Portals to the Heart through Art

Whether it’s finding freedom in paint or in anything else – no-one wants to feel boxed in or caged. The human spirit absolutely longs to be free — and to remain free. In the Western world we value our liberty. We are generally free to come and go as we please. The world is our oyster. But the real pearl of freedom  is not to be found through travel and outward bounding. The real pearl found in an oyster is under the flesh — inside the shell.

As humans we too build a shell around our existence. Some of us build it real tough and hard for protection — so hardly anything can ever get through. Otheres build it somewhat softer — allowing for selective vulnerability. Maybe realising that too is needed — along with protection.

Artists are not a special breed. Maybe we are in some measure more aware than many. But in other ways we can easily get blinded by our own self-indulgence — losing some of our awareness of other people.

Like any other pursuit, painting can be used as a way to find freedom — as a way to some kind of enlightenment. There are many ways to feel our way through the darkness  — that sense of being caged by our limitations as human beings, including our own mortality. We all seek escape somehow. The freedom art gives is in its connection with the heart — rather than the intellect. Art reaches out and touches emotions. Art can make us more aware. Aware at a deeper level than intellectually. And in this awareness lies real freedom.

To read more about the nature of freedom with regard to the human heart, click along this line: > Heart-Freedom

And if you happen to be an artist, and wish to find more freedom in the way you paint then click along here: > Painting Sessions.

Whoever you are in your pursuit of freedom — bless you!

Steve Slimm

I must confess I didn’t post a great deal in 2010! Some of you might be wondering what I’ve been up to – so here goes.

Last year I had a very successful Open Studio event (9 days) end of May into June. I was admittedly a bit apprehensive, but people were so encouraging – and aside from this, Ialso sold 20 pieces of work direct from my studio.  The gallery sales have continued to increase, so the UK recession appears to be pulling out – at least for me.

I’ve also been working closely with a client or two doing art mentoring. This has been beneficial for me , as well as the clients concerned.

I’ve also been continuing my art workshops with various art groups and societies around Cornwall. Word seems to get round – and I receive more requests to go and do stuff! They seem to love the freedom of my loose approach – as I blow the lid off a succession of painting myths, which masquerade as laws set in stone!  It’s all great fun, and gets me interacting a bit.

So there we have it – and I’m still painting away in my factory studio near Praa Sands, in West Cornwall, UK.

Next posting, I’ll tell you about some exciting new developments!

Bye for now,

Steve