Not too long ago, I was advised by a mentor to remove from my website and art anything that had to do with spirituality. I took his advice.
For a while things fell silent. I stopped painting. Then, one day, I realized that spirituality is why I painted. So, in my mind, he might as well have told me not to be an artist.
I realized that art and spirituality share a profound connection, intertwining in ways that reveal their inherent synonymous nature. Both art and spirituality emerge from the depths of human existence, transcending the boundaries of logic and language to evoke emotions, provoke contemplation, and connect with something greater than ourselves.
Art its core, is a manifestation of the human spirit, a means of expressing inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It serves as a channel for me as an artist to tap into my deepest wells of creativity and communicate my visions to the world. In my process, I often draw inspiration from the realms of spirituality, whether it be the awe-inspiring beauty of nature or the quest for meaning and purpose in life.
Likewise, spirituality explores the deep seated questions that lie beyond the material world. It falls into the realm of the intangible, seeking to understand the mysteries of existence, the interconnectedness of all things, and the presence of a higher power or universal energy.
Art, through its many forms offers a language of the soul that resonates deeply with spirituality. It can capture and convey the essence of the human spirit and evoke emotions that transcend the rational mind.
It becomes a vessel for exploring and expressing spiritual ideas, beliefs, and experiences that go beyond words and it has historically played a central role in religious and spiritual traditions throughout the world.
Art and spirituality also share the power to transform and uplift us. Both can evoke a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence, awakening the depths of the human spirit and create a deeper connection with the divine or the universal energy that permeates all existence. They can inspire introspection, self-discovery, and personal growth, offering comfort, healing, and guidance along the journey of life.
Really, art and spirituality are intertwined expressions of the human quest for meaning, transcendence, and connection. Through art, we can glimpse the intangible, communicate the inexpressible, and touch the hearts and souls of others.
I have learned that by embracing spirituality, art finds its deepest purpose, lighting the path toward self-realization, inner harmony, and expanded consciousness.
So now, with my renewed purpose as an artist, I continue to paint within that realm, and continue to explore the essence of what it means to be human.