There are so many different ways for how spirituality can influence an artist. It can inspire them to create a certain piece of art or it can inspire them to view other’s art in a completely new light. Spirituality can mean something different to each unique individual, but it is how they use their spirituality that truly matters.
In the reading, we learn about Saint Bonaventure’s three eyes of knowing: “the eye of flesh sees the ‘outer’ realm of material objects; the eye of reason sees symbolically, drawing distinctions and making conceptual relationships; and the mystic eye of contemplation sees the luminous transcendental realms” (Grey 73). This explains how each person can see something or a piece of art in three different ways.
One part that I found particularly interesting was how it mentioned how “to see deeply and to understand are different from mere looking or observation” (Grey 74). I think this relates back to spirituality because people can understand their spiritual side and acknowledge that it is there, but to see it in a different light is something that is absolutely special and distinctive. Artists will look at certain pieces of artwork and “see” it according to how in depth they are with their spirituality. It is completely different for each individual human being.
Grey, A. (2001). Art as Spiritual Practice. The Mission of Art (1st ed., pp. 205-233). Boston & London: Shambhala.
Great reflection on the reading Rachel! You pulled out a lot of great points from the reading that I found to be very interesting. One thing that stood out to me was the idea of three eyes of knowing It explained how each person can see something or a piece of art in three different ways. I challenge you to think about which one we would use more? Is there one we use everyday or more than another? Another thing I found interesting was the idea of “seeing” a piece of artwork by how in depth they are with their spirituality. I agree that it is different for each individual because the way I look at art may be completely different than someone else because I am not creative at all, so pretty much anything someone does is beautiful!
An interesting question that came to mind after reading your post is whether one’s spirituality affects the way they see things. I can see how someone’s spirituality can change the way they feel about certain things but I do not think that it affects how one sees. Our emotions can be so overwhelming that sometimes when we look at something our emotions take over and we remember the feeling rather than the actual thing itself.
I believe spirituality is a very important factor and influence when it comes to an artist’s piece of work. Spirituality impacts how one sees and views the world, which leaks into their art as well. In many ways art is a display of ones spirituality and allows artists to show it to the whole world. In Grey’s article he states, “for artists, the goal is to reach a state of mind where art flows irresistibly through them” (Grey, 80). The state of mind that they seek is in fact their spirituality, and it is this that gives them the motivation and enlightenment to create wonderful pieces of art. Spirituality allows artists to “remain open to the tumultuous ocean of potential inspiration, the entire spectrum of consciousness, and yet reduce or essentialize that infinite ocean to a few flowing strokes from their own fountain, providing tangible evidence of inner discovery to the outer world” (Grey, 80).