Priya Kapoor
Painting with the sub-subconscious mind is a form of art therapy that allows individuals to express and explore their subconscious thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This type of art often appears abstract and symbolic, with artists engaging in a process of self-reflection and emotional release. By stepping back and letting go of conscious control, artists can tap into their deeper, unexplored layers of the mind, allowing their instincts, emotions, and intuition to guide their creations. This results in art that is a manifestation of the subconscious, bridging the internal experiences of the artist with the external world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Starting point | No developed concept in mind |
| Tools | Indian ink, markers, acrylic paint |
| Process | Look for shapes in random textures, outline shapes, add details |
| Artistic goals | Expression of the self, exploration of belief systems, personal healing and self-discovery |
| Intent | Less about deliberate intent, more about instinct, emotion, and unfiltered expression |
| Art form | Abstract, symbolic, surreal, unexpected |
| Techniques | Mixed materials, photography, intuitive guidance |
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What You'll Learn
Art therapy and the subconscious
Art therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses drawing, painting, collaging, colouring, sculpture, and other mediums to access the unconscious mind. It is focused on the process of creating art rather than the final outcome. The term "art therapy" was first used in the 1940s by Adrian Hill, an artist undergoing treatment for tuberculosis in a sanatorium. Hill introduced art as a form of therapy, believing that it was essential for psychological healing and preoccupying the patient. Art therapy was also introduced to the United States by Margaret Naumburg, a teacher, and Edith Kramer, an artist. They believed that art therapy allowed the unconscious brain to be accessed in unique ways.
Art therapy can be a powerful tool for individuals struggling with PTSD, drug addiction, depression, and terminal illness, which are often rooted in trauma. It helps individuals process and heal from trauma by externalizing the unconscious and providing a safe way to tell their stories. Through art therapy, people can communicate their emotions, fears, disturbing thoughts, and internal conflicts without using words, which can be challenging or painful.
When engaging in art therapy, individuals are encouraged to let go of preconceived ideas and allow their subconscious to guide their creations. This can be achieved by starting with abstract shapes and textures and observing what objects or scenes emerge. For example, one might start by creating an abstract background with Indian ink and then using markers to outline shapes and objects that appear within the abstract forms. This technique allows the subconscious to lead the creative process and can result in surprising and insightful artwork.
Art therapy can also be used to uncover and explore one's belief systems and internal thought patterns. By examining the emotions that arise during the creative process, individuals can gain insight into how their feelings are shaped by their thoughts. This self-reflection can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of one's internal world.
While art therapy may not be suitable for everyone, it offers a unique approach to healing and self-discovery by providing a channel for the subconscious mind to express itself. Through this process, individuals can gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their perceptions of the world.
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Painting without a plan
Let Go of Expectations: Release any pressure to create a masterpiece or adhere to a specific plan. Embrace the idea of exploring and experimenting without a developed concept in mind. This approach can make the process more enjoyable and freeing.
Start with an Abstract Background: Begin by creating an abstract background using Indian ink or any medium of your choice. Play with textures and colours, dropping ink directly onto wet paper or using other techniques to create interesting effects. This step is about having fun and letting go of expectations of creating a specific image.
Find Shapes and Objects: Once your background is dry, examine the textures and let your mind find shapes and objects within them. You might see animals, faces, flowers, or other familiar shapes. Outline these shapes with a marker, choosing a black or white colour depending on the darkness of your background.
Add Details and Patterns: After outlining the shapes, you can start adding details and patterns to your composition. Use lines, marks, and other elements to bring your shapes to life. This is where your subconscious mind can truly shine, as you may find yourself drawn to specific details or patterns that reflect your inner thoughts and emotions.
Reflect and Interpret: As your painting unfolds, take a step back and reflect on what your artwork means to you. Why were you drawn to certain shapes, colours, or details? What emotions or thoughts does the painting evoke? This process can help you gain insight into your subconscious mind and uncover hidden messages or themes in your work.
Embrace Imperfection: Remember that there is no right or wrong in this process. Your painting may not turn out as you expected, and that's okay. Embrace the imperfections and unexpected outcomes, as they are a part of the creative journey.
By following these steps, you can create art that originates from your subconscious mind, allowing you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a unique and intuitive way.
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Exploring the duality of emotions
Art is a powerful medium that allows us to explore the subconscious mind and its duality of emotions. By stepping back and letting go of conscious control, artists can tap into their subconscious and create intriguing pieces that resonate with viewers on a profound level. This process can be intimidating to some, but it is a journey of self-reflection and discovery that can lead to personal growth and healing.
The subconscious mind holds a wealth of knowledge and experiences that influence our creativity. When we paint from the subconscious, we allow our instincts, emotions, and unfiltered thoughts to guide our brushstrokes and colour choices. This often results in abstract, symbolic, or surreal art that may be unexpected, even to the artist themselves. For instance, an artist may start with an abstract background, playing with paint and textures, and then let their mind find shapes and objects within the random marks. This technique can bring forth whimsical imagery, such as animals, underwater scenes, or faces, that seem to emerge from the subconscious.
The creative process can be a form of therapy, providing insight into our hidden beliefs, thoughts, and emotions. It can help us uncover and express subconscious feelings that are challenging to articulate with words. By translating these abstract depths of our psyche into a tangible form, we can externalise and examine our internal experiences. This exploration of the duality of emotions can reveal how quickly our thoughts can shift—from joy to anger or sadness—and the underlying belief systems that shape our feelings.
The renowned artist, Dominique Fierro, is a testament to this. Her contemporary abstract pieces delve into the duality of life's simplicity and the complex emotions that arise. By following her intuitive guidance, she creates art that explores her belief systems and relationships, ultimately giving back to society through her donations to human rights organisations.
However, it is essential to approach this creative process without limitations or the intention to create something perfect. As artist Wheeler advises, the focus should be on the process rather than the outcome. This mindset shift can be challenging for artists who may get caught up in their heads, forgetting the therapeutic and expressive nature of art. By embracing the unpredictable nature of the subconscious and letting go of expectations, we open ourselves up to a world of self-discovery and emotional exploration.
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The role of the conscious mind
Conscious art is created with deliberate intent and awareness. Artists engaging in conscious art are typically aware of their artistic goals and the message they aim to convey. This type of art relies on cognitive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Artists often use conscious art to express specific ideas, social commentary, or deliberate symbolism. For example, Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" is a masterpiece of conscious art, where each element was strategically planned to evoke certain emotions and convey a narrative.
The conscious mind sets the stage for the creative process by choosing the medium, subject matter, and initial concept. It is the conscious mind that decides whether to work with paint, sculpture, or mixed media, and it is aware of the artistic techniques and principles being employed. The conscious mind may also be influenced by external factors such as the artist's surroundings, personal experiences, and beliefs. For instance, an artist may consciously decide to sketch in a particular location, like downtown LA, to gather inspiration from the community, behaviours, textures, and motion.
Additionally, the conscious mind plays a crucial role in the execution of the artwork. It guides the artist's hand, making deliberate choices about colour palettes, brushstrokes, and compositions. The conscious mind may also make corrections and add details to the artwork, shaping the overall complexity and style of the piece. This is where the artist's skills, techniques, and understanding of art principles come into play, building upon the initial impulses and ideas generated by the subconscious.
However, it is essential to recognise that the conscious mind should not overpower the subconscious. The conscious mind needs to know when to step back and allow the subconscious to take over. This balance between conscious intention and subconscious expression is a delicate dance, and true artistic expression lies in the interplay between the two.
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Art as a mirror to the self
Art has long been considered a mirror to the self, with the ability to reveal the subconscious mind. This notion has been dramatically shaped by Sigmund Freud's insights into the subconscious, suggesting that our deepest dreams and memories influence every creative stroke. By stepping back and allowing the subconscious to take over, artists can create without limitations or censorship, giving form to feelings and thoughts that are not fully conscious. This results in art that is abstract, symbolic, and often surreal or unexpected, stemming from instinct, emotion, and the unfiltered expression of the psyche.
Art therapy is a powerful tool that utilises this connection between art and the subconscious. It provides individuals with a means to express and explore subconscious thoughts and feelings, offering insight into the hidden aspects of their psyche. This process can be deeply healing and empowering, allowing people to recognise and communicate their inner concepts and thought patterns as external objects.
The artistic process itself can be a journey of self-reflection, where the artist's subconscious often guides the narrative. Artists may start with a general idea or sketch, allowing their intuition to lead them in choosing colours, shapes, and textures. This intuitive process can result in surprising connections and manifestations that may have been forgotten by the conscious mind but are remembered and interpreted by the subconscious.
Creating art from the subconscious can be liberating as it removes the pressure of creating something perfect or pleasing to others. It is an opportunity to focus on the process rather than the outcome, allowing the artist to be guided by their emotions and experiences. This type of art is a reflection of the self, a window into the artist's internal world, and a means to connect with others on a profound level.
Art that emerges from the subconscious can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and emotional expression. It provides a unique perspective on the artist's internal experiences and emotions, serving as a mirror that reflects the depths of their subconscious mind. By embracing the unexpected and intuitive nature of subconscious art, artists can unlock a world of self-reflection, emotional exploration, and authentic connection with themselves and their audience.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by making an abstract background with no clear intention. You can use Indian ink to create textures on a wet wash. This will help you loosen up and let go of expectations.
Look for shapes in the textures and let your mind find objects in the shapes. You might see animals, people, or flowers. Outline the shapes you see with a marker and then paint over the rest of the canvas.
The subconscious allows for the unfiltered expression of the psyche. It can help bring forth thoughts, memories, and emotions that are not fully conscious. This can lead to personal healing and self-discovery.
Try not to overthink it and let go of expectations. Painting from the subconscious is about instinct and emotion rather than deliberate intent. It often appears abstract and can be surreal.
