Artful Soul Searching

A Look Within, Artist: Marjorie

 

I wouldn’t call myself an artist. I actually haven’t even begun to analyze what being an artist is to me. But, that statement in itself is who I am. I analyze things, especially how I look at things. Today this is where I find myself, wondering why I do this and it’s importance.

Okay, let’s go back to art, this is really my subject for the post. I find that I need art in some form in my life. Whether it’s looking at art or creating it. I need this. I find that creating art, playing with paper, paints, inks and other mediums brings a certain satisfaction to me. I’m not sure what it is, but it’s a sense of feeling. Like a release. But, for me art isn’t merely just my expression placed in a medium for others to view and yes critique.  Then again there is a side to myself that enjoys producing work that others enjoy as well. Sometimes incorporating deadlines to induce the need to create with pressure. It’s a maddening because of the stress, yet a great release once it’s complete. I haven’t quite figured why I need that stress or what it means for me and my art, but I indulge in this madness from time to time. It adds to a creative spark. What I have noticed is that for me there is meaning in everything I do. I could be over analyzing things way to much, but it occupies my time and makes me feel a little stronger and also as if I’ve grown in some sense. This growth, this whole artistic process, for me is soul nourishing. I look at art as another expression of yourself within. Also a way for you to grow and learn more about yourself. And it’s art in any form. Some dance, write, sing, create furniture, whatever outlet there’s some soulful, spiritual connection. At least it seemed to be this is how I always saw it. For me I look for outlets that will help feed that. I participate in things that will help inspire me and bring me closer to learning more about myself. Does this make me any better than anyone else. No, of course not. But you know sometimes perspective is so narrow that when you step outside yourself you’re struck with something different than what you know. This is what recently happened to me. Possibly because I never thought to think outside my perspective, who knows. 

I noticed there are some who create art at the same maddening pace, but never see the art with a spiritual / soulful connection.  That is astonishing to me. They say they create art because they enjoy it and its satisfying to them. But, when I bring up the fact that well doesn’t satisfaction signal a sense of inner peace or growth? And if it does, doesn’t that mean there is some sense of connection within you maybe a spiritual growth? I don’t know, again I read way too much into things. And I guess for some it’s really as simple as just enjoying something that they do and if it brings a sense of joy, there need not be further analyzing to it. It is, what it is. I must learn simplicity. 

But for those who think about growing spiritually and learning about yourself using art as a medium, you should check out the Soul Collage Cards. It’s a way for you to create cards, to help understand your inner self and about you. The deck is similar to an oracle, not to be confused with a tarot deck. An oracle has alternative symbolism (what I mean is, alternative to the general symbolism to tarot cards) that triggers emotions, feelings and understanding about yourself. Though you can take any oracle and read on it using the meaning that’s provided by the artist of the oracle deck, creating one for you that personifies with your meanings and understanding provides a deeper look into yourself.