Art as Contemplative Practice: Expressive Pathways to the Self

by Michael A. Franklin

Drawing upon his personal experience as a practitioner-researcher, visual artist, and cancer survivor, Michael A. Franklin offers a rich and thought-provoking guide to art as contemplative practice. His firsthand experience and original artwork complement this extensive discussion by consulting various practice traditions including yoga, rasa and darshan experiences, imaginal intelligence, and the contemplative instincts of select early twentieth-century artists. From this synthesis, Franklin suggests that we treat art as a form of yoga and meditation with the potential to awaken deeper insight into the fundamental nature of the Self. Exercises and rubrics are included that offer accessible instruction for any artist, meditation or yoga practitioner, art educator, or art therapist.

Genres: Art

340 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2018

Reviews

[Deborah Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Franklin's book is founded on core principles and values about the transformative power of art. He shows again and again how the artist, the work of art, and the audience are totally interdependent. I found his 37 declarative statements that articulate ways of thinking about art to be most meaningful. This book is also a powerful example of integrated theory and practice. Franklin's autobiographical reflections interact with philosophical and historical content. And these aspects of the book are balanced by extensive practical guidance about materials, techniques, and exercises that readers will find compelling. Most highly recommended for readers interested in exploring a range of contemplative approaches from prayer to yoga and meditation.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little all over the place culturally but does a great job tying it all together to show how art helps us really be. Pivotal for my life direction