At the movies, dramas go head-to-head with comedies. Depending how you’re feeling that day, you can choose to see a serious film or a more light-hearted one. With TV you can curl up to enjoy a drama or a sitcom. Even with books there’s no shortage of choice. Many contemporary writers, even of literary fiction, have a humorous writing style.
Why is it then that so much of the art that is available for sale is so serious, dark and somber? We don’t typically think of warmth and humour when we think about art. The question is: why not?
Artist Alison Galvan is on a mission to change all of that. Her sculpted, three-dimensional pieces feature vibrant, happy colours and showcase some of life’s lighter, funnier moments. She thinks people should choose art that makes them smile.
“I did some research into laughter and how it affects us and it was really quite surprising to me,” says Galvan. “The list of physical benefits was astounding. It lowers blood pressure. It’s good for people with heart conditions.”
She read several stories of people who had been diagnosed with cancer and who were told they had just a few months to live. One woman chose to deal with the news by watching six months’ worth of comedies – the funniest movies she could find. Her doctor was as surprised as anyone when they later found her cancer was in remission.
“It’s an attitude change for sure,” she says. “And it produces a real chemical change in our bodies. Laughter is so powerful. It really isn’t just ‘nice’ – it actually has physical and mental benefits.”
Then why not bring some of this positivity into your home or office environment? You can display gorgeous original art and lighten the mood at the same time.
For more information about Alison Galvan and her art, visit www.chubbyartnews.blogspot.com.