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...