Latest posts by michael wilson (see all)
- JORDAN RIVER - February 5, 2019
- Inspired Art - August 2, 2018
- Waiting for Inspiration - July 31, 2018
- The Bridge between Painting and Photography - July 31, 2018
Any activity which we interpret as authentic, visually truthful and that comes from clear observation is tremendously transformative. The simple, artistic compulsion to paint must be understood in those terms. Especially for the painterly arts, composing ultimately becomes the most direct means of interpretation. It comes from a very deep longing to first, see clearly and then second, to respond honestly, to paint responsively.
The simple, artistic compulsion to draw or paint, is the artists’ fundamental response to a psychological world that can only be understood in small parts. Drawing is a very natural response – the hand follows the patterns almost spontaneously. The compulsion should be seen as a good thing and a natural motivation. It represents a longing to understand but seems to be less a mental response than a visceral, physical and emotional reaction.
The artistic compulsion could be seen as just a simple internal mechanism triggered by personal and intrinsic rhythm. It represents our DNA, our means to communicate best – the process we use to identify the world around us. Fortunately it has very little to do with the egoic mind. As a more emotional, physical response it tends to bi-pass the ego centricity and seeks a more direct means of expression. Every new generation looks to the artist to point us towards truth, towards right response, trusting the artist with good sight. The method however can be seen as a very nice and natural compulsion. It is a compulsion however that is sheathed in an affiliate whose aim it is, to manifest truth. This rather dramatic and lofty purpose is not only bestowed on the artists’ psychology but tends to run across the board – a wide range of occupations including sports, medicine and admininistration. Curiously though down through the ages, we have hoped that it is the artist who shines the light.
Worthwhile or not, the artistic compulsion is best followed. Good results may come or poor but if followed honestly and sincerely art will be manifest. Only the artist himself (or herself) will feel as if something has transformative strength. The effort is always rewarded, always transmuted in some unidentifiable way. Curiously this may be why we find those drawings first composed as the most authentic response. Do we see them as closer to the truth? By seeing the truth of that interpretation, humanity is by degrees brought along. It will be interesting to see if the artist can continue to point the way towards gradual transformation. The internet, fast images, sound bytes have begun to obscure the deep lake that lies at the bottom of every soul. We are skating over the surface. Can the artist discover a new and vital means to touch and stir humanity – one that incorporates rightly the technologies at hand? It would seem this is the ultimate challenge facing the artist today. First we must respond to that inner compulsion.