Behind The Lens is the name of the blog. The Words Behind the Lens are written over a photo of red canyon walls of Lake Powell Utah with camera with strap tilted on its side.

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The Healing Power of Nature-Inspired Art in Healthcare Design

Tanya Owens
5 days ago
4 min read

In today's fast-paced world, the need for calming and restorative environments is more crucial than ever, particularly in healthcare settings. At Tanya Owens Photography, we believe that nature-inspired art plays a vital role in creating spaces that promote healing, reduce stress, and enhance well-being. This post explores the profound impact of nature-focused imagery in healthcare design, drawing from personal experience and scientific research.

My Personal Journey: Finding Healing in Nature's Embrace

In 2013, while on short-term disability, I found solace and restoration in the simple act of setting up bird feeders in my Rhode Island backyard. What began as a way to pass the time quickly transformed into a deeply therapeutic experience. I spent hours observing and photographing the vibrant birds and playful squirrels that visited my feeders.

A gray squirrel stands upright on a vibrant green grassy field. Its bushy tail curls behind it, and its white underbelly contrasts with the surrounding lush grass. — Curious Eastern Grey Squirrel, Westerly, Rhode Island - Coming Soon

Through my lens, I captured moments of serenity and beauty, finding a profound connection to the natural world. This experience wasn't just a hobby; it was a lifeline. The act of photographing nature became a powerful form of healing, reminding me of the inherent beauty and resilience of life. This personal journey ignited my passion for creating art that brings the calming influence of nature into our daily lives.

Biophilic Design: Connecting with Nature Indoors

The concept of biophilic design, which emphasizes our innate human connection to nature, has gained significant traction in recent years. Research consistently demonstrates that exposure to natural elements, whether direct or through representations like art, can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. In healthcare settings, these benefits are particularly impactful. Studies have shown that patients with views of nature or access to nature-inspired art experience reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and decreased anxiety.

This image captures the stunning natural landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park in August 2011. The photograph showcases the park’s iconic hoodoo rock formations in the background, exhibiting a mix of red, orange, and white hues. The foreground features sloping terrains covered with fine reddish soil and scattered greenery. Sparse vegetation including small trees and shrubs dot the landscape. A dead tree with bare branches is prominently featured in the right foreground. The sky is clear with no visible clouds, suggesting a sunny day — *Bryce Dunes,* Bryce Canyon, Utah

Hospitals and Clinics: Embracing Nature-Inspired Art

Leading healthcare institutions are increasingly incorporating nature-inspired art into their design strategies. Hospitals and clinics are using large-scale photographs of landscapes, forests, and water features to create calming waiting areas, patient rooms, and staff lounges. The use of natural imagery helps to soften the clinical environment, creating a more welcoming and less intimidating atmosphere.

Reduced Patient Anxiety: Nature-inspired art provides a visual escape, helping patients to relax and manage anxiety during stressful medical procedures.
Improved Pain Management: Studies have shown that patients with views of nature require less pain medication.
Enhanced Healing Process: Creating a calming environment supports the body's natural healing processes.

My Artistic Vision: Capturing Serenity and Calm

At Tanya Owens Photography, my artistic vision is centered on capturing the serene and calming essence of nature. My photographs are designed to evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, providing viewers with a moment of respite from the demands of daily life. The images of birds, squirrels, and natural landscapes, are intended to bring the outdoors in, creating a sense of connection to the natural world. My work is designed to create a sense of calm in any space.

14 Double Crested NeoCormorants in a shallow lake standing near a rock and bare bushes with tall white Egret in the midst — Double Crested Neo Cormorants and an Egret - *Community,* Cypress, TX - Coming Soon

Beyond Patients: Benefits for Staff and Visitors

The benefits of nature-inspired art extend beyond patients. Staff members who work in environments with access to natural imagery experience reduced stress and improved morale. Additionally, visitors find the atmosphere more welcoming and less clinical, reducing anxiety and creating a more positive experience. A calming environment is beneficial to everyone who enters the space.

The image showcases a cluster of bright yellow flowers with golden centers. The flowers have long, slender petals that radiate from the center, creating a sun-like appearance. They are growing on a thin, brown stem which is visible in the foreground. In the background, there is a blurred effect showcasing more of these yellow flowers, indicating they are part of a larger plant or garden. — *Wonderful Smile - Golden Ragwort* Shanghai Botanical Gardens

Conclusion

Nature-inspired art has the power to transform healthcare environments into spaces of healing and tranquility. At Tanya Owens Photography, we are committed to creating art that brings the restorative power of nature into your spaces. We invite you to explore our catalog and discover how our images can enhance your healthcare design projects.

Let's Connect

Discover the perfect nature-inspired art for healthcare spaces and beyond by exploring our thoughtfully curated Collections. The images available online represent just a glimpse of the growing catalog. New pieces are added frequently, each designed to foster well-being and serenity.
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Key Resources for Biophilic Design:

Terrapin Bright Green:
- This consulting and strategic planning firm is a leading authority on biophilic design. Their publications and resources are invaluable.
- Specifically, their report "14 Patterns of Biophilic Design" is a foundational document: https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/
Human Spaces Report:
- This report, commissioned by Interface, explores the impact of biophilic design on well-being and productivity in the workplace: https://blog.interface.com/
- Green Plants for Green Buildings: https://greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Human-Spaces-Report-Biophilic-Global_Impact_Biophilic_Design.pdf
Center for Health Design:
- This organization focuses on evidence-based design for healthcare environments, including the use of biophilic principles: https://www.healthdesign.org/
Additional Resources:
- Journal of biophilic design https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/
- Great American Art https://greatamericanart.com/2020/03/24/integrating-images-and-representations-of-nature-in-biophilic-design/