Rob Wetherington Art and Spiritual Development Models Survey

By Rob Wetherington
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 15, 2009

Contemplative Art


Oedipus (Elvis Johnson #1) by Ray Johnson (1956-7)


James Dean (Lucky Strike) Ray Johnson, 1957
Ray Johnson’s pieces convey the idea of Contemplative Art because they were arguably the first pieces of Pop Art. Ray Johnson’s work asks the viewer to question the images and logos surrounding them in the commercial culture of the 1950s and 60s. These pieces in particular spoke to the American obsession with movies and music during this time period. As the radios and movie theaters grew in availability the quality of these works began to go down. These pieces were taken from entertainment news magazines following the lives of celebrities instead of hard journalism. Ray Johnson asked the viewer to question what is put in front of them instead of accepting and participating in the growing American commercialism.

EASTERN UNIVERSITY

“Visions of Transformation”: Artist’s Statement
A paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course:
ARTS 252 Foundations for Art and Transformation

By Rebekah Leeper

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
30 June 2009

Meaning and Philosophy

“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others,” stated by Jonathan Swift. Transformation is an extension of vision. In order for intentional transformation to occur, one needs to grasp a vision of the past, present, and future. The future, here, is a plethora of possibility. Transformation is the process by which one thing becomes another. My immediate thought about transformation is the movement from death into life, darkness into lightness. It is a very basic movement, which can be seen all around us, night and day, winter to summer, sickness to wellness, and others.

The eyes in the piece represent the vision needed to see the before and after of change. On one side is the darkness, confusion, and loneliness. The other side represents community, lightness, and life. The eyes are central to the piece because the vision is extremely significant to the transformation. The vision will largely dictate what will be.

“A thought, even a possibility, can transform us.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche.

Art Form

This piece entitled “Visions of Transformation” was composed in Adobe Illustrator. All the images used are my own photography including color adjustments in Adobe Photoshop. The images were then imported into Illustrator and changed into vector images.

As I was designing, I was careful to balance the color. I wanted to keep the “before” dark to convey negativity, hopelessness, and hurt. The center with the eyes needed to be neutral, though I chose to brighten the inside of the eyes to represent the importance of the vision and the process of movement from dark to light. Finally, I chose bright colors to emphasize the life and lightness of new things.

Nicole Livingston - Spiritual Compilation Portfolio

EASTERN UNIVERSITY

MODELS SURVEY: SPIRITUAL COMPILATION PORTFOLIO

A paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course:

ARTS 550 Arts and Spirituality

By Nicole Livingston

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

15 June 2009


MODELS SURVEY: SPIRITUAL COMPILATION PORTFOLIO

This portfolio is a compilation of a variety of visual art images that relate to arts and spirituality. It consists of an array of categories within arts & spirituality such as contemplative art, art and conscience, art in healing, art and community, and art in stages of life (seasons of life). However, I have included some miscellaneous samples that I believe relate to art and spirituality, though I am not sure which category would best describe them. In addition to going through the corresponding chapters in the book, The Spirituality of Art, by Lois Huey-Heck and Jim Kalnin, I also read what other artists had to say about each classification. Therefore, I will elaborate upon my understanding of each class.

Contemplative Art
In this class the artist's intent is to silence one's inner critic in order to allow creative potential to flow out, while meditating either on the present moment, spiritual awareness, God, nature and or divine inspiration. This process requires focus and stillness.

A Bridge to Salvation Hill a spiritual oil painting by Andre.
http://www.contemplative-art.com/

The title and image of this piece really stuck out to me personally. When I came to know Jesus Christ, it was outside of church through a network of close friends instead of the traditional response to an altar call. I also cannot tell you the day I committed myself to being in relationship with God. It was more like a transitioning phase, like a journey, slowly leaving one country behind in order to enter another. I never knew how to describe it before, but when I saw this image, I thought, “That's it!” I crossed the bridge that brought me to salvation hill.

Art and Conscience
In this category, the artist desires to make a statement in order to incite the viewer to care about a particular cause, whether that is hunger, caring for the environment, or protecting endangered species. In this instance the artist hopes to create awareness concerning an issue and/or use the image as a catalyst so others will act.

Social Justice 2008, 12 Posters by Luba Lukova

I have only included four of the twelve posters Lukova made, however her use of metaphor across the board is masterful. Each poster I saw stopped in me my tracks. I responded comically at some of them initially, but the gravity of the message eventually hit me like a ton of bricks. My spirit was troubled as a result of contemplating each problem; and I wondered what I could possibly do about it.

Art and Healing
This category can cover an array of meanings; however, I tend to think of art and healing as being more of an informal version of art therapy. The artist may be the one healing from abuse or trauma as they draw, paint or sketch in order to restore their spirits and/or souls. Perhaps the artist suffers from a physical ailment and they seek release through utilizing their creativity. Or, the artist may not have experienced anything traumatic at all, but create artwork that encourages restoration and healing. The images below are from survivors of traumatic experiences featured in the online art gallery of The Survivors Art Foundation (http://www.survivorsartfoundation.org). WARNING: Some of these images are graphic and intense.

Bible Reading by Linda Ness

Daddy by Candyce Brokaw

Closet Time by Lynn Schirmer

These images invoke so much raw emotion within me. Anger, sadness, hurt, frustration and pain all rise within me. I wish I could take their experiences away. As much as I am intrigued by their work I wish they never existed. But I am encouraged by each of the artists and how they have not only strove towards their own healing, but that they hope to facilitate a process of healing amongst other victims. They are saying, “You are not alone, and yes you can heal.”

Art and Community
This class fosters a sense of spiritual and emotional connectedness with a particular community by bringing artists and/or non-artists together to work on a particular project. Another way of putting it would be, collaborative art.

Mural at Southside Lions Community Center in San Antonio
http://www.sanantonio.gov/

This mural was completed by youth and adults, artists and non-artists to beautify their community which was being overrun with graffiti. The image itself represents a range of ages, ethnic groups, and activities while still conveying a sense of unity. However, I am more curious about some of the cross-generational dialogue that occurred as a result. Overall, this image makes me think of when I grew up in Mt. Airy in Philadelphia. There was a strong sense of connectivity.

Art and Seasons of Life
This class could be very similar to the stages of life, however, I consider seasons to be on a more intuitive and soulful level than stages. Stages are more of particular events, whereas seasons are a reoccurring dilemma, with each year, spring, summer, fall and winter. Seasons are similar to the manner in which people may go through cycles of joy, contentedness, sadness and depression.

Winter by Nicole Livingston

I created this piece in the year 2003. This was a time of transition. Transitioning from high school to college, I started to doubt where I belonged and felt purposeless. Everything seemed dry and nothing was fruitful. I felt frozen, so I created this image. I also wanted to play around with color at the time because I was not sure how to achieve this coolness effect. I think for my first attempt, that it turned out pretty well. It is supposed to be an image of a melancholy young woman, at a blue line septa station looking over Western Philadelphia buildings.
Stages of Life
This category is more representative of major events in life such as birth, first day of school, graduation, marriage, having children, day of death. The artist's intent is to signify the thresholds that we cross as we mature.

Woman Rocking Her Baby by Caren Loebel-Fried
www.corbis.com

This image is significant in meaning to me because I am about to enter a new stage in life. I am expecting, and my baby will cross the threshold from the womb to the world; and at the same time I will become a mother. I often wonder how I will be as a new mom, but I look forward to cradling my child as the woman is doing with her child in this image. I like how the artist has them emerging out of darkness and that all you can identify are their faces and the mother's hands. As a result this image is quite universal and can identify with mothers of all backgrounds.


Miscellaneous

Untitled by Kyle Cotterman
http://www.tattoonow.com/art_galleries/art_6106.html

This image does not necessarily fall into any of the previous categories. Perhaps this would be more of an image of Art and Morals because of the conflict the man is having by following the devil who is telling him where he should go, and the angel who is whispering in his ear telling him to stay. This image resonated with me when I saw it because it reflects an ongoing cycle of the battle that is being raged spirituality: and the battle is that of life versus death.

She Arises

She Arises 2009
Kit Ripley

Eastern University
Artist’s Statement
“She Arises”, a multimedia piece

A project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course:
ARTS 525: Foundations for Arts and Transformation

By Kit Ripley

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 30, 2009

Transformation is the intentional process of bringing about change in the world – a change in which people, communities and their systems are economically, socially, politically, and spiritually renewed, given new vision and power of capacity to live a life in harmony with God, themselves, one another, and their environment. (Corbitt and Nix-Early, p. 52-53)

In my ongoing work with girls from the hilltribes of northern Thailand, I encounter situations of desperate poverty, abuse, labor exploitation, and human trafficking. Many of the girls who come to us lack citizenship and opportunities for schooling. This year, there was an 18 year old young woman who entered our program who had never been to school. She was enrolled the adult education program in the first grade, and began her studies in May, 2009. In Thailand, social alienation and discrimination collaborate to systematically oppress and marginalize poor minority peoples.

This piece of artwork, entitled “She Arises”, is a multi-media compilation based on a watercolor painting I completed in January, 2005. The original painting, entitled “Cultural Dilemma”, shown below, depicts a young Akha tribal girl leaning against a bamboo shaft, watching other children play on a tribal swing. (Most any Akha would be able to identify that a shaft of bamboo placed at this angle is part of the traditional 40-foot high, 3-legged swing used in Akha New Year’s celebrations. The swing has religious implications in the animist Akha belief system.) The girl is isolated and lonely. She symbolizes the vulnerability of young tribal girls who are trying to navigate an uncertain future. Her modern T-shirt and jumper imply that she longs for access to contemporary goods, services and education, and she resists playing with other children in the traditional ways. Yet she also feels an attachment to her tribal heritage and is trying to figure out how to live in the modern world without losing her cultural identity.

“She Arises” is an image of transformation. This new foray into abstract art marries acrylic paint with paper collage. The young girl’s face is photocopied and painted over, and the paint is applied with a paintbrush, palette knife, and rubber stamps. There are three kinds of transformation implied in this painting, each based on Corbitt and Nix-Early’s levels of transformation. “Personal empowerment and responsibility” (p. 53-54) is depicted in the stamped writing. Through education and training, this young girl has become literate and is now able to access information. Her life, just like this image, becomes more complex and textured. The spirals also symbolize inner strength and courage. Her vision and vocational opportunities have broadened. She is beginning to take responsibility for her life choices. In her spiritual experience, the glory of God is washing over her life, and shines in her.

The second area of change reflected in this painting is “community revitalization (p. 54). One girl has become three as she grows up and gathers a network of people around her, strengthening her community ties. The ultramarine background also represents her connection to her society, as she is part of the flow of the river of life. The mulberry paper strips used in the collage allude to her connection to the Thai economy as this is a product typically produced and sold in northern Thailand.

“Societal transformation” (p. 54) is depicted through wavy lines. I identify wavy lines as part of my personal symbol lexicon. The sensuous, healing, restorative movement of curved lines appeals to me and appears frequently in my artwork. In this piece, parallel wavy lines, imprinted in several sections of the artwork represent the vision that as this one girl’s life is transformed, the lives of the people around her (parallel to her) will also be transformed. When this girl receives education, learns to speak, read and write in the Thai language, and is able to articulate her own voice, she will then be able to teach and inspire others, advocate for gender equality, dispel social stereotypes and positively influence society.

Through my active participation in ongoing work to empower tribal girls, and through envisioning the change I hope for in my artwork, I believe that I am participating in the actual transformation of tribal society in Thailand. Arlene Goldbard talks about community artists as “agents of transformation” who use their artistic abilities to contribute to social change. (p. 58) This piece of artwork is my contribution to the change. As I envision a new future for this girl, I am inviting her to emerge from vulnerable, passive, isolation into an active, empowered engagement with the complexity of the world, and her own culture. And as I lead therapeutic art classes, I invite girls like this one to anticipate their own liberation through the redemptive participation in games of freedom. (Moltmann, p. 3, 12) Through art-play our young people have a chance to try on different ways of being in a safe forum for experimentation. They begin to engage with the world by learning to interact with others, or with musical instruments, art materials, sports equipment, etc.. (Moltmann, p. 24) In so doing, they become active participants in the shaping of their own future. Positive societal transformation is not inevitable. It must be actively and deliberately created by the forward-thinking members of that society. My hope is that through the creation of thoughtful artwork, I will stimulate that kind of vision in the people I serve.

“Cultural Dilemma” January, 2005

“She Arises” June, 2009

References
Corbitt, J. Nathan and Nix-Early, Vivian. (2003). Taking It To The Streets: Using the Arts to Transform Your Community. Michigan: Baker Books.

Goldbard, Arlene. (2006). New Creative Community: The Art of Cultural Development. Oakland: New Village Press.

Moltmann, Jurgen. (1972). Theology of Play. New York: Harper and Row.

On Writing the Thesis: David Sheds Light on the Transformation

The month of April brings the signs of change in seasons... and in students. The first Arts in Transformation class will be adding the letters "M.A." to the end of their names by the end of the spring. The metamorphosis is almost complete! David sheds some light on the journey...

The thesis is coming along, but sometimes I wonder how it will all get done. I’m finding that I really love the topic I’ve chosen: “What makes Moravian hymnody and songwriting meaningful for new worship settings?” Overall, I really enjoy pouring time and energy into this question because it all contributes to my sense of call and passion. There’s a sense that everything I’m doing for the thesis is part of the artistic process: the interviews, the song recordings, readings, interview transcriptions and interpretations; it all goes into the work of art. So the final thesis document is a symbol for what has already taken place; it’s also a map for where a community of people think Moravian music should go. To have this process documented is incredibly valuable, because it makes the spirit of passion we’ve experienced tangible in a way that is accessible to anyone willing to read and listen.

However, when it comes to completing the thesis, there are some challenges. It feels like a rite of passage. The steps along the way can be painstaking and can seem trivial, but there’s a lesson even in the grunting. I get tired of looking at a computer screen. I also struggle with wanting things to be perfect, which can get in the way of doing the work. But there need to be lots of sketches before the final image takes form. There’s also the issue of balancing the academic and the artistic processes. The artistic process needs to have space, time, and freedom to experiment and ask questions. The academic process asks us to boil most of this artistic passion down into something that can be communicated in sentences and paragraphs.

In writing this thesis, I’m really trying to put in place a plan and process for my life’s work. I’m searching for my core sense of artistic call and channeling my energy into a concrete project. The Research Methodologies class encouraged us to find a very narrow focus for our project. The discipline of a narrow focus is very helpful. However, focus is still my biggest challenge. I keep thinking that I may have bitten off more than I can chew, but I’ m hopeful that it can all weave together somehow. My thesis is a combination of formal (qualitative) research, a written project, and a collection of song recordings. So, it has allowed me to think prophetically about how the Moravian Church might need to adapt its hymns. It has also given me the motivation to ask other people what they think, and to encourage other musicians and poets to join in the creative process.

And lastly, here's some advice for future Arts in Transformation students tackling the thesis: Starting early is always helpful. Focus on a topic about which you are entirely passionate. Maybe think of the thesis as a creative investment where you would like your time and life’s energy to go. We are transformed by this process, so it’s important to consider how you see yourself using your gifts down the road.

Photo: David teaches a fellow student guitar basics.

Spotlight on a First-Year Student: Talib

Talib André is a Philadelphia native. He holds an A.A. in Communications/Theatre Options from Community College of Philadelphia and a B.A. in Theatre Arts/English Concentration from Cheyney University. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Urban Studies as a member of Eastern University's Arts in Transformation program. Talib is an accomplished arts program coordinator and educator who has directed and taught on the middle school and high school levels. Directing credits include: "A Journey Through African Folklore," and A Dance Tribute to Michael & Janet Jackson. Acting credits include: "An Evening with Neil Simon," Tony Kushner's "The Laramie Project, "Broadway Out Way"and "Ain't Nobody Gonna Turn Me Around."

While managing the rigorous workload of graduate studies at the School for Social Change, Talib is also the Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Community Arts Collective, a new independent non-profit arts initiative. Talib and his team have been praised for their valiant attempts at introducing a different type of theater... one that evokes self reflection, promotes transformation, and alters perceptions.

On his first year as a student, Talib says: “My first year as an Urban Studies: Arts in Transformation student has been awesome. The education I have received thus far, the people I have come in contact with, both in and outside of the classroom, and the countless networking opportunities have proven themselves to be invaluable. One class that I thoroughly enjoyed was "Christ in the City" . Before taking this course, I had never been asked to exegete scripture. To be challenged in that respect was worth it.”

Talib is most excited about his role in the upcoming movie, “Law Abiding Citizen,” starring Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, Academy Award Nominee Viola Davis, and Gerard Butler. He says "I am deeply grateful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and humbled by the same to have been a part of this project. Shout out to Diane Heery and the staff at Heery Casting, LLC for casting me in my 1st major film. I play a Philadelphia Police Officer, and although this is not a speaking role, it was very physical and did require to put my training as an actor in practice. I did however, get the opportunity to interact with a few of the principal actors. The film is slated for a first quarter release in 2010. I pray that it does well at the box office and that this will be the beginning of a long - storied career."

Theology of the City: A Creative Twist

Every student in the MA in Urban Studies Program at the School for Social Change is required to complete a Theology of the City paper. This assignment requires them to develop a theological response to key factors impacting an urban community . The average student would tackle this feat by pulling an all-nighter. But creative students are going about it in a different way...

Erica Brown, a first-year Arts in Transformation student, decided to use drama and dance to speak on HIV/AIDS. Here's what she had to say:

"Having the option to express myself through dance/drama elevates the pressure of conforming my thoughts, ideas, and expressions to someone else's method of writing. Although I love writing, and appreciate the challenge of making myself more of a universal artist, I am a visual person and enjoy bringing text to life. I believe Richard Kamler said it best... 'Art is our one true global language. It knows no nation, it favors no race, and it acknowledges no class. It speaks to our need to reveal, heal, and transform. It transcends our ordinary lives and lets us imagine what is possible.'"
Click to see video of Erica's assignment.