Why Printed Artwork Matters to Me, and Why It Might Matter to You

Did you know that beyond looking beautiful in your home, printed and hung family portraits have numerous positive health benefits for everyone in the home? A simple photo, chosen and displayed proudly by the family, can have a far-reaching and positive impact.

"When children grow up seeing photos of themselves proudly displayed around their home, it says to them, ‘I am a valuable and important member of my family. I matter.'” -- Jaclyn Gulotta, Ph. D.

Seeing these portraits enhances kids sense of belonging, allowing them to see, on a daily basis, that they are just as much a part of the family as everyone else, which in turn feeds to strengthen their self-esteem.

For those that don't know, our younger two girls share a bedroom with bunk beds. It's not always smooth sailing for them, with a lot of bickering and arguing over the space and who gets what.

A couple of years ago, we took our annual trip to the top of Cannon Mountain on the tramway. It was the last day of the season and was snowing at the top. They had a blast playing in the snow, and I was able to get this quick photo of them hugging and laughing.

My two youngest, at the top of Cannon Mountain in Franconia, NH

At some point later, I decided I wanted to do something more with that photo. I had a print made up at 24"x36", framed it, and hung it in their bedroom. The purpose was very intentional. I wanted them to see, every day when they woke up and before they went to bed, that they loved each other, regardless of what happened that day. It's something I truly believe in.

That image is a reminder to them that they belong to each other and are part of something greater than themselves.

In much the same way, a family portrait can provide stability and continuity in our kids lives as they transition through difficult stages of their lives. They can act as a reminder of what was and is good, and that things will get better.

For the parents, a family portrait can act as an anchor, not only as a reminder of what they've built together, but also as a gentle nudge back to centre when maybe they've had an argument or fight and they walk past the portrait and are snapped back to that moment, and maybe they take an extra second before they respond.

A simple photo, chosen and displayed proudly by the family, can have a far-reaching and positive impact.