For Art’s Sake

In recent years, studies have shown that crafting can benefit one’s health on multiple fronts. On a chemical level, researchers reported that creating or simply looking at art can boost serotonin levels (which aids in regulating mood, sleep and digestion, among other functions) and release dopamine (which is involved with memory, movement, motivation and mood to name a few). Physical payoffs include engaging hand-eye coordination and improving dexterity. Furthermore, crafting and creating fine art allows one to practice mindfulness and even empathy.

The most interesting news, however, is how younger generations are turning towards art and crafts. Gen Z is known to be the most tech-savvy of the age brackets, having grown up with technology literally at their fingertips. However, there seems to be a movement away from screens and toward “grandma hobbies” such as crocheting, baking, pottery and gardening. There are even a few Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs who are solely focusing on establishing businesses around analog pastimes. Entrepreneur magazine highlighted a handful of young businesspeople who built companies around blacksmithing, needlepoint and mahjong.

It’s encouraging to hear about this trend, as I believe in turning your passion into a career – something that is not always possible – and introducing multiple generations (young and old alike) to the arts and crafts industry. The important part is for manufacturers and retailers to keep on track of trends and continually find ways to make supplies accessible to newcomers.

Thankfully, with Creativation by Namta right around the corner, there is ample opportunity to see what’s going on in this creative, colorful industry. It’s a joy to connect with attendees and exhibitors to discover new and upcoming products, learn how to better engage with customers and try novel techniques in a safe, welcoming space. Be sure to check out our show preview further on in this issue.

Speaking of creativity, here are more stories in these pages that are sure to delight and inspire. There are a couple entrepreneurs including Marianne Budin of Marvelous Marianne’s who, with the support of friends and family, started her own line of powerful, yet gentle soap. Shortly after founding St. Louis Art Supply, Carson Monetti got to work producing a range of inks and watercolors for customers. Across the Atlantic, mixed media artist Sonia Modde-Sartor of Berry, France uses Lindy’s Gang products to create cards, scrapbooking pages and more; she even collaborated with Lindy’s Gang to make her own color set.

The practice of creating – whether it’s a product or a piece of art – can have positively affect not only your mental and physical wellbeing, but also those around you. Inspiration can become creation which can lead to further inspiration. Let’s keep the cycle going!