The Emotional Impact of Art for the Artist: Tips for Baby Boomers and Seniors

Are you a potential artist who loves artwork? As a baby boomer or senior, perhaps you want to be an artist. If so, you might also wonder what the emotional impact of art will be for you as an artist, particularly with respect to your own work. Will it affect others the same way? 

The emotional impart of art for the true artist may be as powerful as it is for any other person who loves art. For some artists, the emotional aspect may be even more intense.

The article, “The Emotions of Creativity” suggests, “Emotions disturb equilibrium – at equilibrium we’re neutral. Exceptional art isn’t neutral and neither are significant artists.”

Emotional, creative attachment to one’s own artwork often leads the artist to cling to his or her work or to hide it, rather than to share it with the world. The artist may not want to share his or her artwork because it is too personal with respect to his or her own emotions, thoughts and feelings, either expressed or hidden in the artwork. It may be embarrassing because artwork is simultaneously revealing and concealing. Amateur artists can be particularly vulnerable in this respect.

Fear may be one of the initial emotional responses an artist has in terms of his or her own artwork. An example of this might be that of an artist portraying death associated with a dark graveyard.

There is a whole gamut of emotions artists experience when creating pieces of artwork including love and hate, joy and sorrow. Many artists fall in love with their own artwork; others hate their own work.

Many times, pieces of artwork originate from inspiration triggered by the artist’s strong emotions or emotional attachment to something or someone. As the artwork progresses, the emotional intensity experienced by the artist may increase. It may also decrease, particularly when the artist becomes frustrated with it.

The artist may have such overpowering positive feelings about his or her work that he or she demands immediate approval and recognition as an artist. He or she may be aware that others can experience similar intense, emotional impact from his or her artwork.

At other times, there are powerful, strong feelings about artwork that may be negative or extremely negative. Extremely adverse feelings aroused in the artist’s emotional realm may cause him or her to destroy his or her own artwork.

The artist may experience contradictory thoughts about his or her own self worth, at times exaggerated in a positive or a negative manner, in artwork based on the artist’s emotions.  Exaggerated positive, emotional feelings might result in the artist attempting to display his or her artwork to others, even forcing it on those who normally do not like artwork. He or she may create antagonism towards others by being too infatuated with it and insistent on the merit of a piece of artwork.

Other people may not be able to relate to a piece of artwork, if they do not perceive it in a manner similar to the emotional involvement of the artist. They may also have very adverse thoughts and feelings about it, regardless of the artist’s emotional attachment to it.

Be aware that negative criticism can often devastate an artist and render him or her impotent with respect to continuing in the field of artwork.

Artists seeking immediate fame and fortune from their artwork become disillusioned and may turn away from the occupation, even when their artwork is excellent and appreciated by others. This may happen if there it is only a money-oriented career or hobby. An artist painting only for money may give up quickly when he or she does not get wealthy immediately.

For those seriously considering becoming artists, it is important to deal with the personal, as well as the emotional impact of artwork on others. People may express pleasure or displeasure, but an emotional reaction one way or another is better than no reaction.

Artists are generally individuals who work alone and are able to continue in their realm of endeavor without the continual, positive, recognition and reinforcement of others. They can survive negative criticism and do not over-exaggerate positive aspects of the criticism by others.

Carving one’s own niche in the art world is not easy for any artist, but worth pursuing for artists who are truly gifted in some way.

You might be a person who is able to express your emotions, thoughts and feelings in your artwork in such a powerful way others can relate to it in a similar manner. Remember that emotions always play a powerful role in artwork. When there is no emotion, the artwork may be blasé.

Regardless of the response of others, pursue your art-oriented goal and develop your skills. Who knows, you may be a Michael Angelo, at heart.