For the last 10 years I have loved sneaking into the studios to see our students engrossed in making artwork. I have become fascinated with the process of making art and the deep concentration that’s required. Without a doubt, you can see the wheels turning, the problem-solving skills at work and a whole bunch of things that stimulate brain activity in a positive way. I call that “The Joy of Doing”.

On the other hand, it has been equally rewarding to engage students after they have completed an artwork. Take a look at the little girl above… this mixed media object was patterned after a work Picasso did that MOMA showed a few years back. The pride and joy that you gain when you are able to reflect on what you did, present it to the world and gain feedback remains invaluable for anyone working in the creative space. I call this “The Joy of Sharing”.

This is the 360° loop. It’s writing the song, recording this song and playing the song for an audience. And for me, there is nothing like this end to end experience for your brain and your soul.