"A spiritual event"
March 11, 2011
Dear Johan,
I'm walking a labyrinth in Sedona, Arizona. I'm repeating the words, "My higher self
is guiding me." As well as thinking of something else, I'm wondering if there's "something else."
Sedona is one of those spiritual hot spots where visitors come for all sorts of body
work, yoga, self-improvement, or guru-inspired transformation. In the USA, this kind
of stuff is a $10 billion-a-year industry.
Sedona is also the place where three fine folks allowed themselves to be cooked to death in a spiritual sauna at the end of a labyrinth. This was at the urging of the now bankrupt and criminally implicated guru James Arthur Ray. If only those folks had been aware of the life-centering force and personal power one gets from the harmless little activity known as painting.
Yep, I'm talking about painting as a spiritual event. The act has something to do
with making a physical tribute--a sort of a visual prayer--honouring the gifts that
surround us and the life we've been given.
Before you hit that delete key or drop a note to say I've gone wonky again, here are
a few observations for those who might be buying my oysters:
Art establishes and makes tangible a time, a place, a thought, an idea.
Art, properly made, enhances and enriches the lives of others.
Art gives an opportunity to endow new life and new meaning into the ordinary.
Art gives an opportunity to design your own world, and, as in your children, create a
significant immortality.
Art is hard-earned work that is its own reward and has a degree of permanence.
Art, because it's so easy to do, and yet so difficult to do well, encourages humility
in the human soul.
Art is an apprenticeship that can be stretched into a lifelong education.
Art thrives on democratic ideals, freedom of expression and rugged individualism.
Art permits you to step out of the labyrinth and into a quiet corner of your own
private joy.
Best regards,
Robert
PS: "You don't need to follow someone else's path." (Nathan Thornburgh)
Esoterica: A spiritual awakening is often found and developed in a wilderness. It can
be a poem or a parable of a deep forest, a mountain meadow or a cactus-studded
desert. The outdoor spirit of plein air refreshes and further enables the indoor
studio chapel. Each new creative beginning is a confirmation of the simple truth of
taking care. And while it may all appear to be self-indulgent and isolating, every
thought, every stroke, every caress of the brush adds a small refreshment of meaning
and purpose to our universe. "Work is love made visible." (Kahlil Gibran)"
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Current clickback: "Rediscovering your inner artist" gives a wide variety of reader
input and ideas for rekindling the art spirit after a period of drought. Your further
input will be valued.
http://clicks.robertgenn.com/inner-artist.php
Read this letter online and give us your take on the spiritual side of art-making.
Live comments are welcome. Direct, illustratable comments can be made at
rgenn@saraphina.com.
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The Workshop Calendar: A selection of workshops and seminars laid out in
chronological order that will stimulate, teach, mentor, take you to foreign lands
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friends. Incidentally, if you are planning a workshop and you have photos of happy
people working, send them to us and we'll select ones to include in the workshops
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fun.
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rgenn@saraphina.com
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Friday, March 11, 2011
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