of our species, humans have developed an affinity and positive neuro-response for the natural world that has sustained us.

Choose art that reflects local landscapes, flora, fauna, recreation and happy, smiling lifestyles to create a familiar and comforting environment. Avoid abstract images that the brain may not recognize or understand which can cause anxiety in the viewer, especially those with a brain injury or in trauma recovery.

Look for art that represents natural materials and light and mimic design patterns and fractals found in nature.

Feng Shui is based on the concept of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element represents a different aspect of nature and is associated with certain colors, shapes, and materials. Earth represents stability, grounding, and nourishment. Air represents movement, change, and flexibility. Water represents calmness, purity, and clarity. Metal represents strength, clarity, and precision. Fire represents passion, energy, and transformation. Art featuring three or more elements is considered balanced and will help to harmonize a room.

Or if you are working with a room that already heavily features a certain element such as earth then select artwork that features air or water to balance the space.

The art you choose to surround yourself with is an important aspect in creating a healing sanctuary. Art can provide a positive distraction and encourage viewers to leave a moment of stress and engage in a happy memory.

I offer a collection of fine art photography highlighting beauty, nature, the elements, color and a sense of place. Each piece integrates key components of biophilia to encourage relaxation and a sense of calm. To view my work click here.