In the presence of art, we may experience inspiration, wonder, and even hope; it can spark our imagination, creativity, and thinking. Our internal awareness and capacity for transformation can expand through experiences with art.
There are scientific studies that demonstrate how people benefit from exposure to art, as well as social prescription programs where health professionals prescribe museum visits, art classes, and other creative endeavors. Art can harness the healing power within each of us and help bring us into community with one another.
When in front of an artwork, we are connected to the artist and to others who have experienced it. And connection, to ourselves and others, is at the core of art and healing. Healing isn’t a destination with a fixed timeline or endpoint but rather a path, or many paths.
Just like each visit with a favorite work of art is a new experience with new insights, healing is a journey with possibilities stretching out in all directions.
- edited from an online MoMa article by Jackie Armstrong; Associate Educator, Visitor Research and Experience
March - June 2022
We are all connected to the land. We are created by the same great Creator.
The land, air, water and sun, all tie us together and connect us as livings forces. The beauty of the land, water, sun and sky are celebrated in these works.
These paintings are meditations and reflections that are inspired by walking, biking, hiking, skiing, researching, photographing and experiencing the environment around me. These moments of being connected with the land are captured in these paintings. Before these paintings were created, hours were spent appreciating, thinking, travelling, sketching, photographing, writing and reflecting in these locations.
Nature is a healing force. A gift from the Creator.
Ann B. Donald
Ann Brooymans Donald has lived and taught in Toronto and Saskatoon for over 30 years. She enjoys captivating images in her environment.
Her connections with nature began with her childhood years exploring nature while growing up on a farm. Her connections with nature are the inspiration for her drawing and use of the elements and principles of design. Her work celebrates the prairies.
Ann has been in numerous exhibitions throughout Canada and Holland. She has been teaching art in galleries, museums, high schools, elementary schools and universities. Ann holds degrees related to creating and teaching art from Mount Alison University, York University, and an Art Academy in Enschede, Holland.
She can be reached at 306.281.4477 or anndonaldart@gmail.com.