Meena Chopra |
American
painter Jackson Pollock eloquently stated, "When I am in my painting,
I'm not aware of what I'm doing. It's only after a sort of 'get acquainted'
period that I see what I've been about.
As an artist,
I've always been fascinated by the intricate link between creativity and the
subconscious mind. I always feel that the subconscious self has an innate,
profound and enigmatic role in shaping the world of art, infusing it with a
depth and authenticity that can only be glimpsed through the deepest workings
of the mind.
There's an
almost mystical quality to the way the subconscious mind serves as a wellspring
of inspiration. It's as if a hidden treasure trove of ideas, emotions, and
imagery lies beneath the surface, waiting to be exploited, unearthed and to be
brought to life on the canvas or on any chosen artistic medium. Some of my most
unique and intriguing art ideas have emerged unknowingly from the depths of my
subconscious, guiding me towards unexplored territories and uncharted creative
waters of the hidden self.
What's truly
remarkable is how one's latent being seamlessly weaves symbols and metaphors
while creating an artwork. These symbols often carry personal significance that
may not be immediately evident, yet they infuse the work with layers of
complexity and depth. As if the submerged self comes to the surface in the act of
“creative flow," where the artist in me takes over in a kind of oneness,
getting deeply engaged with an 'idea'. This creative flow can be attributed to
a deep hidden world of mind. Perhaps the subconscious self-starts communicating
in a language of symbols, allowing to convey emotions and narratives that go
beyond the limitations of words alone.
I've often
found myself making instinctual choices in terms of color palettes, shapes, and
compositions. These choices, driven by an intuition that goes beyond rational
thought, contribute to the authenticity and spontaneous flow of the artwork.
It's as if the subconscious whispers its guidance, leading me down a path that
feels right, even if I can't always pin point and explain why.
Many times,
through art, I've been able to express complex feelings that might elude verbal
articulation. As if the latent within became a conduit for emotions
participating in a creative flow. Perhaps it's a therapeutic outlet and it
allows me to process emotions buried within the recesses of my mind. This
emotional resonance translates into my work, creating a bridge between my inner
world and the external canvas.
I feel,
because art is rooted with the latent and hidden part of human consciousness,
it can at times challenge logical thinking, guiding us towards unconventional
approaches. It might not always conform to traditional narratives, inviting
viewers to interpret and engage with the work on an emotional and subliminal
level. Famous artist Henri Matisse once said, "Creative people are
curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of
adventure and a love of play." This spirit of playfulness and
curiosity fuels one's journey into the depths of the subconscious, unlocking
doors to ideas and inspiration, something which can’t be consciously conjured.
I realize that
the creative journey is not just a linear process—it's a multidimensional and a
cyclic experience that keeps on intertwining the conscious with the
hidden.
As I navigate
the intricate labyrinth of artistic creation, I am humbled by the role of that
hidden and subtle self. A role that transcends time and culture, linking
artists across centuries through a shared connection to the deeper recesses of
the human experience. Through dreams, symbols, and intuition, I become a silent
collaborator, infusing my art with a depth and authenticity that springs from
the very essence of ‘who I am. It's an exploration that reminds me that art is
not just an external endeavor—it's a journey within to a journey without.
As Carl Jung
wisely noted, "The creation of something new is not accomplished by the
intellect, but by the play of instinct acting from inner necessity. The
creative mind plays with the objects it loves."
…
Below, the select artworks that illustrate this complex process:
Bio:
Meena Chopra is a Canadian Indian poet, a visual
artist, designer, art curator and a producer of art and literary events. She
writes both in English and her native Hindi language.
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