Spirit-knowledge...Intuitivity

intuitive painting "trio" - 2007 - acrylic, watercolor and marmarino plaster on heavy paper
Have you ever just known exactly what to do? Has the paint just flowed from your brush without thought? Have the words just written themselves? Have you just danced with joy to a piece of music you have never heard before? These bursts of creativity are what I call Spiirit-knowledge...where creativity and intuition come together to form Intuitivity...

intuitive painting "Spirit kmowledge" 2007 - Acrylic and molding paste on heavy paper
Spirit-knowledge is the sense and knowledge of faith in a power beyond self that is alive in your heart. Spirit-knowledge is present in prayer and in art, whether the artist or craftsman believes it or not.

intuitive painting "Alone in a Crowd" 2007 - Acrylic and molding paste on heavy paper
I have always thought of my Art as Prayer -moments of openness to the Spirit of God. I intentionally open and invite this connection before I begin to create - a ritual of sorts. I center myself with a few deep breaths. When I am ready (I do not rush this time), I ask God simply, "Give success to the work of my hands."

intuitive painting "Bella Luna" 2007 - Acrylic and molding paste on heavy paper
What I know and discover in my art prayer is often difficult to share or prove to another - my sense of God, my delight in being a creative child of God and my intuitive feelings born in prayer. The paintings in this post reflect what happens when you are open to intuitivity... So I invite you to explore your intuitivity and Spirit knowledge this week.

intuitive painting "Wings" 2007 - Acrylic and molding paste on heavy paper board

Exploratory Expedition... Before you create this week, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you and be with you. Then open yourself to work intuitively, without editing or correcting as you go. Experience where this takes your art. Allow the time to open your heart to what the Spirit of God teaches in art prayer.

Art...Inspiration...Spirit...

Model of Inspiration from visual thesaurus here...
As I begin to create The Artist as a Spiritual Explorer, I find a need to define the connection I feel between art and spirituality. If I could not explain it for myself how could I explain it for fellow explorers.

Art is inspiration...and inspiration is:


in spirit
Inspiration \In`spi*ra"tion\, n. [L. inspiratio-in spirit.] The act of breathing in; breath; breathing in the spirit.

Definition from Bartleby.com, The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

1. 
   a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.
   b. The condition of being so stimulated.
2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.
3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.
4. The quality of inspiring or exalting.
5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.
6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.

Inspiration, for me, is a sudden flash of intuition...the arousal of the mind to creativity with divine guidance or...breathing completely in the spirit...where the skills and/or tools capable of originating (and subsequently developing) innovation or insight bring into existence something new and uniquely mine.

My formula for inspiration is:

spirit + openness + presence + grace = inspiration
The Holy Spirit breathes into me, when I am open and present, the grace to create....

Art has always felt like prayer for me...being one or with Spirit. It is a time of deep connection with something outside of myself...God, The Holy Spirit, the universe...whatever you name it. When I paint it is a contemplative time, a meditation where I feel the presence of my greater self in God and allow it to flow through me. Being in spirit...

The Artist as a Spiritual Explorer is about this inspiring influence rather than a process or it's effects. It is the journey to a place where intuition meets creativity to form intuitivity. Although my art, at times, is sprinkled with vision, illumination and heart...it is the moment of creation that is the catalyst for continued exploration. The 'affects' or feelings that I experience are what keep me inspired, regardless of the outcome in terms of monetary or notable gain.

This is about your journey, not mine. Although I will give reference to my journey from time to time for illustrative purposes, the path and how you walk it are entirely up to you and your connection with the spiritual.

Exploratory Expedition...Create your personal formula, consisting of the ingredients that define inspiration for you. There could be many things that play a part in your definition of inspiration or just a few. Pray with it or meditate on it for as long as it takes. There is no timeline for you to follow. This is your path. When you come to definition that suits you, create a visual reference for yourself.

Resources:
Definitions of Inspiration at Humanity Quest here...
Article of Inspiration here...

You are Invited...

Welcome...my intent with this blog is to provide an atelier for artist/explorers like myself...I am led to discover how to let my divine intuition create without editing...I will let go of preconceived notions...I will play...I will find my unique, individual visual voice...and I will begin to use it powerfully...and I will teach you how to do the same. I am so excited about the future...

Pack your bag and come along...the first step is coming soon...