For the next three-weeks a small group of students and I will be traveling on an artists’ vision quest. Why have I used the terminology Vision Quest? What does it mean? I have outlined below what we will be discussing and the prompts that we will be using. This is an INTERACTIVE course where participation is emphasized. These live in real-time (EST) classes are held on ZOOM. During the sessions we will have enriched discussion beyond the blog and we will share art. If you would like to JOIN our next session see below:
Let’s journey on a Creative VISION QUEST!
what is your visual language?
do you want a more creative life?
how do you find your mojo?
This course is now full. If you would like to participate in our next Vision Quest mini-course, send me an email. gray1carolyn@yahoo.com
Vision Quest
is often associated with tribal rites of passage in many cultures.
Vision quests reflect the role of spirituality and contemplative thinking in Indigenous cultures. They provide an important connection between the participant, the Creator and nature. As a rite of passage, a vision quest helps one to develop survival skills, gain maturity and connect with nature and ancestors.
While we often associate vision quest with youth, this spiritual journey is for anyone at any age. What are the survival skills and connections that are positive techniques which can be used if you are looking for a life-changing experience, enhancement of your art, or just want to change direction?
Indigenous Vision Quest Explained
Prompt: Why do you want to Vision Quest?
Be clear in your heart as to why you seek to vision quest.
How can I start my Vision Quest?
Let’s Start With Prolonged Observation:
What is Prolonged Observation?
It is obvious that this refers to staring at an object, a landscape, or anything for a prolonged period of time.
PROMPT: Pick something to look at. Stay with the object for at least 5 minutes. Hold it as close to your eyes as possible while keeping it in focus. Notice the changes that you observe. Is the background out of focus, do you notice the colors of the object more or less? Does it look blurry, has it taken on a surprisingly new form? Now, look at yourself in the same way that you looked at the object. What do you see? Try using a mirror to look at yourself. Keep a written or visual log of your experience.
What is the mystery of consciousness?
Weekly Prompt and how to prepare: Now that we have listened to spiritual indigenous peoples explaining vision quest (see video links above) and looked at associated art, let’s make something that represents your own individual quest. This week create an altar in your space. Place objects that hold importance to you on a deep level on a shelf or tray, light incense or a candle, include a mirror. Spend time getting to know yourself using the mirror and the focus method that I described above. Sit and focus on yourself. At the same time imagine what we have viewed tonight in class and how you can apply what I have shown you and how you can use this in your art.
By following the first prompt you have focused on an object and stayed with it. This begins the development of concentration - creating and nurturing your ability to give an object, a place, a being your complete attention without distraction is practiced. Through that concentration you have created a connection between yourself and the object. Now translate that connection between the image of yourself that you see in the mirror and your inner being into an art form. (does not have to visual)
Practical Application: I often ask my life drawing students to spend time observing the model before starting to sketch. This “getting to know you” period builds the relationship between the model and the artist. Important nuances in how the model moves and settles into the pose can be observed. This gives a better understanding of the persona or “spirit” of the model as well as technical queues. Thus, the drawing will be enhanced from a technical and an emotion viewpoint allowing the artist/observer to approach the drawing with feeling.