The Quest for Inner Freedom: An Artist’s Perspective

An artist's struggle for inner freedom in practice-led artistic research is examined through drawing, framed within a Catholic perspective. The quest for inner freedom is vital for artistic work that communicates the ineffable. The artist strives to reach deeper levels of spiritual experience and work from that state of consciousness, acting as a mediator connecting invisible, intuitive dimensions and making them visible through art. Research involved close observation of the artmaking process and conditions, using visual arts methodologies and qualitative narrative research. Contemplative practices are highlighted as tools for achieving inner freedom and unlocking creative potential.

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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.