Mystical Abstract Art
By Tim Seaward
When attempts have been made to describe a work of abstract art
many people have used words like "feelings", "emotions", and
"soul". I think these words are clues to what is actually
happening within both the viewer and the artist.
The world of art and the environment of the mystical go back a
long way together with many facets in common with one another -
one being that they both seek to look into a deep unknown - and
then seek to manifest it into this physical world by one means
or another.
Therefore it is understandable that a non-representational
picture can be difficult to comment on. The viewer might be
"moved" by the artwork, but they may not really know why. I
believe it has something to do with their sleeping soul being
gently (or violently) shaken into a specific awareness. The
earthy physical body may have very little understanding as to
what might be happening, so they are left to struggle in
explaining a spiritual concept from a physical point of view.
However, as an artist who has acquired (and lives by) a little
understanding of certain spiritual aspects, here are my
offerings of what I believe happens when a viewer comes across a
mystical abstract painting.
In order to do that I want to present the whole episode from
all aspects:
The Spirit
One of the Spirit's major intentions is to bring spiritual
understanding into the physical realm. One way to do that is to
enter time and manifest a potential opportunity for a receptive
body. That receptive body can either be the person being offered
the opportunity - or the messenger of it. If they are the
messenger then there are many ways in which that message can be
put across ... and one of them is by producing a provocative
illustration or allegory in the form of an abstract painting.
The Messenger
... Or Artist in this case ... Or more specifically an artist
who is prone to take note of their own inner enigmatic visuals.
Once inspired the artist then sets about translating these
visions into a personal style of depiction. I think it is quite
probable that many an artist will be unconscious of what exactly
they are putting down upon the canvas ... all they might know is
that there is an urgent complusion to work with particular
colours, or in a specific style.
The Art
A personalized manifestation of the inner visuals ... portrayed
on board or canvas - or any other handy appropriate medium at
the time. The artist lets the visual take shape in their mind
and allows for interpretation into the physical world ... which
results in an artwork of surreal allegory, or be-riddled story,
or just a simple abstract presentation of specific colours or
shapes. Each element of the art will include (or be) a potential
key ready to allow the appropriate viewer entrance into its
intriguing yet creative environment.
The Viewer
A receptive observer viewing the art may initially have an
indefinable affinity with it. They are perhaps first emotionally
drawn to the image before them. And as their thoughts begin to
trigger other thoughts, gradual realizations start to become
apparent ... gaining strength until they acquire a personal
creative understanding seen only by themselves but which may
eventually involve others who come into contact with them.
The Gift
The originally unknown vision now begins to unfold its truth
within the receptive viewer. This can be in many guises ... a
simple affirmation ... a personal revelation ... a specific
spiritual, mental, or inner encouragement ... an energizing
edification for a hungry or floundering soul ... offering a
sense of contentment within a challenging situation ... This
gift can be as simple or as complicated as is required for the
viewer. Its influence can be timeless - remaining relevant over
a period of days, weeks, months, or years.
So the next time you seek to produce a piece of art or decide
to visit a gallery do not hesitate or dwell upon any lack within
you ... rather open your eyes (after all they are supposed to be
the windows of the body) and prepare yourself to either see in
order to create - or see in order to receive.
About the Author: Tim Seaward is the author of "Mystical
Abstract Art" He is also a practicing fine artist living and
working in the UK. Visit his site to find out exactly what he
paints. http://www.ablot.com or mailto:tim@ablot.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=40338&ca=Arts+and+Crafts
