The importance of visual art

Of all of the five senses, different measurements of learning are approximately broken down as the following. Five percent of the information that you receive is by smell. Five percent of the information is received by taste. Ten percent is received by hearing and touch. Finally approximately seventy percent of the information that you receive is through sight. Therefore, seven out of ten pieces of information that you receive on a daily basis is by sight, or through means of a picture. When the brain sees a picture, that picture is immediately referenced into the conscious and subconscious mind, much in the same way that a computer operates.

It is indeed true that, a picture is worth a thousand words and when one keeps the picture of success within their mind, success can occur a million times over. Every invention that was ever created that has changed the lives of man for centuries all began with a picture of what the design looked like in one’s mind. This vision in that person’s mind was then transferred on to a piece of paper by a drawing for others to see and capture the image within their own minds. From that point on the idea grows into physical manifestation. Visual art not only provides people to express themselves, but also gives them the ability to communicate with one another with much less friction than non-visual communication. 

DiCarpio

This blog is really a house of ideas. At first, I'm not aware that around 70% of information received by sight. Visual arts have been hype in most schools these days.

sapphire

visual arts add beauty and other views of the world around us that we wouldn't otherwise notice or see.

savagegarden

To quote, "When the brain sees a picture, that picture is immediately referenced into the conscious and subconscious mind, much in the same way that a computer operates." wow! this is amazing! just goes to show that human is better than a computer.

MaryMary

exposure to visual art-related activities has beneficial effects on one's personal outcomes and self expression

veronica

Thanks for posting this. Indeed a picture tells a story and can come up with different meanings. Visual arts are hidden in form, the result of the conscious and unconscious intentions of the author; hence the valid truth that visual art is essential for self-expression. It has a positive impact to a person's self-awareness, motivation and people skills.

Aphrodite_gee

In my personal personal perspective, visual art partakes to a man's comprehension of the visual brain because it digs and unveils the brain's perceptual abilities. Visual arts play vital roles in defining one's existence and these things help you rediscover the winner in you even if things are falling apart. I'm amazed of what you've written about visual arts.

Keen

Visual artists get ideas from many sources. A fine example of visual art is Leonardo DaVinci's Mona Lisa painting. The lady in the picture became DaVinci's source of inspiration. If schools will expose their students with visual arts, it will encourage them to discover a variety of sources of inspiration and consider the sources as avenue for personal expression.

Josh Foley

Honestly, visual arts to me may never have been as significant or visible as they are today in some areas, but have long played a part in the history of art. Luckily, photography is much alive. Photography remains to be part of my daily life. I love taking pictures and it's my passion. It communicates an idea or emotion through visual means.

amor

Well, it's just not about expressing themselves but entertaining people. Visual arts still exist and will continue to inspire and amaze people. I'm a collector of comics and it appears to me that drawings are important as words. Although words may appear to enhance the narration, the drawings carry the story. Comics are tool of pop culture drawing on the fine and literary arts.

hale brown

It's a good thing that my daughter's school offered summer programs for learning. I took her to visual arts class that will help review her knowledge, communication and technical skills and successful learning behaviors. I'm sure that it will deepen her power of expression and challenge her to reconcile the powers of emotion and intuition with intellectual ability.

Mike Howley

This is why we need to make sure we retain the arts in schools-- we cannot underestimate the importance of the visual arts to human development!

Art Maven

I really love this post--in fact I am really enjoying this blog! I concur--art is very significant to progress-- human beings can be so short sighted...

Laureli

I am an art teacher and I know that art funding is being cut across the board and it is deeply troubling, especially in these economic times. People think of art as something recreational not as something that truly enhances human experiences. I wish people could stop being so one dimensional and finally give art its due.

Capt Ahab

What an incredible post! Oh, and my compliments to the website owner--I am having a great time looking over the site. That said I have to say I completely agree with what the poster said here. We tend to "listen" more to an idea when it is visually presented than when it is spoken--I suppose because we have tome to think about it as we look.

Muse

It is true that human beings communicate best when they are not speaking. There are even books out there that teach how to speak using body language to get what you want. While I do not think it is good to use to manipulate others, cultivating unspoken nuances and visuals can help us teach others in a more individualized way.

As We Dream

Sometimes words can even make things worse! I think human beings have a hard time conveying how they really feel. However, when we learn to show and not tell, we are able to provide useful info that fosters communication--I wish they would teach a course in the use of visuals in schools!

Laureli

I have asked my students to indulge in an exercise where they paint a picture that tells a story without words. Some of the stuff they come up with is very insightful, even funny (4th graders). It is then that I really begin to realize just how much we can say without having to say anything at all...

As We Dream

I may try that the next time I have an argument with my wife. Instead of trying to explain what I meant when I said her pants didn't fit right, I may draw a picture. Think that will get me off the hook?

Laureli

It might--just make sure y if you decide to draw your wife you make her look ten to twenty pound smaller ...lol

As We Dream

LOL That could backfire--she may think I am hinting at how much weight I want her to lose. I'll keep it abstract of something so it steers clear of any innuendos...

MiSS_Anthropy

As We dream, you are one very smart man! LOL

Vanman

As I read this post I was reminded of the Rorschach tests that are used to indicate a person's inner emotions. People can interpret these ink blots and it can tell their doctors what could be seated in their subconscious. Art is its' own Rorschach test and has equal merit in the world at large.

libertyx

Brilliant thoughts. I just recently discover that the visual arts develop minds and the eye is part of the mind. Imagine what visual arts can do to a child. It cultivates sensitive perception, develops insight and fosters imagination. Research shows that visual intelligence is an important realm of intellectual activity and is uniquely developed by the visual arts.

Laureli

I know but IQ test seem to concentrate solely on the mathematical and scientific aspects of human intelligence leaving behind the literary and visual parts which is of course a travesty...

As We Dream

Been a while since my last post but I had to come back and see how the blogs were doing. I am glad to see discussion is still happening. This is how and where it begins, with people really earnestly looking at art and it's many gifts beyond what we see on the surface.

Cincinnati

I am sure someone has already said this, but doesn't looking at visual objects stimulate the brain and increase activity allowing us the certain information easier? I know I read that somewhere and it shows that even science and math can be connected to art and music.

Stargazer

All I know if how art makes me feel, from music, to sculpture, to painting to dance and music. We are soul linked to art. Even those who say art has no importance enjoy some aspect of art--seems a bit hypocritical when one thinks about it.

Nina

One of my favorite pictures is Starry Night by Van Gogh. Every time I stand in front of it, I feel as if I am begin taken into another world in a whirlwind of emotion. The picture says in one presentation how the night makes me feel. Visual art is priceless.

Larry D.

This blog is right on in so many respects. Although men are not supposed to be as visually intuitive as women, I find that artistic men understand these nuances. Besides, in time, those who do not would learn through art. It is an endeavor worthy of pursuit.

Igloo_Master

Men are visual in a different way. We notice aesthetics whereas women note emotional and psychological changes in the face. Men cultivate body language and visual cues by learning from the ladies. As Larry D. d said, art can help us in this goal as well.

Blondie

I think a lot of this depends on the girl or guy. I know plenty of men who are very visually intuitive and women who do not have a clue. But yeah, at the end of the day, visual arts help us communicate in ways that words cannot convey.

Myopic Butterfly

we can all look at art differently but it's power is still there. I for one enjoy all aspects of the creative process which is probably why I am drawn to multimedia interpretations and with that I say, Bravo. I really enjoy Ylotana's mood and message. very nice..

As We Dream

Hi Myopic -- I couldn't agree with you more. It doesn't matter how we take art in so long as we take it in....

Laureli

Thanks for joining the discussion Myopic. This site is pretty cool and I am addicted to the blogs and stuff--you will see a lot of posts from me. I encourage you to read some of the other blogs as well...

Amelie

You know, I have been toying with the concept of there d art--like art that you have to wear three d glasses to have it leap out at you. But I am not sure how you would do that. Has that been done before? I can't seem to find any information on it.

Cat_Man_Do

I don't know but is sounds like a cool idea either way. I say go for it! I for one would love to see something like that.

Houdini

The importance of visual art is too bountiful to even explain in an article. Ylotana you really have a great idea and I love how you explore all these concepts regarding art. People need to think about stuff like this not blindly accept the status quo.

Art Maven

been a sec since I posted but I had to come here and get my Ylotana fix and read the blogs. I came back to this post because it is really aligns with most of my ideals regarding the role visual art plays in shaping society. It feels good to know someone else gets this!

Laureli

I know! Sometimes I feel like the lone soldier in a gigantic war. But then, my family is largely conservative and look at me like the barefoot flower child hippie. I don't know why they think art has no substance. What do they think we do--dabble in finger paints all day?

Enrique

yes, art has such relevance and I think certain types of people will only acknowledge it if we take it away. Sadly human beings are rarely proactive--they are largely reactive. We learn only when we lose something--we rarely appreciate the things that are in front of us until they are gone.

Heather

The whole "you won't miss the water until your well runs dry" phenomenon. I agree to an extent. They would probably notice something is wrong but they won't attribute it to the missing art. I see them doing a bunch of surveys and studies about where the magic has gone and never admitting the mistake they made....