EXPRESSIONISM
Tapping into Creativity, which i relate to as a spiritual practice, is about directly encountering the Unknown. Learning to trust this untapped pathway sometimes takes time for us to build trust in ourselves as we dance with the natural law of Creation. It is a process of Discovery by encountering layers within ourselves, releasing judgements, perfection, attachments, and most of all ~ not giving energy to doubts as the painting unfolds, transforms, and informs. Engaging with color becomes a playful passage to the inner realms, where personal and collective wisdom is held. Worlds, creatures, and beings emerge.
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I learned this process from Freydoon Rassouli. There are three stages the artist goes through. First, there is raw emotional expression. Something that has a charge in the painter. This gives energy to the painting. The second phase is adding values, or darks and lights, and listening to the painting. The artist begins to notice something taking form in the painting. It can be symbols, shapes, composition, motion, direction, etc. Third, the receptive artist continues bringing out that form as it becomes more clear. This process is a journey and a life skill. There are supportive tools that amplify the "journey" aspect to support deeper intuition, allowing, and flow.
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This process painting, also called Expressionism, has hugely helped me move through and understand the messengers of "feeling states" and to resolve internal conflict. It reveals soulful truths that resonate with others. Enjoy watching how my examples below literally unfold from the emotive/expressive first stage, until completion. If you are interested in learning this process, I do weekend playshops, weekly series, and one on one sessions.
Expression of gratitude dancing around the canvas.
Adding values I sensed something is coming through. After a several minutes, I saw the elephant head very clearly.
Jai Ganesha! Remover of obstacles.
Expression of gratitude dancing around the canvas.
I was feeling gratitude. I began to see an elephant head, and it became "Ganesha", the Hindu mythological deity that is the "Remover of Obstacles"
I am processing a difficult experience in this one. I felt so much fear and anger. It felt metallic in me.
Adding values here, I was curious where this piece would go. I saw a lady forming on the right side and strong light beings.
As this painted unfolded I had chills and tears as true resolution unfolded within me. The strong women all rising from the ashes speaks volumes to my soul. Can you see the dark figure on the left? This figure represents the traumatic experience as barely noticeable next to the radiant, fiery strength of Presence, Intent, and Perseverance.
I am processing a difficult experience in this one. I felt so much fear and anger. It felt metallic in me.
I was feeling so much anger and fear as I processed a traumatic event. As I added values, I began to see a woman being transformed. As the painting progressed, I experienced a tremendous sense of empowerment. You can see the woman in the middle representing that feeling, while the dark hidden figure is barely noticeable next to her brilliance.
I felt so much joy and play as I painted this piece.
Adding values here really started shaping these 2 women. I felt supported, while wondering what the content was going to reveal.
"She"- that gives us all life- cradles us in unconditional support, love, and guidance.
I felt so much joy and play as I painted this piece.
In this piece I was playing joyfully with color. I added values and began to see a couple of figures. As I continued listening to the painting, I recognized the deep feminine heart unfolding within me and within the image. As you can see they were in there all along.
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