A path with heart…
‘A path with heart’
Insightful Path photo of
sculpture found in Canberra
by unknown (but admired) Artist
What is your definition of ‘art’?
I am working on my definition of it… and it is not quite ‘there’ yet.
Music can be ‘art’.
As can poetry.
Painting, theatre, sculpture, architecture, writing, photography, dance, cooking, even event planning, learning design, professional coaching, and facilitation.
My definition, (as of yet not completely formed) is that ‘art’ has to have that feeling of ‘heart’.
But it is more than that…to be considered ‘art’, in my mind, necessitates some combination of mastery, a larger meaning, and an earnestness of expression. If it is good, all three of these are clearly present.
That is not to say that others need to see the art form as the artist does, nor does it mean it has to ‘speak to the masses’… in fact, I think some of the best art is that which challenges the masses to be better, yearn for more, and connect with elements of their inner nature. (Not always an easy sell… and sometimes actively avoided by ‘the masses’)
A few months ago, I spent a Sunday with the kids taking photos. It was a clear skied, crisp and glorious early winter day in Canberra.
‘being held, by the spirit of a place…’
Insightful Path photo of
sculpture found in Canberra
by unknown (but admired) Artist
I wanted to invest in the kids, and their ability to SEE things, as well as control their narrative. I wanted to help them to ‘see as an artist’, and hopefully hold this for the benefit it would give them in their lives.
I’ve always felt that one of the benefits of art is that it can, if you practice ‘seeing as an artist’, help you to SEE the wonder that is in front of you. In life, and in spirit.
It can, if you can connect with it, give you a feeling of connection with something… outside of yourself. It can be like a feeling of being ‘held’, with care, by the sentiment, the place, the emotion.
Good art can send a larger message than even what the artist intended, as sometimes the artist does not know where the art will land, or with whom it will resonate.
'Street art, from the heart'
Graffiti found, written by someone who feels deeply
During our day of photography, we wandered on foot across the city. While our theme was the ‘built environment’, we explored a variety of different things that struck each of us as artistic. And we talked about what we were photographing, and why.
When we came across a graffitied picnic table, in a shelter clearly used as a shelter for people sleeping rough, we talked about those things that are common across humanity. We talked about how the artistic element of life can be used to help highlight social issues, and, if you are lucky, bring attention and insightful policy change to those affected by these issues.
“I love because no-one was able to; I give because not many were taught to; I hurt because I burn for others as / for me…Turning and burning [are] not meant for hurting, but are there for learning
If i bend to each limit and line, I’ll never know where the line is as it is and end up hurting my mind instead…I shall wait each valley of [light] and as I learn of all love and hate upon this path I take, to become all I possibly can be, and more…
Inspiration comes, inspiring others happens, but being inspired, only happens when you try. NO effect now, because it affected too much then….
Hate and darkness are not evil, but hurting others in hate or darkness, because you can, is evil. ”
Appreciation of the artistic, of the beautiful, and of those things that connect us, can give one a sense of grounding in this world. I know that it has helped me to feel a part of some shared experience, regardless if that experience is shared with an artist that is not longer here, or is present, before me.
Making art through our photos, the kids and I talked about what makes art, and how we can use this for celebrating connection, as well as motivating the viewer for change. We talked about how people from all walks of life have shared stories, and desires, and how, when we realise this, compassion necessarily grows.
'sculpture on a stage'
Art found in New Acton, ACT
Regardless of one’s age, I think we are all working to discover what parts of ourselves resonate as being ‘True’. For many, there is a frustration with this world we find ourselves in. There are so many things that we can not control, can not even influence. And we are told, either overtly or covertly, who we are, and who we are supposed to be.
To feel this, and still be able to connect with your own sense of self can be a powerful thing. Art, be it through appreciation or creation of it, can help you to explore your own identity and narrative with curiosity, and hopefully humour. It can help you to feel more ‘whole’ and connected.
'the sum being more than the parts'
Nishi Building,
New Acton, ACT
I am reminded of one of my favourite movies, which deeply impacted me during one of my first years on my own after leaving home for university. The movie was about how a rural bicycle postman on an island in Italy discovered himself, through conversations with an exiled poet. While fictional, the poet was one of my favourite poets, Pablo Neruda, and what struck me from the movie, these many years later, was a line spoken by the postman, Mario:
“Poetry doesn’t belong to those who write it; it belongs to those who need it.”
The ability to live a vivid and artistic life is one of the greatest blessings I’ve experienced. And is one that I hope to encourage, and foster within those I am privileged enough to walk paths of insight with.
'lines, light and shadows'
The corner of Kendall Lane and Marcus Clarke Street
New Acton, ACT
Regardless of where you are in your life, take the time to experiment, either in seeing life through the eyes of an artist, or in actually creating some art of your own.
Connect with whatever parts of your narrative arise during the process, and celebrate the connection with those artists you admire.
'lighting the way...'
Torch Lily (Kniphofia) and the National Library of Australia,
Commonwealth Park, Lake Burley Griffith, ACT
Art can light the way for deep insights to arise. And it can make the path all the more enjoyable. It can make your journey, a path with heart.
'learning's roots'
The National Library of Australia,
Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, ACT
With the hope that this post resonates, and helps you on your Insightful Path,
James
