Your Brain on Art

Draws on cutting-edge research . . . A compelling case for art's vital role in brain health * * Telegraph * * Fascinating . . . Drives home the message that aesthetic engagement (no matter how small) can improve your life * * New Scientist * * Mesmerising . . . The authors detail a wealth of research that shows how doing some sort of artistic activity - dancing, say, or writing or singing - has measurable benefits. And I, for one, am persuaded * * Mail on Sunday * * This book blew my mind! An authoritative yet practical guide to the neuroarts . . . A romp through the latest science on how art transforms the brain and the body -- ANGELA DUCKWORTH, bestselling author of GRIT: THE POWER OF PASSION AND PERSEVERANCE Your Brain on Art will change how you think about the creative world - both around you and within you -- CHARLES DUHIGG, author of bestsellers THE POWER OF HABIT and SMARTER FASTER BETTER An extraordinary and important book. Magsamen and Ross put us back in touch with one of the defining features of being human - art -- DANIEL LEVITIN, bestselling author of THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON MUSIC A groundbreaking book on the science behind humanity, joy and creativity. Art is the word we use for the magic that makes us better -- SETH GODIN, bestselling author of THIS IS MARKETING Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, through extensive interviews and research, have created something beautiful and affirming with their book Your Brain on Art. Its pages provide proof for what so many of us have always known, that art, especially art in community, is transformative beyond measure -- DAVID BYRNE, bestselling author of HOW MUSIC WORKS This mind-bending book can help shape richer lives and a newer world. It's the best description yet of the indivisibility of art, the natural world, and our neurological health -- RICHARD LOUV, author of THE NATURE PRINCIPLE and LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS In their captivating book, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross have assembled something remarkable: a scientific framework for understanding how art affects us. For anyone who has been transfixed by a painting, or moved to tears by a piece of music, this book provides a fascinating tour of what goes on in the brain when we encounter art's transformative power -- ANNIE MURPHY PAUL, author of THE EXTENDED MIND: THE POWER OF THINKING OUTSIDE THE BRAIN Neuroscientists know that our experiences sculpt our brains leading to new connections. In this wonderful new book, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross show us how the experience of art helps to build connections and pathways for mental health. Your Brain on Art makes the case for neuroaesthetics at a time when all of us can benefit from what art can do not only for our souls but our brains -- THOMAS INSEL, former director of THE NATIONAL INSTITUE OF MENTAL HEALTH and author of HEALING: OUR PATH FROM MENTAL ILLNESS TO MENTAL HEALTH This wonderful book demonstrates that art is essential for health, healing, community, and bliss. Your Brain on Art is well researched and well written. I couldn't put it down -- MARY PIPHER, author of WOMEN ROWING NORTH and A LIFE IN LIGHT Art is often dismissed as a nice-to-have, but this important book shows that it is an absolute necessity for a life well-lived. Everyone should read this book. In it, you'll learn how to reclaim your creativity, heal your body, soothe your spirit, and transform your community -- INGRID FETELL LEE, author of JOYFUL and founder of The Aesthetics of Joy Your Brain on Art is just the book we need now. It's an invitation to begin to welcome the arts for your own health and well-being today -- JEFFREY WALKER, author and philanthropist Your Brain on Art masterfully demonstrates the power of all artistic expression, from visual to musical, on brain health. This book shows us that a beautiful painting or haunting melody is not just entertainment, but bountiful nourishment for your brain, mind and soul -- DR. RUDOPLH TANZI, NEW YORK TIMES bestsellin

Susan Magsamen is the founder and director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she is a faculty member. She is also the co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint. Susan works with both the public and private sectors using arts and culture evidence-based approaches in areas including health, child development, education, workforce innovation, rehabilitation and social equity. Ivy Ross is the Vice President of Design for hardware product area at Google, where she leads a team that has won over 225 design awards. She is a National Endowment for Arts grant recipient and was ninth on Fast Company's list of the one hundred Most Creative People in Business in 2019. Ross believes that the intersection of arts and sciences is where the most engaging and creative ideas are found.