Maslow, Art, and Psychology

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

This is commonly taught in psychology 101 courses in high school and college. Abraham Maslow ranked human's needs in order of importance or order of need. He organized human needs into a triangle with the most basic of needs at the bottom (such as food, shelter, and clothing) and the ultimate goal or motivation for humans being self-actualization. Self-actualization means that the person is realizing or working towards realizing all their potentialities as humans. Maslow's theory  helps to define our motivations on a basic level, but in the simplicity, is a deeper understanding of human motivation. We are all searching, seeking for the same thing: to expand our horizons and to grow as humans to reach our full potential. Some people are still working on the basics such as clothing or food, while others are working on acceptance or confidence. The most advanced of persons are working on the final step, realizing their full potential as a human.

One might ask at this juncture, why I'm discussing a social psychology theory of human motivation on a blog about art? Or you may wonder how does art help with human growth? While it does not help with meeting basic needs such as shelter or more advanced needs such as confidence or self-esteem, it does play a part in self-actualization.

Art as a Trans-formative Influence

Art, fine art, is enlightening and inspiring to our souls. Creating and appreciating art is one of the things that separates humans from other primates and mammals. Fine art demonstrates what humans are capable of doing, creating and thus inspires the viewer on towards greater things themselves. It can be a motivating factor to our further growth as humans and individuals.

From Maslow's theory, we already have that motivation inherent in our beings, but with our hectic schedules, sometimes we learn to shut that drive off. We have kids to feed, bills to pay, friends to connect with, still need to sleep sometime, then wake up to do it all over again. This need for self-actualization sometimes gets put off to the back burner, then forgotten. Appreciating any type of fine art, whether at a concert, a play, or a museum, can re-ignite the passion for personal growth. Certainly having an original piece of art in your home, that you can see and be inspired from daily is a distinct advantage. I've found it is best to experience the art in person. The music seems alive and much sweeter when heard in person than from a recording. Being present in an auditorium, watching a live play is so much more fulfilling than watching a movie, distanced by time and space.

Original Art Work Versus Prints

For some works of art, such as the Mona Lisa, or Rembrandt's The Night Watchmen, having a print is the only way to hang the painting in your home. I have a print of my favorite painting, Las Meninas by Diego Velazquez. Seeing these paintings in person eclipses the print. So much detail in the artist's expression is lost in the photograph. I love viewing a Sargent's painting, both from afar and up close. His brush work is so beautiful up close, but so loose and descriptive farther away. You miss most of the awe in this quality when looking at a print. While few people could own even a Sargent painting, many people can afford paintings by current artists who are creating art now. If possible, having the original piece of art is always preferable, but when it is not possible, such as Madame X by John Singer Sargent, then a print is the only option. 

Art and Self Actualization

Original creations of fine art pieces well executed and available to be viewed in person every day in your own home is a treasure indeed. Gazing upon an original art piece can be transformative. It is inspiring as well as stimulating. Fine art has the capability to stimulate what is the best and truest inside each of us. It raises our consciousness, improves our ability to see and appreciate the world around us, and ignites the noblest and best parts of ourselves. This inspiration helps to propel us towards our own self actualization. 

Find a piece of art you love that you can afford and make arrangements to own it. You will not regret this investment in beautification of your home as well as stimulating your inner drive towards self-actualization.

If you enjoyed this article, consider signing up for my monthly newsletter. You will receive one or two emails per month with links to articles like this one. You will also receive updates on upcoming events, behind-the-scenes look into my paintings, and first look at my newest paintings. I almost forgot...You also receive a 15% discount on my newest paintings.