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My goal as an
artist is to offer the observer a glimpse of what lies beyond everyday reality.
When my painting makes someone's expression light up, reflecting a growing joy
from within, I know I'm coming closer to my goal as an artist or shall I say as
a human being.
In order to infuse my paintings with these spiritual qualities, I
have to listen very carefully to their natural source, the creative flow. I
have to put aside all rational thought and immerse myself completely in what
could be called Spirit or the Universe, that inner wellspring of wonder. I then
enter a state beautifully described by the poet William Blake: "I myself
do nothing. The Holy Spirit accomplishes all through me."
The incubation period required for any type of creative pursuit is by
far the most difficult.
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During this stage, I rely extensively on dream journeys,
inner suggestions, visualizations and even ancient Chinese arts such as Qi Cong
to enhance my creativity. From numerous sketches and color studies a direction
starts to emerge, almost with its own energy. Sometimes astonished, upset, or
intrigued, I follow this path: the way of creativity, which speaks a language
unto itself.
Then the long-awaited moment arrives: brushes gliding
on paper washed by waves of color, issuing nuance and texture. Here again, I
turn inward for guidance in gesture or choice of color, respecting the delicate
balance between action and accident.
Sometimes when the painting is
finished, I feel I have given everything, said everything. Then, little by
little the creative current returns, and with it the urge to paint... again.
Jean-Marc Borduas
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