lexi dooley

In a time where we are constantly bombarded and overwhelmed…

by a stream of distractions, interferences, and disruptions, living in the present moment can seem like an idealistic and naive vision of life— a way of living that is incongruent with the technological, outcome driven world. However, the recent surge of interest in mindfulness and present living in the West, whether through meditation or yoga, has begun to open doors to a more connected, intuitive, and attentive society.

I believe that there is a relationship between art making and living presently. Through this relationship, artists and students can positively shape their every day lives by connecting the way we express ourselves through the visual arts with the art of whole-heartedly attending to the current moment. Therein lies the space where we can sincerely begin to embody our true selves.

Art education can reinforce and teach contemplative ways of being and thinking. Through art we can investigate intuition and spontaneity; fascination and imagination; and concepts of self to understand how creative self-expression lends towards a more connected, intuitive, attentive, and mindful way of being.

What unfolds through each charcoal mark, each stitch, and every brushstroke can be a manifestation of the innate, ineffable connection with self, other, and world, made clear through the synthesis of art and contemplative practice. Through the connection of art making and living presently we can learn to live both with and through our art lending toward an awareness of how the reality of our true nature and of our undeniable connection with others can be realized by giving permission and offering space to creative self-expression without expectation or judgement.