I am working through a book on spirituality and recently came across a question that had me reflect on experiences of awe. It asked me to recall events where a feeling of awe has inspired me. Awe can be defined as an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, or fear produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or greater than oneself. I thought about a couple of experiences - lying in a pine forest listening to the wind, being pushed forward by the force of a wave while bodysurfing during spring tide, or standing in front of a piece of art that captivates me.
I have noticed this most with the work of surrealists like Salvador Dali, where mysterious creations and symbols speak to me without using words. Carl Jung, a famous Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist, developed a theory about the collective unconscious and universal archetypes that underscore this experience. He believes that humans are connected through a shared subconscious library of sorts, where we have access to universal symbols, archetypes, and myths that we understand despite having different cultures, languages, and beliefs. When an artist creates something, they delve into this reservoir of shared experiences, whether they realize it or not. For this reason, certain symbols or themes resonate deeply with many people, even if they come from different backgrounds.
The Mystery of Delving Into The Unconscious:
Surreal illustrations invite viewers on a quest, drawing them into the realm of the unknown. In this realm, everything is open to interpretation and driven by a shared desire to understand the unseen. Creating and interpreting art is a profoundly introspective process that involves tapping into the unconscious mind. When I generate my ideas, I deliberately withhold criticism and judgment because, without radical acceptance, it is difficult to access this space. Every time I set out to explore this unseen world, it feels like a spiritual journey. I usually start with a process called “Active Imagination,” another technique developed by Jung. During this process, I consciously interact with random symbols through visualization, which I write about. This process can reveal insights and stimulate creativity. It is a deliberate process of exploring deeper parts of your mind and integrating it into your conscious awareness. Here is an example of my latest “Active Imagination” quest:
“I am picturing snow drifts, bright blazing white, blinding in the sun. I am slowly making my way down one of these snowy mountains, and it glitters like diamonds. I pause now and then, bending down to make an imprint of my hand in the snow. It freezes a moment in time, signifying I was there. I was present. I continue down the mountain and look back. Where I placed my hand, a seed germinates, and a tiny sapling appears, growing out of each imprint. The sun’s rays warm the plant, growing in this frigid environment above all expectations. The plant flowers and the fruit is a diamond, clear cut and reflective. It brings riches to anyone who stops and eats it. If you swallow the diamond, it becomes a part of you, radiating through your being in turn. I walk down the slopes, and eventually, the snow turns to volcanic rock, black and beautiful. Now, I reach down and make little marks on the rocks, creating a path of my journey, a way to remember from where I came. When I want to revisit my plants, I can retrace my steps back to them.”
Art as a Shared Spiritual Experience
My most special experience with my art has always been hearing viewers’ interpretations of it. This was before I heard about, or understood the collective unconscious or universal archetypes. Now, I know that when viewers look at my art, they step into a shared spiritual experience where they can connect with a part of my subconscious as well as their own subconscious. It leads them on their own introspective adventure, where they can engage with the symbols and see if they reveal any hidden truths within themselves. I have had multiple encounters where viewers told me they had a spiritual experience through my art or that one or more symbols spoke to them so clearly they were in tears. This reflects our interconnectedness as humans, and I cherish it when it happens.
One such example is “Two Prayers”, shown below:
I encourage you to not just look at a piece of art, but to engage with it on a deeper, spiritual level. Seek out the hidden truths it may reveal. Make the exploration of spirituality through art a regular part of your routine. Embrace the rich symbolism, and don’t shy away from engaging with your subconscious. The journey of self-discovery through art is boundless, and I find joy in discovering it day after day. I hope you will, too.
