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art philosophy
The more I practice art, the more I recognize core aspects of my best-self that it teaches me to achieve. There is beauty in the sacredness of art, and there is ugliness in the abuse of art. As an artist, this is my code:
1. creative ritual
Jungian psychoanalyst Robert Moore and mythologist Douglas Gillette describe rituals as a processes of initiation, a graduation into maturity, where the ego of our past-self dies, and "...we attempt to move from a lower form of experience and consciousness to a higher (or deeper) level of consciousness, from a diffuse identity to a more consolidated and structured identity."
My processes as an artist have taken on ritualistic qualities, and they continue to develop the more I practice art and creativity. The steps I take in my approach to art serve to amplify my access to and mastery of my own creativity, as well as honor the container of initiation for me, my team, the models, and the clients.
2. daily Creative practice
Creating art is very different from recreating art. I hold creativity to a high standard and criteria, implying originality, and not recycling art.
If my work is not creating something novel, then I don't consider that it's truly creative. So instead I call my work a creative practice. I am practicing for when inspiration strikes, and my greatest work pops into my head. I practice every day so I will be ready.
Photography is a practice, and the reference for my sketches and paintings. Practicing sketches improves my technique and approach for paintings. While painting, I sit with and study a single reference photo for weeks if not months, improving how I approach photography. Art is a meditation. If true creativity requires originality, then I take my meditation inward, motivating development in my creative practice.
3. accessing creativity
Where does your creativity come from? Is it a feeling - do you feel creative? Or is it a state of being? When you're "in the zone", how do you describe that, and where does it come from?
When creativity is tethered to an emotion, then accessing creativity becomes dependent on mood or other external variables. That does not put you in control of your creativity; accessing your creativity becomes just as inconsistent and fleeting as the emotion you've based it on. I access my creativity through my rituals - my routines, meditations, reminders, and practice.
"Thought allied fearlessly to purpose becomes creative force; he who knows this is ready to become something higher and stronger than a mere bundle of wavering thoughts and fluctuating sensations; he who does this has become the conscious and intelligent wielder of his mental powers." - James Allen
4. pursuit of creativity
Content is everywhere. Anyone can express themselves and create content.
Art is rare. I define art as honest expression - and that honesty is a rare attribute. When you recognize honesty in a creative work, your heart defines it as art. You see the symbols, resonate with the message, and feel inspired to be your best when you sit and study the work. Honesty can transform you, and when it's brought through a creative work that's true art.
Art is alchemy for my soul: It refines me, teaches me valuable lessons, it is my discipline. I have defined my goals. I practice toward achieving them. And I share my greatest works so that my lessons and intentions can serve and inspire you, or, at the very least, add some beauty to your time with it.
What is art?
Art is exclusive. Not everyone is an artist. Most work we see is just content, not art.
Content is expression; anyone can do that. Art is rare; it is honest. Content can be talented, and still be content.
masterpieces
art
content
use your mind
or others will use it for you
creativity does not equal artistry
Creativity is the problem solving mind.
Artistry is the talent of bringing vision into reality.
Creativity answers why;
it's the motivation and experience to a good composition.
Artistry is the accuracy and skill to execute it.
Artists may be expertly talented, but not necessarily creative.
Creatives may be all around us, but not necessarily artists.
Both artistry and creativity require practice.
Combining and becoming both is a life-long practice.
"It is the mortal king's duty not only to receive and take to his people the archetypal 'right order', or Dharma, of the universe and cast it in societal form but, even more fundamentally, to embody it in his own person, to live it in his own life."
-Robert Moore
"The characteristics of the warrior in his fullness amount to a total way of life. If we are accessing the warrior appropriately, we will be energetic, decisive, courageous, enduring, persevering, and loyal to some greater good beyond our own personal gain."
-Robert Moore
"The magician energy is the archetype of awareness and of insight, primarily, but also of knowledge of anything that is not immediately apparent. It is the archetype that governs what is called in psychology 'the observing ego.' The magician, then, is the archetype of thoughtfulness and reflection."
- Robert Moore
"The lover is the archetype of the joy of life. In his capacity to feel at one with others and with the world, he must also feel their pain. Keeping our ego structures strong, we feel related, connected, alive, enthusiastic, compassionate, empathetic, energized, and romantic about our lives, our goals, our work, and our achievements"
-Robert Moore
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