I should begin by saying that, what in general, is referred-to as Spiritual, I choose to call Reality, and that it is this disconnect from Reality that causes so much anxiety and tension in me... there is a Hindu principle: "God is the only reality". I'm not a practicing Hindu, but I believe there is truth in this belief.
For me, the process of making Art has always been, not so much about making pictures, as exploring and searching for a connection with a greater Reality. In my explorations, I've discovered that the connection needs to happen in "all parts of me" - that is: mind, body and emotion. Figure drawing has become a terrific "field of exploration" for this search for connection.
As an art student, confronted with a nude human figure for the first time, and asked to relate to it in some way I, at first, stumbled blindly. Then something happened...my frustration pushed me to break out of my confining thoughts. An immense wave of emotion seemed to burst through the thoughts as I picked up a brush of ink, then charcoal, then pencil and let them guide me intuitively. I realized that for something meaningful to happen on this paper in front of me I needed to not only relate to the human presence before me , but also to the outer, physical space we both occupied, as well as the "inner space" within me. An emotional connection was the key.
So, the breakthrough for me occurred when I discovered that the connections spatially and conceptually could not be achieved via the intellect alone. I needed to allow what I now call my "emotional center" to take charge. This involved a certain sacrifice on my part - giving up a certain amount of intellectual control. I also realized the "prescribed method" of sitting or standing passively at an easel was not going to work for me. I dropped my paper, ink and charcoals, etc to the floor, and worked from there - as a result, my whole body became involved with the process.
Now, of course, if one wishes to learn about anatomy and connections, etc. traditional figure drawing is invaluable for such training of the eye and hand. Certain, more academic approaches, are perfectly acceptable. I've done quite a bit of that, as well. Unfortunately, without an emotional connection though, most of the drawings I've seen done in this manner come across as rather lifeless and stilted.
In some circles, its said that in order for a human being to continue to develop in Being, there must be an awakening of the "emotional center" within the body. That, in fact, we spend 99.9% of our lives up in our heads - which is a terrible tragedy due to the fact that thoughts are ephemeral, empty things with no real substance or life at all. But, my "inner attention" habitually seeks shelter and comfort in obsessive thinking.
Fortunately, as it turns out, I find I have a choice in the matter. My inner attention is not something I'm necessarily a slave to. In fact... its a gift. It presents the possibility of a true connection with the greater Reality that parts of myself so eagerly wish for.
The "work" involved with moving my inner attention out of my head and into my body and emotions is not easy. In fact, its the hardest job I've ever had. I've been fortunate to have had very good teachers in the process so far. And certain groups I've been part of have helped enormously. I don't believe its a work one can or should attempt alone... more on that another time.
The process/journey continues. The figure drawing below is over thirty years old, but feels as alive to me today as the moment I made it. Perhaps, it may look chaotic, random to some eyes. To me, it represents the beginning of a journey towards awakening.... that journey continues to this day.
"In any way that men love me - in that same way they find my love : for many are the paths of men, but they all in the end come to me." - the Bhagavad Gita
