The Art of Wholeness~

art as a spiritual path

What if art were a gateway into the more extraordinary world all our hearts know is possible?

What is Wholeness? Wholeness is a place of inner completion. We are no longer searching outwardly for fulfillment. We simply rest in a state of complete contentment. Knowing that every aspect of who we are is indeed right here in this moment, whole, complete, and sovereign unto itself.

Most people have small glimpses of this state of Being and do not come to a long term commitment to know it for themselves at all times. My wish it to engage with this state of inner contentment as much as possible in my daily reality.

While painting there is a window of possibility that opens, it is a rich possibility of inquiry into this place of Wholeness, it is the Creator within grounded in Beingness, while witnessing the hands dancing as an artist.

Painting with Presence~

What does it mean to paint with presence? While painting, our mind and body have to be very focused, but what are we really focusing on? An act of creating perfection? In my experience painting is an act of clear intent, skill and surrender.‍ ‍Clear intent is a very important aspect in the process, we can bring our full awareness to that moment within our creative endeavor and we can practice ‘right motivation.’ This is bringing our intention into clear focus before and during the process to be filled with benefit, benefit of clarity in the heart, clarity in the mind, and presence in our body. I like to practice intentional breathing, yogic or qigong movements before, and during the process to bring my full presence alive into my body.

Also I like to see all my tools, supplies needed as very special instruments for creating. Not everyone in the world has the luxury to spend time in a world of creativity and art. We can honor our process by acknowledging this privilege in saying prayers of gratitude, speaking out loud what our intention is in this process, understanding that our mind can be filled with self criticism or it can be filled with patience and spaciousness, a forgiving state of surrender to the challenge we’re experiencing. Painting can be filled with challenge so giving grace in the ‘ugly’ moments is crucial.

Lately this land called Smith Rocks in Oregon is my main inspiration. When I meet with the land, there is awe inspiring joy that fills me entirely. That is a spiritual experience, especially when life can bring us to our knees in some very challenging ways. I find again and again that the land is what nourishes my heart back into balance more than anything else can. Rivers, rocks, birds, natural sounds, flowers, the breeze, sunshine…these have been my most recent muse. I find Smith Rocks rather intoxicating. I am so grateful.

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