Material Energetics
Matter and energy are one of the same, like Earth and sky.
These dualities seem to be vastly different from one another but are vitally important to each other's existence. Since meeting my beloved partner, a lover of the spiritual arts, I have experienced through my own art practice the energetic qualities of matter.
We are surrounded by matter and so are surrounded by energy. These two components hold no separation from each other. Spirit is matter. Matter is energy. And the practice of art can be the greatest teacher of this.
Every object or artwork is like a piece of music that plays a tune which affects how we feel, act and respond.
Observe an object in your view right now, where did it come from? What is it made of?
And most importantly how was it made?
This is the basics to understanding matter and energy, and how we can attune ourselves to experience matter and energy completely.
Why is this so important?
I bought a coffee (matter) the other day from a barista who clearly hates his job (energy), is constantly in a rush (energy) and slaps coffee mugs (matter) on the bench like it’s a door to be knocked on (energy). The saying, what you eat is who you are, really is true. This coffee packs more than just liquid but also a vibe that I do not want for my Thursday morning.
I create art knowing that my works are functional materials of energy that go well beyond visual aesthetics. The act of making art is a small part of the process because my surrounding life is what creates the work. Everything I observe, taste, smell and touch are all contributions to the works of an art and I choose to do all these things consciously with an understanding of matter and energy being one of the same.
I believe that if artists carried this level of awareness regarding their daily life, rituals, activities, conversations etc., they would feel more connected to the interweaving circle of life where all matter and energy is fundamentally connected. To bring this level of awareness into an art practice could have the ability to produce higher vibrational art, with potential to positively impact both the artist and the viewer.
