The Quest for Inner Freedom: An Artist’s Perspective
Religions February 25, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/rel16020169 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative narrative research Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Contemplative practice |
| Keywords | Contemporary artist Inner freedom Struggle Contemplative prayer Practice-led artistic research Creative process |
| Key findings | Contemplative practices are tools for achieving inner freedom and unlocking creative potential in artistic research. |
Abstract
The article examines my artist’s struggle for inner freedom in practice-led artistic research through the medium of drawing. This inquiry, framed within a Catholic perspective, investigates the idea that the quest for inner freedom is vital for artistic work that aims to create and communicate the ineffable. This article focuses on my strive to reach deeper levels of spiritual experience and to work from that state of consciousness. I explore the artist’s role as a mediator, connecting the invisible, intuitively understood dimensions, and making them visible through artistic creations. I conducted research by closely observing the artmaking process and the conditions in which it is undertaken. Research methodologies specific to the artistic field (visual arts) and the qualitative narrative research method were predominantly used. The process of preparation for the drawing by engaging in contemplative practice is also a subject of inquiry. The article highlights contemplative practices as tools for achieving inner freedom and unlocking creative potential.