Higgs Boson Field

In my book, An Artist Empowered, I devoted a large and in-depth chapter to Art & Physics. Why such an investigation into theoretical physics and its pioneers in a book about art?

In a meaningful sense, both art & physics aim for the same thing: reveal the magic of the unseen.

The more we comprehend matter, the better we can put its secret qualities to good use. The great artists of the past were deeply intrigued by time, space, and matter as it transforms into energy—call it alchemy, call it art.

Finding the fundamental bit of matter is one of the holy grails in theoretical physics. As deep as we peer into the quantum world, there will always be a new underlying mystery to solve.

Meanwhile, the quantum world often shows up in my paintings. Here is the Higgs Boson Field that cannot yet be seen by machines, but can be viewed in all its glory in art.

The Bodhisattva Journey

In Buddhism:

A bodhisattva is, generally speaking, an enlightened being who returns to this world out of compassion to serve his fellow beings. If you had elevated yourself from this carnal-based existence, would you return in an act of altruism? Don’t answer too quickly.

Whether you are a Buddhist or not is the not issue. The concept of the bodhisattva is an object lesson in awareness, which is the umbrella understanding that reaches and affects all concepts, such as the quality of life.

The beauty of the bodhisattva is that you can be that being now through right action, which also fuels the magic of art from the soul via intuition.

You need no one’s permission to be of good character.

Buddha Presence

On this day, also Easter, practitioners of the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, especially those in Japan, celebrate the birth of the Buddha.

Among the Buddha’s great teachings, he instructed others to find the truth for themselves. He knew that his dharma, his mission, was not to create an endless stream of students and disciples who forever remained in those roles. His mission was to set his fellows free from dogma and the cult of personality.

Listening to the Buddha is a clear and beautiful path, not the truth itself, which must be experienced first-hand. In this regard, are you a leader, or a follower? After your response, what did you expect?

The true artist leads, which comes at a price she must be willing to pony up with whatever is required and without hesitation.

Serenity

The quest for intuition and its sublime power is as timeless as the question: ‘Is it or is it not my intuition?’

This is the fundamental question involving action or restraint; if ego drives either, then results are self-conscious and open to distress; if awareness is the arbiter and driving force, then the intuitive results are grounded in reality. Intuition follows universal laws of enlightenment, which includes do no harm.

Intuition has no connection to petty desires, revenge, or stupidity. Once you know the score and own it, the sense of intuition develops a clear path to your awareness. The rest is up to you.

Since my art flows from intuition, it has no ulterior motive, other than the need to be born.

Iron Will

It’s come up repeatedly, most especially from the public. How do I look at art?

Art can be intimidating for those who have always relied on someone else’s opinion to make sense of the artwork. How do you know it’s art? The answer is that you must have an unwavering dedication and passion to find out. When you do, fine art appreciation is the reward.

Meanwhile, some suggestions for viewing art:

1) Don’t think and don’t have opinions immediately. Feel the work without words. You are after a transcendental experience, not a lecture about details.

2) Don’t start looking for things and naming them, as if this was a contest like Where’s Waldo. This is the analytical brain at work, which interferes with the aesthetic, art experience.

3) If you see it, it’s there. For example, in modern abstract art, it’s what you see is what you get. Nothing more or less. If you don’t see it, it’s not there. Your view is as valid as anyone else’s.

4) No one knows more about the art that you are viewing than you—not the museum director, curator, gallery owner, or even the artist. This is an awareness that you must own. At least, you now know where the art truth is coming from so you won’t be distracted by nonsense.

Put these observations to work the next time you are called—and prove them to your own self.