What’s the big deal about art?
I’ve been asking myself that a lot lately getting
ready for Open Studios. Why is it important to create art, to see art, to appreciate art?
I think art communicates who we are, what we are
drawn to (and away from), what we are thinking, feeling, going through, touched
by, confused by. It expresses things
words can’t… and it’s direct. It can hit us right in the gut or the heart. Art
creates questions. Touches and triggers emotions. Helps us feel alive and
attentive to our environment. Helps us
see beyond first impressions.
Art asks us to not just look…but to see. To cop a feel (sculpture particularly). To
realize without studying art formally how much we all intuitively “know”
balance, order, shape, line, integrity, and spontaneity. It shows us we know what we like and I think
that’s a good thing.
In today’s crazy world I am always asking myself is
art important? Does it help create more peace in my life, in anyone’s
life? My answer is to direct my
attention to where I want it, towards the true, towards that which enhances
life, towards that which is authentic in me. To love the process of what I am
doing. And to know that what I “produce” or think or am bowled over by might
not be right for you.
And that’s ok. Because art like life is oh so personal.
Subjective. And then there are those exquisite moments you say, “Hey, I love
that” and even want to own it, and of course I’m happy and all puffed up that
something I like you like too. Because art expresses my life--my past, what’s
up now, and maybe what’s coming from who knows where (the creative muse(s)?)
who inspire me to capture them in creative expression. And--when the going is
good--when the juices are flowing, when something says, “you’re on the right
track”, to continue with infinite possibilities to keep creating.
As a Yoga teacher and student of Buddhist
meditation for over thirty years I try to refine my ability to pay attention to
the right things, and to respect and take care of the great artistic and
creative gift we have all been given--our bodies, the houses we live in. So I am jazzed, awed, perplexed at the
miracle of our human form, the face, our own personal expression. So you will see that
in my work.
Art (yes! I capitalize it) for me is a joyful
spiritual practice that helps me stay in the present moment. I work in clay, mixed media, monoprints,
collage and painting, and I’m constantly exploring new realms. It’s a continued long journey of learning
technique, developing skill, getting to know a medium--its strengths and
weaknesses…and my own. I acknowledge
the dark side, the shadow, but ultimately I try to look for the good in art, in
yoga, in life, in others.
One of the
most powerful and transformative tools we have, as I see it, is any method
(ART, YOGA, MINDFULNESS are mine) that helps us access imagination, wisdom,
love, compassion, connection with something bigger -- anything that can help us
move towards peace and clarity inside ourselves and in the world.
I would love to connect with you at OPEN
STUDIOS here at my Namastay™ Studio, October 8-9 and October 15-16. And I will be here for early open 10 am to 5
p.m. Can’t come? Call me and I will arrange a private viewing
for you!
