by Mark Jacobs

Art is the manifestation of the creative impulse of Life Itself within and through the artist. It is formed and shaped on canvas, wood, glass, is uncovered in sculpture, jewelry and crafts. Indeed, there are infinite numbers of possibilities for art to come into being and is very much a spiritual experience.

As both an observer of art and an artist, I appreciate the divine spark that moves me into expression, beckoning me to hold true to what I see in my mind’s eye, to convey that which seems to grip me. These sparks are momentary yet capsulated for all time. Still, they aren’t of this world, for no spark of creative genius could ever be attributed to anything from the earthly realm. Giving life to what passes through us serves humanity, uplifts the artist and shares a larger truth for all to witness. It comes only from a higher source for the interior benefit of all.

While visiting Paris in August, I stopped in for a day at the Musée d’Orsay along the left bank of the Seine. This popular museum is itself a great piece of art, transformed from an old rail station with great glass windows and a huge clock, housing many of the great Impressionist paintings. I’m always awestruck when I meander through any museum or gallery because my whole being is transported by the divine creativity and exquisite story behind every piece of work. In Paris, there are too many such places to choose from during any one visit, but it’s a must to see originals by Picasso, Monet, Degas or Rodin. Indeed, the list goes on ad infinitum.

Of course, we have our own galleries right here in the NOHO Arts District and many museums in or around Los Angeles. One of my favorite paintings at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is Saint Francis in Prayer created by the Spanish artist, Francisco de Zurbaran in the 1600s. The light as it shines on the folds of Francis’ habit and on one hand showing his stigmata can only be divinely guided. The seemingly endless woven tapestries lining the walls of the great downtown Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels render me breathless with the intricacies of the human details brought forth by artist John Nava. Certainly, the great bronze doors created by Mexican born sculptor, Robert Graham, which grandly invite every visitor into the sacred space, are something to behold just because of their immensity.

Spend time this fall with art – your own and others’ – and of all mediums. Let your inner spark transport you to that place deep within you where you are completely alone with the Divine. Listen to what you’re guided to do. Finally, stand aside whiles your creative genius pours itself out for all the world to see.
 

Mark Jacobs is a licensed Spiritual Practitioner with the North Hollywood Church of Religious Science and the steward for www.manypathsbookstore.com. He’s appeared on numerous radio shows and talk shows with articles in LA Times, Aura, New Age Retailer and Science of Mind magazine. His books include Meditations with Peaceful Presence and One with God, due to be released in 2009.