By Michele Ogilvie
The process of making art is
a way to investigate and expand our perceptions of the world. If approached
intuitively and authentically the creative process is an inspiration. The word ‘inspire’
essentially means to give life with breath. An inspiration is like an
intentional inhale — a breath taken in, as one may experience during mediation
and yoga. When a work of art inspires, it can move us to discover evidence of a
universal and personal journey that contains the essence of life’s unexplainable, existential mysteries. Through the process of slowing down to
observe the world, being introspective, and dreaming of possibilities that
spring from the heart and the imagination, can we reach the healing potential
of creative experience. It is through slowing down; practicing focused
mindfulness; doing one thing at a time; and thinking about what is necessary
that can make the act of creating a Zen experience.
Ceramics in particular
offers a window into this type of discovery because clay is a basic tactile
material that physically and metaphorically connects us to the Earth in a
timeless way. It is essentially a right brain activity that offers a holistic
approach to learning about intangible things such as intuition, insight and
sensitivity. In a beginning Ceramics class students will often declare how difficult
it is because it requires a willingness to move their hands in ways that may
seem quite awkward at first. It requires slowing down, focus, and a commitment
to accepting that the process can be more important than the outcome. Any
initial intimidation is overcome with practice, determination and patience.
Once a student sees the alchemy that transpires between mud and maker, they are
understandably amazed by their own handmade accomplishments. Along the way,
they may have also learned some valuable things about Zen.
© M.Ogilvie, All rights reserved.
© M.Ogilvie, All rights reserved.
