Nature and Art

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Ever since new research at Kings College, London suggested that visiting art galleries is good for our health, I seem to keep stumbling across commentary on the findings from that study. It concluded that viewing original art could lower markers within the body for a wide range of inflammatory conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stress and depression. 

As somebody who is predisposed to a number of inflammatory conditions, my interest was piqued. Already aware of the benefits of  immersing oneself in nature and of exercise, how wonderful if visiting exhibitions can be added to the list of preventative healthcare measures for adoption in retirement. Some of my best days out in the last decade have certainly involved admiring the creativity of others which I always find generates an inner emotional response. Potentially it now seems feasible that instead of planning a visit to a gallery as a cultural indulgence, we should look upon it as a prescription for the well-being of both body and mind.

It's perhaps a shame that the weather is somewhat foul at the moment as the ideal scenario would presumably be to power walk through an outdoor sculpture exhibition, a little like our recent trip to Durham Lumiere. Of course many venues have now closed for the winter and although Mister E and I were fortunate in visiting Newby Hall's sculpture trail on a very balmy autumn day before it shut its gates until Spring, trying to emulate that experience at the moment might be more akin to participating in a Tough Mudder event.

Instead it seems sensible to compile a list of peaceful indoor venues, where both the crowds of Christmas shoppers and the temperature outside can be avoided. Conducting our own research on the inducement of calm and wellness from regular engagement with artwork sounds like a deserving project for the winter months and who knows may even bring its own mental and physical health benefits for the future.

(My photograph of Just Breathe sculpted by Lucy Kinsella)


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