"Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you." — Marsha Norman
I have always been a book lover. As a child, I would spend hours in the library looking at the vast world of subjects to consume. I was particularly drawn to the esoteric and psychology sections, especially understanding dreams. Our dream worlds offer one of the richest sources of inspiration for creating unique art. It is an endless well from which we can draw new ideas, play with narratives, and explore emotions. By going on a journey into our subconscious, we can tap into a reservoir filled with untold stories, whimsical imagery, and unexplored emotions - all of which can breathe new life into a creative practice. By utilizing this tool available to all of us, our dreams and fantasies become a playground for the mind - a space without rules where anything is possible.
The Power Of Dreams And Fantasies in Art
Our dreams and fantasies serve as a bridge into our subconscious. According to the dictionary, a dream can be defined as “a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep.” At the same time, fantasy is “the faculty or activity of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable.” Many art movements tap into the potential of exploring the unconscious mind. The Surrealists, in particular Salvador Dali and Max Ernst, created dreamlike and fantastical scenes that disrupted conventional reality and evoked the mysterious and often illogical nature of dreams.
I have a deep love and respect for my subconscious, which I embrace as a creative companion. I love the unpredictability of dreams and the surprise of reading something I wrote while falling asleep. I love how fantasies provide a space for freedom and exploration, where any path can be followed without restrictions. By engaging with these faculties, I can access a part of myself often hidden during waking hours and frequently lost through logical reasoning.
Techniques for Capturing Dreams and Fantasies in Art
There are various techniques available to tap into your subconscious dreams and fantasies, including the following:
Dream Journaling: This technique involves writing down your dreams as soon as you wake up. Doing this before anything else is essential since this is when imagery and emotions are most vivid. This practice will help you recall and explore rich symbolism and exciting narratives, which can then be further explored in your art.
Free Drawing and Automatic Writing: These techniques involve letting your hand move freely on paper without conscious control, allowing your subconscious to steer. It is important to withhold critical judgment and avoid looking at what you do during the process. These methods can produce unexpected shapes, forms, or ideas that inspire unique art.
My Subconscious Writing Practice: I use a unique combination of sensory deprivation and writing during the liminal sleep phase (just before falling asleep). While wearing earplugs and covering my eyes, I sit in complete silence and darkness, typing in a stream-of-conscious manner until I fall asleep. I call it “NightWrite,” and I always look forward to reading what emerged from my subconscious the next day.
My Subconscious Drawing Practice: I frequently use active imagination when generating ideas. I begin with a symbol that intrigues me and then actively engage with it in my imagination. I let the story unfold naturally without disruption, no matter how strange or absurd the flow might seem. After writing the story, I create a rough sketch to explore potentially exciting compositions. This process allows me to generate ideas that flow directly from my subconscious, making my work deeply personal.
The Journey Continues
All humans are born with a powerful subconscious. If utilized, I believe it can help us navigate through life, providing an endless stream of fresh ideas. Intuitive innovation is essential for our growth as artists and human beings. Trusting your instincts and allowing the art to flow freely is important. Avoid overthinking, and remember there is an ageless inner knowing at the center of your Self that guides your creative journey. I also recommend reflecting on your work while working with your subconscious. It provides an overview of your journey and growth as an artist and offers insight into your personal development. By frequently reviewing past work, you can witness evolving themes, symbols, or ideas that reflect your inner world. It is a powerful method for self-discovery that I find endlessly exciting and rewarding.
