- Become familiar with ways in which spirituality influences artists
- Discuss the differences between spirituality and religion
Artifact:
How do you define “spirituality”?
I look at spirituality as the emotion within, in which it is the characteristic of our soul. To me, spirituality is enlightenment; it bears ultimate belief and faith in an invisible entity such as god, and uses that belief in consulting ones decisions throughout life. Being spiritual is the process in which one is making the unknown known in their lives by utilizing their faith in creating the perspectives and backgrounds they assume today.
Does spirituality differ from religion?
In my opinion, they are both similar in the sense that the ideals of spirituality are observed in the root of religion. In my culture, one of our main aspects of religion is idol worship, where we all sit together and focus on a sculpture and respects it as a form of god. This is one practical example of spirituality, as it captures the ideal of enlightenment by enabling us to see the invisible by using a visible object. Likewise there are many other such practices in religions that can be connected with spirituality as well. However, I think that spirituality covers a broader perspective than religion and that religion stems most of its inspirations from the concept of spirituality, as seen throughout history as well.
How do you define “creativity”?
I look at creativity as a measure of uniqueness, something that has the potential to stand out in the world. I also judge originality as a basis for creativity as well. To be creative is to be different. A creative person would have the capability to change a process for something that everyone does the same. This change in process can lead to better results while being more efficient. A company that simply defines creativity for me is Apple, in which the used touch technology to make their products unique, and in a few short years, its technology became fully ingrained in our lives today. Without creativity, the world would never progress and improve, and we would continue living our lives the same style our ancestors had before as well. There are different ways around a mountain to climb to the top, and all of these ways are the effects of creativity.
What is the source of creativity?
The source of creativity in my opinion is inspiration and passion. I feel that without inspiration and passion, we wouldn’t have the drive to find a different method to accomplish a certain need. Imagination is another component of creativity as well. For example, artists can use their creativity by looking at certain objects or scenes and use their imagination to portray their interpretation on a blank canvas. Finally, freedom is a source of creativity, as it establishes an environment that sets up an open ground for one to make something out of nothing. Overall, there are many sources and components that can instill creativity in a person, which can lead to further progress and advancement for mankind as well.
Reflection:
This assignment provided an insight on realizing what my belief of spirituality and religion is to me. I used to assume that they are both very similar in nature; however it took me a while to understand the true concept of spirituality, as it is such a broad topic. From this though, I’ve learned that the interpretation of spirituality and religion is truly different amongst each person and that there isn’t simply one trait that defines spirituality or religion as a whole. Spirituality, as explained by Grey, is a “personal experience altogether as it focuses entirely upon the individual”. Likewise, since one’s interpretation of spirituality is just as unique as their perspective of art, artists could create different items based on their outlook and belief in life, and their desire to portray their view to others is what creates a work of art.
From this activity, I’ve learned that art and spirituality are similar in the sense that both can be conceptually vague as they can be interpreted differently through so many perspectives. However, one way I believe that spirituality is influential is that it stems the ideals of inspiration and passion from an artist. Although I’m not an artist, one ideal that inspires me are my parents. They relentlessly work so hard, which allowed us to move to the United States from India. Millions of Indians have tried and failed in being able to leave their country to live a better life here, and I’m grateful every day in attaining the opportunity to do so. I hope to build my own career one day and be able to give them back for everything they’ve done for me. They truly are what my creativity and individuality stem from today.
Future:
In the future, I hope to have a stronger definition on what I believe is spirituality. I feel that spirituality and religion is a huge factor in making a person a better character, and I hope that my understanding improves so that I can have a better perspective of my life overall.
Source:
Grey, A. (2001). Art as Spiritual Practice. The Mission of Art (1st ed., pp. 205-233). Boston & London: Shambhala.