3 Things You Can Do Today to Live Life More Artfully!

Have you ever really thought about what artful means? Oxford defines artful as - clever or skillful, typically in a crafty or cunning way; showing creative skill or taste. Well, we certainly can't argue with that, but here at Live An Artful Life® we also define artful as a pure enjoyment of art and a artistic lifestyle that supports the arts.

Whether you create art or just enjoy art, including it in your lifestyle has many benefits. We believe that science supports the health benefits of art and we know from personal experience that an artful lifestyle is more harmonious and beneficial to your overall well being. See regular live performances, plays, dance, music and you're just not likely to care as much about the weather that seems to dictate everyone else's life. Change up your home and wow, you suddenly feel refreshed and out of the rut. Come on, get started! Here are 3 things you can do today to live a fuller more artful lifestyle.

1. There's almost nothing more artfully inspiring than surrounding yourself with that which is artful and one of the best ways to get started is to plan to attend an art opening, a evening gallery walk, a craft or artisan fair and or seeing a live performance such as a play. It's the total immersion effect and we feel simply being with artistic objects and people is being artful too! You will be more aware of artful things that surround us everyday and be able to take that artfulness into your own life. You will start to notice that painting in the hall at work, the beautiful sculpture in the park as you walk to lunch, the art gallery down the street that you have never been in, those interesting colors on that gal you saw running this morning and the magnificent sunset that we often take for granted.
   
   
2. Be more creative by wearing something colorful that you would not normally think of wearing. Pick out a color that really says, "I'm creative and I'm wearing this because I love the color and it makes me feel good!" As my husband always says, "Wear the clothes, don't let them wear you". One of the best and simplest ways to spice up your wardrobe is to don a beautiful hand dyed or embellished scarf. But don't just throw it around your neck - get creative. There are so many artful ways to tie a scarf these days and that's part of the fun. We especially love this video from Nordstrom's on 16 different ways to tie 4 different types of scarves, because they show ties that can be used for cold weather or warm, including the swimsuit cover up. Try it out as you're heading to that art opening!
   
   
3. Give yourself or a friend a hand made gift! Part of being artful is having an appreciation for artfully made things. It doesn't have to be expensive but it should be unique and something you enjoy. It should make you feel great or evoke a fond memory or stimulate your senses. It could be a beautiful glass bowl, a pottery vase, a hand carved wooden sculpture, a painting or a set of colorful candles. It should bring a smile to your face and as a gift your friend will sense and appreciate your non manufactured choice. Handmade things often have an artist story or philosophy with them and this can make the item even more appreciated.

Start living an artful life today!