Artifact Seven: Creative Spirituality

Quote from this weeks reading.

Objectives:

Become familiar with ways in which spirituality influences artists
Discuss the differences between spirituality and religion
Examine spirituality as a generative force and a well spring for creativity

Artifact:

Creative Spirituality

Deeply Seeing was the title of the text for this week’s assignment. Grey lays out the steps of the creative process below:

1) formulation

2) saturation

3) incubation

4) inspiration

5) translation

6) integration

Although these are all integral in creating artwork, inspiration is the one that is most emphasized in this week’s discussion.

Grey says, “For artists, the goal is to reach a state of mind where art flows irresistably through them” (p. 80). Spirituality is something that is unseen, and extremely difficult to describe, but it is not difficult at all to feel or experience, you know when you have reach that deeper connection. Grey specifically focuses on inspiration, as it is experienced and developed in an infinite number of ways by artists.

“Inspiration is the most mysterious step in the creative process. The artist is possessed by a creative force, overtaken by a vision and driven to create. Inspiration is beyond reason” (p. 81).

Regarding creative spirituality, Grey gives an example of how many artist must physically draw a masterpiece that has previously been created by an artist themselves, so that they can fully and completely “see” it. It is difficult to wrap my head around interpreting creative spirituality from an artists perspective, simply because I think each individual has their own version of what that looks like. The main goal I think of creating art though, is as mentioned in the text, to fulfill your inspiration. That is the true goal in what constitutes ones art as successful. Money, fame, and friends approval are all other qualifications of success, but I think the most true and one that will mean the most to the artist is fulfilling your inspiration.

“To in-spire is to be in-spirit”. Inspiration means access to spirit” (p. 82).

I love the image of a lightbulb. To me it represents right when all your swirling ideas connect, and your inspiration is at its highest point, leading to great things being created.

Reflection:

I think this was one of my favorite units of the term. The things covered this week not only apply to art, but for all individuals (artists or not) who want to add meaning to their lives, and not just continue down a monotonous path for the rest of their lives. I enjoyed learning of the differences between religion and spirituality. I myself am religious, and agree that those two terms hold different meanings with me. Religion is much more structured then spirituality, and spirituality cannot be pinpointed into simple terms to describe it, every individual has their own version of what ignites them. I can appreciate all the work artists put into their creation after learning more about the process; no wonder there is masterpieces that are millions of dollars. So much can be told in a painting, sculpture, etc. when there is creative spirituality behind it. It makes it stand out in the crowd, and the passion is displayed in whatever is made.

I also enjoyed reading what other students wrote for their definitions of inspiration, creativity, etc. I love how we all attend the same college, and live in the same town, yet each of our definitions and views are different. It represents how much diversity there is, even within our small art class. I learned so much throughout the term being able to read other people’s views, and often it caused me to rethink what I had just written on my post, and wished I had included something they mentioned. There is so much to learn from peers, as well as the authors we read each week. Learning is a never ending process, and inspiration certainly stems learning and growing, and I think inspiration is the reason for life, and how important it is that everyone finds what inspires them in life.

Future:

Going off what I mentioned above, I hope beyond hope that I continue to stay inspired with my life, meaning that I involve myself in activities that keep me growing and creating a better sense of self and purpose. I also plan on being much more observant of paintings and other artworks that I see in the future, because after learning of all the steps of the creative process, it is extensive and takes a true creator to complete the vision that was once in their mind, and now actually created.