I don’t know about you… but there's just something totally irresistible about sparkle. I have core childhood memories of loving those iconic hand drawn sparkles in Disney movies and being completely obsessed with the glittering costumes of the ballerinas & performers of the West End.
Whether it's a disco ball scattering light across a room or a glittering dress on a dance floor, our attraction to shiny things isn't just aesthetic; turns out it's deeply rooted in human psychology and biology.
Shiny objects genuinely stimulate the visual reward system in the brain. *thank you disco ball* - Sparkle and reflections create constant movement and micro-changes in light, which our eyes interpret as dynamic and interesting. These subtle shifts keep our attention engaged, delivering small bursts of dopamine - the neurotransmitter tied to pleasure, motivation, and curiosity.
Personally, with my own artworks - I love building the pieces in shape and form, but what I REALLY love is the moment the mirrors are on and the lights come up! It’s pure theatre. I tap into that old desire for escapism and theatricality, and my work turns an ordinary space into a scene that feels magic.
Our love of sparkle actually stems from an ancient survival instinct. Early humans depended on fresh clean water for life, and reflections helped signal its presence. Similarly children are naturally drawn to glossy textures because they subconsciously associate shine with hydration and vitality, this backs up my theory of ‘Sparkle = life!’
We are wired to love shimmer. Whether in art, design, or décor - the shine captures attention, sparks emotion, and creates moments that feel undeniably magical.