Artistic Interests (Aesthetics) as a Facet of Openness to Experience
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1. Introduction
Have you ever wondered why some people are naturally drawn to art, design, and beauty, while others hardly seem to notice the world’s aesthetic details? The answer lies, in part, in one of the most intriguing facets of personality psychology: Artistic Interests (Aesthetics) — a key part of the Big Five personality trait known as Openness to Experience.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what it means to appreciate aesthetics, how artistic interests enhance creativity and well-being, and why nurturing your appreciation for beauty can enrich every part of your life.
2. What is Openness to Experience?
Openness to Experience is one of the Big Five personality traits recognized by psychologists worldwide. It describes a person’s willingness to embrace new ideas, appreciate diverse forms of expression, and explore the unfamiliar.
People who score high in Openness tend to:
Be imaginative and curious
Love trying new foods, listening to different music, or traveling to new places
Seek deeper meanings in everyday things
Value self-expression
Within this broad trait lies a more specific facet known as Aesthetics, which deals with appreciation of beauty — be it in nature, art, architecture, music, or literature.
3. Artistic Interests (Aesthetics) as a Facet of Openness
When we talk about “Aesthetics” as a psychological facet, we mean a person’s sensitivity to beauty and artistic experiences. This is the part of Openness that allows people to feel moved by a beautiful sunset, captivated by a sculpture, or enchanted by a piece of music.
Those who score high in this facet may:
Spend hours at art galleries, marveling at the details
Feel emotionally stirred by a melody or a poetic verse
Get lost in films that highlight visual artistry and symbolism
Create their own forms of self-expression — painting, writing, composing music, or crafting handmade items
This facet is not limited to those who pursue careers in the arts. Even if you work in engineering, finance, or teaching, a strong appreciation for aesthetics can help you approach your work creatively and discover new solutions.
“Every great work of art is the expression of the soul of its creator.”
Oscar Wilde
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4. Why Artistic Interests Matter
Having a strong sense of aesthetics brings profound benefits — both personally and professionally.
Enhances Emotional Well-Being
Research published by the American Psychological Association indicates that people with a high appreciation for art and beauty often report greater emotional well-being and less stress .
Boosts Creativity and Innovation
When you expose yourself to different forms of art and culture, you feed your imagination and generate new ideas. Even top CEOs like Steve Jobs believed that blending technology with art was key to innovation — “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough; it’s technology married with liberal arts,” he famously said.
Improves Cultural Awareness
By appreciating a diverse range of aesthetics — from Renaissance paintings to contemporary street art — you broaden your understanding of different cultures and historical periods. That depth of knowledge enriches your empathy and global perspective.
Encourages Mindfulness
When you slow down to admire a sculpture, the color patterns in a sunset, or the texture of a handcrafted pot, you practice being present in the moment — a skill that supports mindfulness and mental health.
5. How to Develop Your Artistic Interests
Whether you feel naturally drawn to beauty or want to cultivate this facet, here are some practical steps you can take to enhance your aesthetic appreciation:
Visit Museums and Galleries — Immerse yourself in different styles of art, photography, and design. Notice what draws your attention and take your time contemplating each piece.
Read About Artists and Art Movements — Learning about the historical and personal context of famous artworks can deepen your appreciation. Resources like The Metropolitan Museum of Art offer articles and virtual tours.
Play with Creativity — Even if you don’t see yourself as an artist, try hands-on projects like painting, collage-making, photography, or sculpting. This is less about skill and more about discovering what feels enjoyable.
Incorporate Aesthetic Rituals into Daily Life — Pay attention to the small details around you: the color of your coffee mug, the view outside your window, or the melody of a song on your playlist. Let these little moments enrich your day.
Travel and Explore — Visiting new cities, parks, or historical landmarks will expose you to diverse forms of architecture and cultural expression.
6. Artistic Interests and Success in Life
When nurtured, this facet of Openness can enhance your career and personal life in surprising ways. Whether you’re a graphic designer or a data analyst, cultivating your sensitivity to beauty can help you:
Solve Problems Creatively: Artistic minds often look at challenges from multiple angles.
Find Inspiration in the Ordinary: Even simple surroundings can spark new ideas.
Improve Communication: Creative people often express themselves more vividly, making their presentations or writing more engaging.
Studies show that people who appreciate aesthetics also tend to excel in professions like marketing, education, psychology, and entrepreneurship, where imagination and nuanced understanding of people and culture matter greatly.
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7. Conclusion
Your sense of aesthetics — that appreciation for beauty and creativity — is much more than a fleeting pleasure. It’s a core part of who you are, woven into your broader openness to experience. By consciously cultivating this facet, you can enrich your inner life, sharpen your creative thinking, and discover new sources of joy and fulfillment.
So take a moment today to admire a painting, appreciate the architecture of a building, listen deeply to a song, or savor the colors of a sunset. Every aesthetic experience is a doorway to deeper connections — with yourself, with others, and with the world.
8. References / Further Reading