The giving tree, Elana Mokady, acrylic on paper, 12x12 inches, created for
“No Kid Hungry”, 2019

“At the deepest level, the creating process and the healing process arise from a single source. When you are an artist, you are a healer, a wordless trust of the same mystery is the foundation of your work and its’ integrity”  - Rachel Naomi Remen, MD .

 Happy Art holds amazing healing powers for both the creator and the audience. Bright and vibrant colors that are depicting optimistic themes are a visual inspiration to people. All of us are children at heart, deeply touched by color and feel uplifted by it.

It is especially true with kids, who are open to learning and experiencing life freely and without judgment. Their energy aligns with bright colors. Colorful representations also help kids develop their attention to details and give them deep satisfaction and joy because they “get it”. This is the reason why so many hospitals are interested in decorating empty walls with colorful and decorative art. It has healing properties to it.

I’ve been honored and humbled to witness this phenomenon first-hand through my work with leading healthcare providers and companies that dedicate their efforts to helping kids in need. I created numerous paintings for hospitals and private healthcare spaces across the US, including Boston Children’s Hospital and hospitals in San Diego California, Oklahoma and more. The sketch of the giving tree exhibited here was created (with pleasure) for No Kid Hungry.

Being an artist who chooses to paint Happy Art, some of my most rewarding moments are centered around stories told by patients or parents of patients who experience my artwork during challenging times. Often times I’m told that my vibrant and happy art transports them or their loved ones to a happier place and time – helping them cope with their struggles, while gently guiding them down the path to recovery.

It is also amazing to see how fast medical science is catching up to what many artists have known for years: There is a strong, intrinsic connection between art, healing and overall physical and psychological health.

Would you like to share a story about the healing power of art? I’d love to hear it. Share it on Twitter  or on the Facebook page.

Here's to your health and happiness!

Yours Always,

Elana Mokady