Why Beauty Still Matters
Reflecting beside one of my paintings in the studio, New York, 2026
Life moves quickly now. We see endless images, have shorter conversations, and struggle to focus. In this environment, beauty often seems unimportant or merely decorative. Yet as I paint, connect with nature, and engage with others, I’ve come to believe the opposite: beauty is not a luxury but an essential part of being human.
As an artist, I’ve always struggled to describe beauty in words. Some things defy explanation. When you stand before a great painting, hear moving music, see sunlight through trees, or notice patterns on a bird’s feathers, these moments touch us deeply. They remind us how special it is to be alive.
In my undergraduate thesis, I wrote that painting lets me explore sensory experience, emotion, intuition, love of nature, complex relationships, and my place in creative worlds. Over time, I’ve seen that beauty connects to this search for meaning. It links our inner lives with the world. Through beauty, we grow more aware of ourselves, others, and life’s mysteries.
Nature teaches me this best. Whether in a forest, with flowers, watching birds, or under changing skies, I notice a harmony and wisdom beyond us. The more I watch, the more I see that beauty isn’t random—it’s part of life. Even small things, like a leaf in the wind or peacock feather colors, show special order. These moments slow us down, so we truly notice the world.
A blue jay observed during a morning walk in Central Park.
I notice modern life teaches us to consume, not truly see. We scroll for hours but rarely look closely, recording moments without living them. Art demands more. It asks us to be present, to notice, to feel. Neither a painting nor life reveals everything at once—both require patience and time.
That’s why beauty still matters. It returns us to what makes us human. Experiencing beauty makes us thoughtful, sensitive, and aware. It helps us care for the world and each other by reminding us that life has value. Beauty restores wonder modern life often hides.
Philosopher Roger Scruton said beauty isn’t mere decoration—it’s tied to our emotions and spirit. I agree. People have always sought beauty in art, music, poetry, and buildings because it stirs us. Beauty lifts us beyond survival into a deeper connection with life.
As artists, our job is more than making things. We help people see the world anew, show the wonders in daily life, and remind others of the world’s mystery, dignity, and richness. This inspired me to paint: to create images that hold emotion, memory, stillness, and wonder.
My best art experiences often come from quiet moments of looking closely, not from big shows. I think of Monet’s light, Rousseau’s jungles, Botticelli’s symbols, or people standing quietly in a gallery. Here, beauty brings us together, connecting us beyond words or culture. For a moment, we remember we’re not alone.
Maybe this is why beauty endures. People seek meaning, connection, and something greater. Beauty answers this need immediately. It reminds us that life is not just about efficiency or productivity, but also presence, deep thinking, and wonder.
As I age, I see that beauty doesn’t serve as an escape from reality. Instead, it returns me to it more deeply. I encourage you to slow down, truly look around you, and let beauty awaken your sense of wonder. Give yourself time to notice and experience the beauty in everyday life—you may find it deepens your connection to yourself and others.
The early stages of a painting inspired by nature and light