An Artist's Insights: Creating Art as a Form of Communion with Life

The Breath and Living Essence of  One's Creative Life and Work

I have learned an important truth about my art as I have traveled along my life-path. And it is along this path whereupon there has occurred my creative flowering and a powerful realization.

Journeying into the Landscape: 

The artist learns to connect her life and her art in the context of the natural world. 

I have recognized that the purpose that directs my course as an artist, is the desire that my creative works are felt to have a true connection with life and lived experience.  As I journey into the landscape--with sketchbook or paintbox on hand--I am entering into an experience that offers the potential for creating an art and a life that comes forth from a deep understanding of the importance of being in authentic relationship with the world in all of its variety.

Quiet Communion

To the degree that I feel connected with that which inspires me to create a work of art--a drawing, a painting, a print, or a sculpture--I succeed in conveying the breath and living essence of my subjects.  Those of my works that feel compelling and real--always come forth from a direct connection with and response to the inner essence of a subject. Whether a landscape, natural formation, phenomenon, or person, I was first inspired me to invest the time, and to place myself in a position of responsive awareness of my subject before proceeding with the creative process.

"Eve" Intaglio Print on Paper, by Linda L. Anderson

I have learned that before I can, with honest ability, convey meaningful truths about my subject through my art, I must seek an understanding of the manner that I exist in relationship with our world.

Touching Earth

I have learned that I must actively cultivate my capacity to see and to feel, and to respond with empathy to my subject.  For this reason, I feel it is important that I not be blinded to the inherent life energy and presence of the living forms and environments due to an over-reliance on what my eyes see.

"November" Water-Media on Japanese Rice Paper, by Linda L. Anderson

Instead, I seek communion with the world--and recognize myself in relationship with that which inspires my creative work and nurtures my growth as an artist.