Chapter 1: Understanding the Role of Art in Empathy

Art may not resonate with everyone, and I can attest to this firsthand as someone who has worked as an art consultant. That title sounds a bit dubious, doesn’t it? Let me clarify: my experience in the fine art industry taught me that while art might not appeal to everyone, it holds profound significance for fostering empathy.

As a child, I believed I understood empathy well. I would reach out to new kids at school to ensure they felt included, and I even donated my Christmas money to children in need, only requesting a new Bible for myself—a gesture that now seems a bit excessive. Clearly, I wasn't lacking in empathy.

Fast forward to my adult life: I secured a position at a prestigious art consulting firm in Chicago right after graduate school. My job involved traveling across the nation to install art in stylish office environments, making me feel accomplished and fulfilled. However, I faced an unexpected setback when I was let go, thrusting me into a transformative journey to truly comprehend empathy for both others and myself.

Experiencing the shock of being fired for the first time can be overwhelming. I remember crying during a morning Zoom meeting when my boss delivered the news. I had to pause my tears halfway through to sip some water, only to continue sobbing afterward on my couch, with my cat trying to offer comfort. For weeks, any evocative artwork would bring tears to my eyes once more.

Though I can chuckle at my emotional response now, it made me ponder why I reacted so strongly to this job loss. Was it my ego being bruised, feeling that my worth was tied to my professional identity? Or perhaps it was the fear of not succeeding in an industry I cherished? Most importantly, could it be that my immersion in the arts had heightened my emotional sensitivity toward myself and others?

Dr. Joseph Behen, a psychotherapist, suggests that artists tend to possess a deeper level of empathy compared to non-artists. They are generally more sensitive and have fluid personal boundaries that facilitate meaningful emotional connections.

This sensitivity is evident in the collaborative work of portrait artist Riva Lehrer. She invites her subjects into her home for a two-hour drawing session, allowing them to modify or even destroy their portrait as they see fit. This process serves as a means to connect on a profound level with her often marginalized subjects. Lehrer describes her approach as a willingness to be vulnerable, akin to her subjects' experiences, acknowledging the fear and pain that can accompany such exposure.

Art entails a level of vulnerability that can be uncomfortable for both creators and audiences. I believe this discomfort is why some individuals create distance between themselves and the art they encounter. Phrases like, "My child could do that" or "If this art sells for so much, I should quit my job and start creating," reflect a deeper inability to open up to alternate perspectives.

Empathy is defined as the ability to comprehend and appropriately respond to the emotions of others, as noted by Mansur Samira Schultz and DeFelipe Javier in the Frontiers in Psychology Journal. It involves experiencing emotions vicariously and understanding their underlying causes.

Art and design writer Liz Logan elaborates on this idea. In the 1800s, philosophers explored why art brings joy, concluding that it triggers memories and emotions. They identified empathy as the vital link between art and its audience. German aesthetics scholar Robert Vischer coined the term "einfühlung," meaning "feeling into," which was later translated into English as "empathy" by British psychologist Edward Titchener.

When we detach ourselves from the opportunity to experience art, we diminish our ability to empathize with others. We effectively sever our connection to the practice of empathy.

Although my emotional experience during my job loss may seem trivial, it highlighted the importance of empathy in various contexts. It could have equally prepared me to support a friend grieving a loss or to listen to someone in distress. When we embrace the influence of empathy, we cannot dictate how it shapes us, underscoring its significance in our lives. It expands our capacity to relate to and assist a world in need, whether among artists or non-artists.

Regrettably, not everyone is open to art, as it demands effort to see the world through different lenses or to engage with perspectives we do not initially understand. For those willing to embrace the mysteries and complexities of life, art serves as a foundation of empathy. If nurtured, it can deepen our understanding of the emotions and experiences that shape others' lives.

Chapter 2: The Emotional Impact of Art

In the video "Maybe An Art Career Wasn't Meant For You," the speaker delves into the complexities of pursuing an art career and the emotional toll it can take. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and resilience in the art world.

The second video, "Your Art Isn't for Everyone," explores the notion that not every piece of art will resonate with every viewer. It encourages artists to remain true to their vision, regardless of public reception, highlighting the personal journey of creating art.