Art is a deeply powerful tool that can enhance a spiritual practice and, at the same time, a spiritual practice can bring another dimension to an artist’s work. Robert Bridges practices what he calls “contemplative photography,” using his camera as a meditative tool and as a means of concentrating awareness and focusing his intent. “Contemplation... Continue Reading →

Toys are what sparks a child’s imagination as they spend hours each day creating and playing out stories inspired by real life. Revisiting old toys as an adult can bring up surprisingly strong emotional connections and can offer revealing perspectives when explored through the creative process of art. Juan Rodrigo Piedrahita is a painter who... Continue Reading →

The kaleidoscope is a fascinating visual toy, with its name derived from Ancient Greek meaning “observer of beautiful forms.” It magnificently alters the scene before you, as bits and pieces of life are reflected off tiny mirrors to create beautiful, mandala-like images that shift and change, depending on where you point it. Tathi Premchand is... Continue Reading →

Why do artists create self-portraits? What’s it like to create something so intensely personal and how does the artist “step back” enough from knowing the subject too well in order to be the artist and the subject at the same time? Vladimir Kezerashvili creates the most extraordinary still-life paintings. As I was perusing his portfolio,... Continue Reading →

Creativity and entrepreneurs: New leaders are revolutionizing business through creative thinking - and they're learning those skills from artists.

Growing up with Barbie as an example of the “perfect” female body, followed by the pencil-thin models in the fashion world, young girls often develop unrealistic ideas of what they’re “supposed” to look like. It takes an artist, one who sees the nude body – imperfections and all – as the ultimate subject for a... Continue Reading →

Artists are always looking for ways to expand their market while protecting the integrity of their work. Sculptors cast their sculptures in alternative materials while painters might create a series of limited-edition prints or find other unique ways to get their work out to a wider public. Richard Malinsky’s paintings are collected for their emotionally... Continue Reading →

Inspiration can come from anywhere and the Artist Mind thrives on the unusual and the unexpected. For many artists, researching alternative mediums brings new perspectives into their creative practice. Diane Clement is an artist who uses a wide variety of products and techniques, mixing assorted paints, water, beer, wine, oils, alcohol….and even Lear jets! “I... Continue Reading →

The expression of movement is always a challenge for those of us who work with the sculptural form – but when an artist transcends the grounded physicality of the medium, the result can be one of awe and surprise. Johnson Cheung-shing Tsang is a Hong Kong sculptor specializing in ceramics, stainless steel sculpture and public... Continue Reading →

In most creative realms, trends are often what drives sales and, particularly in recent years, a majority of the large-scale, commercially-driven art, music, film and literature we consume is created from proven “formulas” and popular themes. I am always grateful to discover artists who explore subjects, themes and styles that are outside of the mainstream... Continue Reading →

Humble organics in the service of a greater purpose. The deeply complex abstract paintings of Saba Hasan from New Delhi, India have a universal language that transcends culture and politics and speaks directly to the heart. Hasan’s materials are her alphabet. She’s been known to use nails, fabric, sand and leaves, slashing the work and... Continue Reading →

Water isn’t meant to be controlled, but a watercolor artist can offer insights into how it might be managed….. #94 – Each artistic medium has its own energy that the Artist must learn to properly manage. This one is about Water. I’ve always admired watercolor artists. It is perhaps one of the toughest artistic mediums... Continue Reading →

[Today's featured artwork for Day 32 of the 365 Days Project is by Kimber Berry] Dance. If you want to dance, invite an artist. #32 – Artists know how to dance. They dance with their paint, their forms, their words, their music. I’ve always experienced life in full-blown living color. And it surprises me when... Continue Reading →

[Today's featured artwork for Day 25 of the 365 Days Project is by Jan Hopkins] When your materials choose YOU……. #25 – I didn’t choose the materials I use in my work, they somehow found me so that I could create from that deep, rich place that long-time artists know. If my logical brain had... Continue Reading →

[Today's featured artwork for Day 4 of the 365 Days Project is by Leslie Parke] Curiosity. This hallmark of the Artist Mind is the most entertaining - to me, anyway - although I do have to rein it in sometimes in certain social situations. #4 – My Artist Mind has the curiosity of a small... Continue Reading →

[Today's featured artwork for Day 3 of the 365 Days Project is by Kesha Bruce] Ditch the rules. I had plans, but I should have known. For this project, I had decided that I would write one affirmation per day as I arose each morning for the next 365 days. But every time one would... Continue Reading →

The sculptural piece pictured above is one of mine. It was a departure from my usual work, which made it a challenge to create and raised all sorts of doubts about my validity as an artist. What started off as a "mistake" ended up pushing the boundaries of my artistic practice. It’s the perfect image... Continue Reading →

[Today's featured artwork for Day 1 of the 365 Days Project is by Rick Hunt] After I wrote yesterday’s post, I started doubting the validity and purpose of the “365 Days  project. But when I woke up this morning and wrote down the first of what will be 365 affirmations, I felt profoundly connected to... Continue Reading →