Truth in Art

It seems to me that the power of any true art is to induce esthetic arrest revealing a truth. One problem with understanding, when faced with an object of art that has the power to arrest, can be the mental attitude of the viewer himself or herself. For if they are in an egocentric mind, they see the object in the context of either desire or fear. But if they are in a more awakened state or susceptible to the very trigger of awakening, then they see the object of art in its revealing power.

Of course, first of all, the artist has to have created the object in that same transcendent mode. From my point of view, this is the reason so much of art seems to be shallow and projecting either desire or fear, not illuminated radiance. It becomes instead about common measure, whether it be commerce or appropriation, or just the making of things, which is neither good or bad, but for me is just not as compelling.

One way of looking at this is that all forms of life are imperfect. Art has the potential to transform these forms into transcendence, seeing radiance through the imperfection. So awe is what allows us to reach beyond the mundane moment, to find beauty or a greater truth.

The separateness apparent in this world is secondary to the unity that binds us all as one. This energy, this source, flows through each and every one of us—every living thing—and is just a conscious touch away from being magnified. 

To recognize in this whole, beautiful world—this universe—a reflection of our most inward nature, is to unlock the doorway into awakened knowledge of the meaning of being here, now, capable of tremendous energy imbuing us to create gifts in all that we do.

To once again participate fully in the sorrows of this world.

My own act of painting is to sanctify the space within, to create a mythology that leads the viewer to discover a personal truth and a sense of awe.

--J .D.W.