First Fridays at SpiritWorks

As an interfaith chaplain, art has always been my means to discerning the divine.  It’s how I step off the ledge of my own knowing to open myself to what wants to come through me.  By allowing color and line to come together on the page, I locate where I am and where I’m headed. 

Beginning each creative reflection with a setting of intention, I state my desire as if it’s already been realized.  I know that what is created in my heart will show itself.  By staying curious and unattached to the outcome, I become artist/writer and observer at the same time.

So how do I manage to suspend my logic so I can dream onto paper?  These are two approaches:

Modified Blind Contour Drawing

Using a picture that has grabbed my attention, I draw it as exactly as I can, glancing only occasionally at my paper.  In this way, I can get lost in textures and shapes without worrying about whether my drawing is any “good”.  Surprising exaggerations evolve which often indicate to me how I’m feeling, or perhaps something I need to consider.

Touch Drawing

Developed by Deborah Koff-Chapin, this is a clean method of finger painting on the top surface of a sheet of paper, which has been placed on a fine layer of oil paint.  The painting can only be viewed once the sheet has been removed.

I believe that through creative experiences like these, we learn to live our lives in ways that make them masterpieces! I look forward to exploring what path might lead to the language your soul understands.