A Spiritual and Creative Practice

When I first began painting seriously in 2019, it was about more than just learning a skill. It was a journey into a form of expression that transcended technique or formal training. My initial steps into painting were simple—picking up a brush and letting it guide me across the canvas. This act of releasing control became a practice in physical and mental release. The brush became an extension of my inner world, translating feelings and thoughts into shapes, colors, and compositions.

What began as an experiment turned into a consistent practice, and I soon discovered that art was more than a comforting activity or a creative outlet. Art, particularly abstract art, has the profound ability to connect us to something larger, to a higher spiritual dimension. This realization changed my approach to creating art and deepened my connection to the creative process.

The Spiritual Dimension of Art

As I painted more frequently, I started to experience a shift—one that many artists describe but few can fully explain. Art became a meditative practice for me, one that allowed me to step outside the busyness of life and enter a space where time seemed to slow down, and external concerns melted away. It felt like I was channeling an energy that existed beyond myself, and I began to view art as a spiritual practice as much as a creative one.

Abstract art has a unique quality that invites this deeper exploration. Unlike representational art, which mirrors reality by depicting objects, people, or scenes, abstract art opens up a space for the viewer—and the artist—to engage with emotions, thoughts, and sensations in a way that transcends the physical world. Rather than guiding viewers toward a specific interpretation, it encourages imaginative thinking and evokes deep emotional responses

For me, abstract art has become a way to tap into the intangible, to express thoughts and feelings that don't have clear words or definitions. It is a way to communicate beyond language, allowing for a connection that is both personal and universal.

The Ambiguity of Abstract Art: Freedom and Imagination

Abstract art has an ambivalent quality that allows it to evoke different sensations in different people, making it a powerful medium for self-expression and spiritual reflection. It offers freedom—not only to the artist but also to the viewer. Each person brings their own experiences, emotions, and interpretations to the work, making the experience of abstract art a deeply personal one. There is no single "correct" way to view or understand an abstract painting, and this openness invites the viewer to participate actively in the process of meaning-making.

In many ways, abstract art asks us to leave behind our logical minds and engage more fully with our subconsious selves. It encourages us to sense, rather than think—to allow colors, shapes, and compositions to stir something within us. For me, this is where the magic of abstract art lies. It bypasses the analytical or critical mind and speaks directly to the spirit.

The Role of Color, Texture, Brushstroke in Composition

Three of the most powerful tools in composing abstract art is the use of color, texture and brushstroke. These elements work together to evoke a sensation or memory, create moods, and express ideas that words often fail to capture. Different permutations of these three elements create a language of their own. Each conveys a nuance or tone of voice, subtly influencing the overall impact of the composition.

Abstract art is also about balance in composition—an arrangement that has contrast as well as harmony. When colour, texture and brushstroke find their balance, they have the power to transform the energy of the physical room, uplifting the space with its unique vibrations. Different compositions offer various rhythms that pulls the viewer in, guiding their eye across the canvas and inviting them to explore the work from multiple angles.

For me, the process of working with color, texture and brushstroke in abstract art is meditative. There is something peaceful about the act of arranging colors and shapes until they feel "right." It's a process that requires both intuition and patience, and it's one of the reasons I find abstract art fulfilling. It's not about getting the image to "look" perfect; it's about creating an energy that resonates on a deeper level.

Recurring Imagery and Thought in Abstract Art

Another aspect of abstract art that fascinates me is how certain imageries, shapes, and lines seem to recur throughout the process. These elements often resurface, almost as if they have a life of their own, waiting to be expressed in different ways through colour, texture and brushstroke. It’s as if the canvas becomes a place where our subconscious finds a place to reiterate certain thoughts and ideas.

Yet the beauty of abstract art is that these elements can be interpreted in countless ways by different viewers. What might evoke a specific memory or feeling for me could stir something entirely different in someone else. The ability of abstract art to evoke such diverse responses is part of what makes it so powerful.

At times, it feels as though the artwork itself is guiding me—bringing these recurring images and thoughts to the forefront, allowing them to evolve and take shape in new and unexpected ways. There’s a sense of surrender in this process—of letting go and allowing the painting to unfold as it needs to. This experience of flow, of being fully present in the creative process, is personally vulnerable but also enriching. Once I’m able to let go of preconceived notions, the process will unfold organically. In many ways, it feels like composing a song without words—where rhythm, balance, and contrast take center stage.

The Many Approaches to Abstraction

Every artist approaches abstraction in their own unique way. Some focus on the physical gestures involved in painting—the movement of the brush across the canvas, the energy of each stroke. Others are more concerned with the emotional or psychological aspects of the process, using abstraction to express inner emotions. Still, others are fascinated by the manipulation of new materials—experimenting with texture, surface, and the interaction between different media.

In my practice, I find that all of these elements come into play. However, one of the most rewarding aspects of abstract art, for me, is its meditative quality. The act of painting—of being fully present in the moment—allows me to quiet my mind and tap into a deeper sense of peace. It’s like tuning into a frequency that brings calm and clarity.

I agree with Japanese artist Makoto Fujimura who says that “…art making is a discipline of awareness, prayer and praise”. I found this to be true with abstraction. It’s a practice that allows me to step out of the busyness of everyday life and into a space of stillness and reflection. In this space, I can practice gratitude for the things that are going well in my life. The act of creating becomes an end in itself, rather than a means to an outcome.

Conclusion

Abstract art is more than just a visual experience—it’s a physical, mental, and spiritual journey. It invites us to let go of control, to embrace ambiguity, and to explore the deeper layers of our own inner worlds. Through color, texture, brushstroke and composition, abstract art creates a space for meditation, reflection, and connection with something greater than ourselves.