Humans Are Wired For Art with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

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Here we explore the transformative power of art on human consciousness and health. Magsamen and Ross emphasize that art, in all its forms, impacts neural circuitry, physiology, and behavior, enhancing physical and mental well-being. Art can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and foster social connections. They highlight the importance of integrating arts in healthcare, education, and community building, citing examples like music therapy for Alzheimer's and dance for Parkinson's. Ross mentions that art can lower cortisol levels and improve decision-making. They advocate for the inclusion of arts in schools and healthcare settings, noting its cost-effective benefits and potential for significant return on investment. (hosted by Justine Willis Toms)

Bio

Susan Magsamen is the founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthethics (known as the IAM Lab) at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she’s a faculty member in the Department of Neurology.

Ivy Ross is Chief Design Officer of Consumer Devices at Google and has led teams that have won hundreds of design awards. She’s a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient and was ninth on Fast Company’s list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2019.

Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross are co-authors of:

• Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. (Random House 2023)

To learn more about the work of Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross go to www.yourbrainonart.com.

Topics explored in this dialogue include:

•  What is an expanded definition of art and creativity
• What biologist E.O. Wilson said about the importance of human creativity and how humans are wired for the arts
• How the experience of salience allows us to experience art on an emotional level that creates strong neural pathways
• How fMRI brain exploration and other biometrics add to our knowledge of the neuro arts and neuroaesthetics
• Why being in nature is a highly neuroesthetic environment that alleviates stress and improves well-being
• What are the health benefits of creative writing
• Why is it important for young people to have time for free play
• How neurosynapeses can build pathways to resilience
• How the prefrontal cortex helps to build executive function and leads to a state of flow
• Using virtual and augmented reality in the healing of burn patients
• What are the interactive sensory experiences provided by the Rubin Museum in New York
• What are the benefits of doodling and humming for well-being

Host: Justine Willis Toms    Interview Date: 10/14/2024   Program Number: 3829

Music Playlist

From Album: A Windham Hill Retrospective
Artist: Alex DeGrassi

Opening Essay: Track 02 Causeway
Music Break 1: Track 04 Window
Music Break 2: Track 09 A Momentary Change Of Heart
Music Break 3: Track 13 Children's Dance