Contemplative Art

by Carrie Bergman, Creative Director

Creative expression provokes new ways of seeing, understanding ourselves, and relating to one another. As a silent personal practice, art-making allows you to calm and focus your mind while making images that can serve as sources of inspiration and healing.

Begin by stimulating your imagination by spending some time collecting images and ideas that you find emotionally stirring. Try looking through personal photographs, books, magazines or newspapers. Spend time outdoors, just watching and listening. Bring a camera and take photographs of sights that move you. Anything, no matter how silly or insignificant you think it may seem to others, is fair game. Your collection is for you alone, so be honest with yourself as you accumulate it. Save your images in a scrapbook, or carry a sketchbook to collect your ideas. These collections serve as “inspiration guides” that you can refer to when you need a little push.

When you’re ready to begin working, collect your art-making materials and set up a nice little space to work in. Sit silently for a few minutes to relax and focus your mind. Ask yourself a question to contemplate such as, “What am I interested in?” or “What moves me?” If nothing comes to mind, you can refer to your notebook or scrapbook for inspiration. Allow your question to grow and change. You may find yourself asking, “What topic do I want to make a picture about?” or “What would I love to look at?” You can also focus on making a work of art for a friend or loved one, and can ask yourself questions such as, “What kind of image would be nice for so-and-so to have?”

As you work with your materials, whether you are drawing, sculpting in clay, or building a paper collage, try to stay aware of how you are feeling and what you are thinking about. You may begin your project with an initial intention or inspiration, like making an image about your childhood or a subject you saw on the news. After some time has passed, you may be thinking about a someone you used to know, or a favorite song. The mind naturally jumps from topic to topic, so try to be aware of how your ideas change while you work. Allow your mind to wander, while simultaneously watching your thinking. For example, if you are painting, you may find that you get into a rhythm where your hand is painting naturally, almost instinctively, while your mind is thinking and observing; it’s like sitting back and watching a show, and can be a very satisfying process of self-discovery.