Neurobiology of Creating Art

A short neurobiological guide to why art makes you feel good:

Just as you read this newsletter you will experience the joy of anticipation! Your “feel-good hormone” Dopamine will be surging in anticipation before you start your hands on art making at the studio, your brain and body know that you are about to experience a reward just by signing up to a workshop at WAA you can start to feel good!

When you actually start to make art, parts of your brain are affected and there is an increase in Serotonin, the key hormone that stabilizes your mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. This hormone impacts your entire body. It enables brain cells and other nervous system cells to communicate with each other. Hurray, we love Serotonin! 

While you are engaged in a feel good activity like art, your stress hormone Cortisol is kept at bay, whew ! Elevated cortisol levels get right in the way with learning, memory and elevate blood pressure. But guess what? Art making does reduce those levels as you engage in calming self-regulating activities such as doodling, drawing, making mandalas and other kinds of art making that takes you to what we call a FLOW state!

Last of all come enjoy some Oxytocin, the cuddle hormone! This is triggered when we gather in a ‘herd’ and trust is formed, so come and join the Wild at Art ‘herd’ and enjoy your oxytocin boost and your endorphin rush as you laugh, chat and make friends in a community and atmosphere of fun and creativity!