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Post by George the 3rd on Feb 14, 2008 19:32:40 GMT -5
There is a significant difference between the painter and the illustrator, the sculptor and the modeler, the reporter and the novelist. The one is an artist and the other is a mechanic. I certainly do not want to give the impression that either is superior to the other, but the distinctions are significant.The mechanic is concerned with complying with a fixed set of rules and limitations in order to produce the predictable and therefore "reliable" end product.
The artist goes to the next level. To a certain extent the artist must first master the mechanics of his media. But, not being satisfied with that, he desires to go beyond into the unknown, the unpredictable, where inspiration replaces the institution.
This holds true for the realm of spirituality/religion. The priest is the mechanic. His job is to manifest the dogmatic theology through ritual and rules. The shaman, like the artist, desires to go beyond into the unknown, the unpredictable, where inspiration replaces the institution.
His soul is his canvas and his open mind the palate and the universal spirit is the painting knife that adds layer upon layer of the infinite array of the pigments of truth.
Likewise, the true artist doesn't decide which tone of blue to represent the sky, he mixes and blends his pigments until the correct color presents itself, often to find out himself that the sky might not be blue after all.
Artist, Shaman, little difference to my mind.
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Post by morningstar on Feb 15, 2008 18:30:08 GMT -5
I like this analogy very much. I speaks volumes in relation to our 'perception' of what is.
I find, at times, I've looked at something a thousand times before ... but have I really 'seen' it?
Creating 'art' is magical...anyone who has a propensity or drive to create knows that it is a 'birthing' process in some ways...it is almost as if we shed a part of our selves into the creation...drawing from that well that is soul deep. Through the process we uncover a great deal...it is at times euphoric and at others rather disturbing.
I think once one has 'given birth' to the creation, it often takes on a life of it's own. It is then, a separate entity which others can draw from...and often the true feeling it originated from is not necessarily what others may draw from it. It is all relative to the viewer and their personal experiences thus far...each of us may look at the same thing yet perceive something different...herein lies a part of the magic? There is never one truth...true art is a mirror to the soul perhaps.
But it can be painful...whenever we give something of our selves we risk feeling the alienation. But doesn't the Shaman walk a lonely path?
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Post by morningstar on Feb 15, 2008 19:32:23 GMT -5
Yes, I'd agree with you on this, Michael. As I think about this, it is about solitude as opposed to loneliness...and sometimes solitude is a beautiful place.  There are some of us who embrace it - need it...it is not a lonely place ... but a place of sanctitude. Art is the battlefield of the ego...yes - I think it is in many ways...and a humble surrender to the truth is very well put - for that is exactly what it is at times. To surrender to the truth within us...to display it openly - it takes courage to do this and I admire the artist for it. When we create we display a part of our selves ... we stand naked ... we tear down the wall and show our deepest emotions. To be vulnerable and liberated at the same time. The need to "create"... how powerful a force it is.  The Shaman enters an alternate state of existence...and in many respects the true artist does the same. To 'see' beyond that which our eyes comprehend...a step beyond...a look behind the veil...? |
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Post by morningstar on Feb 15, 2008 22:43:12 GMT -5
Perhaps you are on the threshold of a new beginning/awakening?
Fear/complacency have proved to be roadblocks for me.
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Post by elijah on Feb 16, 2008 14:51:01 GMT -5
Ooh no. Let go of all things like that and fly. You have absolutely nothing to worry about as you simply can't take anything with you so you may as well just enjoy yourself while you are here and let the Universe provide. It does, will and can happen. Trust me absolutely:D I have missed a post or two as my connection is very erratic.  But what I said is in answer to Mary Morningstar |
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Post by morningstar on Feb 16, 2008 17:04:03 GMT -5
All we can take with us is that which we gave away. Thanks for reminding me of that. I think that fear and complacency is something each human being must confront at times...it is one of the roadblocks that is presented to learn and grow from. In my own experience, I have found that these feelings are often a prelude to a greater awakening - and have happened just prior to an epiphany of sorts. I will never stop trying to fly. |
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Post by elijah on Feb 17, 2008 4:34:18 GMT -5
Morningstar: The Shaman enters an alternate state of existence...and in many respects the true artist does the same. To 'see' beyond that which our eyes comprehend...a step beyond...a look behind the veil...?I am told that the place behind the veil is the loneliest conceivable. It is not a physical loneliness but a state existence, partly becasue that individual is on his own with absolutely Nothing. In a way for an artist, a poet, musician or composer, any person who has a great natural gift, retreats behind a veil of creation, except that they are producing a tangible result which is part of themselves, and they have a right to be self critical. A Shaman has  to show for his time. A Shaman is an artist of Nothing and cannot prove or disprove his art however much he desires to be able to "tell and show". He has got to wait for another Shaman to show up in order for them to share and understand Nothing together. |
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Post by Frater G on Feb 17, 2008 5:09:00 GMT -5
Art is the battlefield of the ego. I really like that. |
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Post by morningstar on Feb 17, 2008 12:02:59 GMT -5
Are we ever completely on our own with nothing? Or is this part of the illusion conjured by our perception? If we see ourselves as eternally connected to the Source from which all things came - then can such a 'cord' be severed?
Perhaps it is in the 'abyss' that we truly come to realize what we are.
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Post by vajramukti on Feb 17, 2008 20:43:14 GMT -5
Perhaps you are on the threshold of a new beginning/awakening?
Fear/complacency have proved to be roadblocks for mePerhaps you are right. Maybe there is a new awakening. It is more about finances, I support Chez nous, four adults and a child by worKing as a carpenter. I have never been afraid to create, to paint, to be an artist. It is really the only thing I do well in this life..... at most things I am a misfit living on the fringe. Well, I would remind you of what you have created with Chez Nous. It is not a painting, but it certainly is the physical manifestation of a dream, and in doing so, you have opened up a retreat for others. From your perspective, it must sometimes be a burden. But we all see a man who had the inspiration and the fortitude to follow his dream, and gets to live it out while talking to falcons and horses. That's just cool. |
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Post by morningstar on Feb 17, 2008 20:51:02 GMT -5
Yeah - I agree with Vaj, Michael...that is pretty cool!  |
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Post by Frater G on Feb 24, 2008 0:34:31 GMT -5
There is a significant difference between the painter and the illustrator, the sculptor and the modeler, the reporter and the novelist. The one is an artist and the other is a mechanic. I certainly do not want to give the impression that either is superior to the other, but the distinctions are significant.The mechanic is concerned with complying with a fixed set of rules and limitations in order to produce the predictable and therefore "reliable" end product.
The artist goes to the next level. To a certain extent the artist must first master the mechanics of his media. But, not being satisfied with that, he desires to go beyond into the unknown, the unpredictable, where inspiration replaces the institution.
This holds true for the realm of spirituality/religion. The priest is the mechanic. His job is to manifest the dogmatic theology through ritual and rules. The shaman, like the artist, desires to go beyond into the unknown, the unpredictable, where inspiration replaces the institution.
His soul is his canvas and his open mind the palate and the universal spirit is the painting knife that adds layer upon layer of the infinite array of the pigments of truth.
Likewise, the true artist doesn't decide which tone of blue to represent the sky, he mixes and blends his pigments until the correct color presents itself, often to find out himself that the sky might not be blue after all.
Artist, Shaman, little difference to my mind.
What you so eloquently wrote reminds me of Zen philosophy. One who holds a job say as a servant can do so repetitively exploring all avenues of introspection until one simplifies it all. Then one can impart love to the action and it becomes art....special. Like Mother's simple home cooking. From what I've read the Shaman is the master of intent...of the self. You're right no difference. |
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But what I said is in answer to Mary Morningstar
to show for his time. A Shaman is an artist of Nothing and cannot prove or disprove his art however much he desires to be able to "tell and show". He has got to wait for another Shaman to show up in order for them to share and understand Nothing together. 
