When an artist discovers his or her creative voice, an opening arrives borne from a quiet place of stillness. When there is a deep listening taking place, inspiration builds. In much the same way as when Isaac Newton lay down under an apple tree, he rested and gradually fell asleep. His surrender into stillness opened him to a revelation as the falling apple hit him. He discovered gravity. Similarly many artists discover their greatest breakthroughs in the vast spaciousness of consciousness. This space makes artists available to humanity’s greatest masterpieces.

Yet so often the mind wants to take pride of place in controlling the outcome of artistic ventures. Surrender to the quite and abundant place where all art, beauty and wonder comes from is often set aside in mainstream culture. At the same time the creative world is revered for it’s gifts and treasures. It’s precisely because it makes us see what is possible when we are open to an enlivening field outside of chaos and the mad chatter of the mind. The busy goings on that want to sell themselves on their importance. ​

When, as an artist we arrive to our work fully present and attend to what is before us, wether with brush in hand or an instrument of music, or any other creative project, we give our entirety of being to the moment. When the artist makes a mark on the surface of choice, he or she makes visible that which was previously unseen. Drawing into consciousness a felt sense of aliveness. We can perceive directly these marks as a window to the artists soul. The way the medium is applied is a signal of their presence. The way the instrument is touched by the artist’s loving hand says so much about their sense of connection. We get a sense of what the artist feels and their intimacy with what it is they wish to express.
There is a reason why art created by the human touch has such a powerful effect on us. So many resonate with it and have valued original works in excess of millions of dollars principally because it captivates and enlivens the soul. There is a sense of wonder that is a portal to the world of stillness.
What was created with a brush, paint and canvas or any other form of art, has actually built a connection in the viewer to a timeless state of being.
Art serves as a doorway. It speaks of an abundance presence. Of the capacity for us to remain open to a world of wonder and beauty which we perceive when we slow down and listen to something beyond the relentlessly restless mind.  Art disentangles us from stress and it’s effects on the immune system. It gives us an opening beyond the mundane and frees us to be ourselves again.

Jhana is a published author and illustrator. He draws on ancient wisdom and dreaming that reveal the bridge between consciousness and creativity. Discoveries of the healing capacities carried in painting, yoga, massage, meditation and art therapy inform his practise. He has taught, mentored and exhibited in India, America, Germany and Australia over the past 20 years. His writings have been published in newspapers, magazines and books across California, Byron Bay, Tweed heads and Brisbane.