Art and Freedom

Hi all - how do you do?

Here's a little snippet about art and human freedom.

The most recent special event i worked at the gallery was an Art Opening. This was no ordinary art opening by any means.

The gallery runs classes of all sorts and is involved with various programs. One such program facilitates the artistic flourishing of those with disabilities. These artists who would not have had much of a chance to shine artistically or explore their creativity are given paints, canvases, brushes, and the gentle guidance of a few wonderful instructors who work in partnership with the gallery.

Each year, a show is put on in the main gallery, displaying the work of these unconventional artists who are set apart by their 'disabilities,' which range from head trauma to autism. Their paintings are powerful and inspiring, not because of their ability to perfectly capture a sunrise or the intricate details of someone's face, but because they are uninhibited, free, and daring. These people do not fear what others will think of them. They do not create their art to please anyone or prove that they can display some avante garde concept through their art. Instead, they are in the moment and expressing themselves from an authentic place, raw and powerful, with an instinctive, yet strong feeling for the use of color and composition. Artistic risk taking doesn't exist for them, they are just creating for the pure joy of it and the need and desire to do so.

This is a beautiful way to live life and create art: in the moment, alive, expressive, willing to risk exposing the deepest parts of ourselves. This is so hard though, and it seems that to exist this way is to challenge the very nature of the society in which we live. Yet, when we step into the fray, fearless and expressive, we have the power to help others - simply in our own ability to be free from inner constraints, we liberate others.

It is so heartwarming to see what a movement these people are creating within the community. About 150 people showed up at this opening, and the next day a few people came in excitedly, wanting to see the show because they couldn't make it the night before. Many paintings sold and all these artists received recognition.

I feel so grateful to these unusual artists of all ages who fearlessly bring their own hearts and colors to the surface, even if it is anger expressed in paint. I can sit in front of some of their paintings as i would sit in front of a Monet or Pollock at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and get lost in the purity of the brush strokes and the depth of feeling hidden therein.