Monday, January 14, 2008

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...

10 comments:

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

congrats on your new blog. fascinating observations and thoughts! things to contemplate myself for "the inspired room"...

yes, my dearest, great minds definitely think alike..... :-)

thanks for the birthday wishes,

xo

melissa

blessings said...

I love your insights. The Holy Spirit is such a part of creativity for me - in so many areas. He's leading you along lately - I sense. Stay with your Bible and prayer time and I can't wait to see where He leads! Blessings.. Polly (p.s. I'm sorry if my blog has been preventing you from commenting. I don't know why it would do that. Let me know if it continues -via email)

Mahala said...

I don't comment on blogs the way I probably should, it's just that I feel that I'm not good with words.
Maybe you can tell my my short blog posts.
Anyway, I'll make an effort to comment more instead of just lurking.
Mahala :)

Patricia J. Mosca said...

I am breathing this in...breathing this in to every cell...Wonderful..

FANCY said...

*WOW*...I want to say Thanks for your comment...and also for you to find the way to me so I find you...;-)

I always get in "thoughtmess" when I come to someone who have moor then one blog...I cant decide wish one I shall look closer to...so I read and look into them all...Then it hit me like a knockout...I also have moor places then one where I create...*giggle*...I find your blog One and two fun and they give good enthusiasm...:)

TNX

gma said...

Awesome. I will sit with my thoughts and try to map out my "inspiration" connections process.
Great post!

qualcosa di bello said...

this is wonderful!!! in the quiet, when open...things flow! the Holy Spirit breathes new life...& leads one to places like this!

Sherry said...

I really love this new blog...a fascinating new perspective and new venture!!

NeereAnDear said...

I am loving this.... how fascinating to explore the spiritual side of an artist

Makes one contemplate the soul

LOVE IT

HUGS

JO

somepinkflowers said...

good for you
over here

spreading your own


inspiration!


:-)



carry on...............