Nov
2014
Creative Spirtituality Discussion
After reading the article “Art as Spiritual Practice-The Mission of Art” written by Grey, I have deeper understanding of creative art. The author quoted a statement “There is a vast difference between looking and seeing- a difference which is fundamental to the artist’s experience” by Ernes W. Watson(P.72). By saying this, Grey wants to explore from the perspectives of “seeing”. “Seeing” is more complex than “looking”, which from creating to expressing mind. A good artist is also an excellent independent thinker who loves to reflect the connection between art and real life. Besides, I am also touched by the idea of “Inspiration” that Grey mentioned in his article. He stated that “Inspiration is the most mysterious step in the creative process…Inspiration is beyond reason and it is like an unseen lover, a muse, an angel or demon” (P.82). He tried to explain inspiration is not like a object that we can learn or change it but a magic reaction based on sense of experience and spirit we own. I can not agree with it more because I really enjoy the process of creation. When I feel stuck writing essay, just go outside breathing the fresh air and smelling the sweet flower, which really clears my mind. In conclusion, creative spirituality based on personal experience and critical thinking, which is not a simple coincidence.
rtran@uoregon.edu
November 14, 2014 at 2:37 pm (10 years ago)You made some very interesting points in your post. I would like to touch on your comment about how inspiration is “beyond reason” and “is not like a object that we can learn or change it but a magic reaction based on sense of experience and spirit we own”. Although I agree that inspiration is a complex and often biased, based on our personality; I don’t see it as being so “mysterious” as Grey describes it. I believe it can very much be learned, as well as be experienced spiritually. I think inspiration is “learned” through our values; as we age and become more experienced with the world around us, whatever inspires and motivates us will be what is most important and beneficial to us. I believe that this is the basis for everyone’s inspirations, as naturally, we have more reason and initiative to do what benefit us, compared to doing tasks that won’t help us. So in a way (at least to me), “inspiration” isn’t that mysterious, it could be observed, studied, and even “taught”.
Courteney
November 14, 2014 at 5:44 pm (10 years ago)I really enjoyed your post, and your opinion on Greys viewpoint regarding inspiration. I agree that inspiration is not mysterious; I believe that everyone has their own personal inspiration and varies from person to person. I think what inspires us comes from the experiences we have gone through. What do you think of that? Grey discusses that art varies from person to person; I always believe that inspiration does as well. “The meaning of an artwork varies depending on who is considering it and how they are considering it. To the artist, the work may be a trace of any of many levels of the artist’s own awareness.” (Grey). I believe that this quote describes my personal feeling on inspiration/art. I do not believe that inspiration comes from a magical feeling/spiritual feeling. What do you think? Great post!
yutingw@uoregon.edu
November 14, 2014 at 9:51 pm (10 years ago)Hi, I am really enjoyed reading your post. I strongly agree with you that things not happen in metrical. The difference between look and see is huge, and I believe what people can get depends on how people treat it. Just like you said, I agree that the attitude is important for us to see something. I have same feeling when I get stuck with my essay writing, and I could have just treat it as a minor thing and don’t let it drag my mood down. But I chose to write it using my heart. I did lots of researches and tried my best to get good ideas. Same as art. If we want to look at it, we can just look. But if we really want to understand it or feel it, we have to see it using our heart. What do you think about this?