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In my previous post I described several methods for inviting inspiration, and I promised to explain my purpose behind that exposition.

Inspiration is born of quiet and freedom from demand, as it requires mental space for its conception. This is magic, as far as we are concerned; we do not see our own cerebral apparatus at work. An eyeball cannot observe itself, yet it does see, and our brains and hearts do produce compelling art.

Skill is born from education and practice.

Skill and inspiration are different foundations for a work of art. They are accessed differently, and the artwork each produces looks different.

Skilled artwork is impressive, even awesome. Inspired artwork is sublime, uplifting, even life-enhancing. A work of art can be skilled, or inspired, or both, or neither. I am not going to quibble and refuse to call skilled artwork mere craft. It is all art, as far as I’m concerned, and I enjoy looking at it all.

As for my own work, and here I get a little nervous about offending anyone, I much prefer to pursue the sublime. For me, the process of inspiration is gentle and fruitful. My skill level is such that I can render the imagery to my own satisfaction. In fact, I must be careful not to be seduced into exercising my own skill for its own sake. I get angry with myself when I take the “easy” way out and paint from skill. Working creatively is more difficult for me, and yet it is the most satisfying. If my skill doesn’t show I don’t worry about that, and that’s a little naughty, I know, but it is a somewhat indirect expression of my priorities.

Someone said to me last year, “You could learn to do it,” meaning I could learn to work toward painting more skillfully, and I know with more directed practice that is true. But you cannot learn to work more creatively with practice; you need to fall into deeper and quieter consciousness.

If I do it right, my work will support the attention and pleasure of a meditative person, but none of this is a sure thing. Some viewers seeking beautiful, impressive work might like a bit of mine, too, for their own, personal reasons. And my more imaginative or evocative art will not interest every connoisseur, though I hope it will please many.

I absolutely do not want to make, or appear to make, any inference or judgment about skillful art versus inspired art. Both are a great delight to me. I am often envious of those who show a prodigious ability. I am only saying I prefer to make what I prefer to make. And I do long to associate with others of a similar disposition.