The importance of keeping an art journal

On this occasion I would like to share with your my thoughts concerning the habit of drawing and writing on a book everyday if possible. I can think of no better way for an artist to sort things out, filter and consolidate the best ideas behind his or her work, than to keep a drawing diary or artist journal close by and use it on a daily basis.

Since 1996 I have been keeping a record of all of my sketches, ideas and studies in the form of these books and it is quite interesting to see the how one's creative process evolves over time. I noticed how I gradually got better and better at drawing with each year. There are some months or even years that of course, things seem to be getting nowhere but then it's not about results, it's all about the process and THAT is what makes this so much fun. Be persistent and make it into a personal habit just like daydreaming or walking.

Over time, my journals have become direct reflections of who I am, how I feel and what my work is all about at the moment. Everyone changes in time but the important thing is to keep a record of these changes and at the same time keep an open dialogue with yourself and your inner child. The artist journal is also the best medicine against creative blocks.

This journal would ideally be as private as possible, allowing yourself to make mistakes and also learning to live with them, accept them as part of your learning process so don't use erasers or at least keep them at a minimum. Honesty is vital and once we learn to embrace our human flaws and limitations through this creative mirror, we are ready to paint, sculpt or design for the public eye.

Take this journal as a practice sketchbook for making beautiful mistakes. Put your soul, heart and mind into it and it will shed light into your own work showing you multiple answers to any situation you may be into. More often than not, the answers lie within yourself and an art journal just allows you to put them in paper for you to see them right in front of you.

Hope you all enjoyed this and I look forward to share more of my own thoughts and artist journal pages with you! Keep the creative spirit alive and remember: "There is no single way of making art but there are as many ways as there are people in this world".

Apollo and the Muses in an Archetypal context.

Detail of  Oil on Canvas painting "The Gathering" by Patrick McGrath Muñiz (2014)

On my last blog post I started to explore the subject of the Muses and how they are actively participating in the creative act. Now it would be good to get to know a little more about each one of the nine Muses, their archetypal functions and how they may influence particular aspects of our art. These re-interpretations derive from a study of Archetypal Astrology as well as Classical Mythology. Although the number of Muses varies from source to source, the tradition has held on to the number 9 plus Apollo, the leader of the Muses making 10 in the end. There seems to be an interesting correspondence between them and the ten principal archetypes discussed in Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas. Just as Tarnas brings back these mythical planetary figures into a contemporary world perspective, I would like to explore the Muses in both a personal and transpersonal context. Interestingly the Muses posses a concrete form as asteroids and already have an astrological significance in themselves. Aware of this I still believe they are reflected in the ten major planetary archetypes as well. This is just another approach in order to understand these goddesses of inspiration.

                                                  Study for Muse by Patrick McGrath Muñiz

Calliope  

The "fair voice" Muse of epic poetry, inspiration for the oldest works of Western Literature, the Illiad and the Odyssey (Homer's Muse) and mother of Orpheus. She is the eldest of the Muses who also bestowed eloquence to kings and princes. Calliope is the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne (Memory). Her wisdom and centrality among the nine Muses often recalls the image of Mother Earth. Once thought to be the center of the Universe, our planet still is the source of all life as we know it. When it comes to artistic creations, Calliope is the muse who tells the epic story of humanity while nurturing our internal artist child. She guides Orpheus to create the most beautiful music in the world, music that not only soothes his fellow humans but all animals and plants, Gaia's children. She blesses all artists, musicians, writers, researches, astrologers, who are sincere as children in their art and are devoted to the creation of epic works.

Calliope by Marcello Bacciarell, 18th century

Clio  

The 'renown' muse of History, mother of Hyacinth, usually depicted holding a scroll or tablet and pen. Clio is also known as 'The Proclaimer'. She oversees historians, teachers, historical novelists and narrative painters. Clio helps us understand that history is not linear but cyclical, involving life, death and rebirth. History is the story of a never ending human evolution and constant transformation on every level (social, economic, political, environmental and cultural). These qualities have an interesting resemblance with the astrological Pluto, who rules over death, destruction, decay but also regeneration and rejuvenation, all vital ingredients in the cyclic art of history. G. Santayana once said “Those who cannot remember their past are condemned to repeat it". History can be personal as well as collective and if we can learn from both and find the connections, our purpose in life and art can attain a higher ground. Clio reminds us of the importance of history in order to make art that is meaningful and relevant not only to our own time but to all times. 

Clio, by Charles Meynier, Oil on Canvas, 1798

Erato 

Her name meaning 'Lovely' or 'delightful' presents her as the muse of lyric poetry or songs, especially when it’s based on erotic love. The association here with Venus, the Goddess of Love is quite obvious and while Aphrodite, her Greek counterpart was specially inclined towards erotic love along with her son Eros (cupid), the planet Venus in astrology has a much broader archetypal meaning. As Erato, she presides over love and erotic feelings but her energy extends beyond to also preside over beauty, the senses and all kinds of love relationships. She has the power to attract things or have you feel attracted to something or someone. She might be the most central muse in art as he is "beauty" itself.  Surround yourself by beautiful objects and images; work in a beautiful setting so you may be constantly reminded of what making art is all about. But as we can see there are nine Muses and more aspects to art than simply being beautiful.

 

Erato by Sir Edward John Poynter, 1870

Euterpe

 Her name means 'gladness' or 'giver of delight' (flute playing) and she is the Muse of music and elegiac poetry. Most artists that work with music knows how much easier it is to make art while listening to beautiful music. This is precisely the realm of Euterpe, Muse of all music and musicians. The English word for music derives from the words Musica in Latin and "Mousike techne" (art of the Muses) in Greek. It is also the origin of the term "Muse". Before Apollo became the god of music, Mercury/Hermes invented the lyre out of a tortoise shell and he was also said to be the teacher of Amphion, the first harpist. In astrology Mercury is the ruler of communications, trade, travel, signs, symbols, notes, reading and writing. Similarities between Euterpe and astrological Mercury may not be apparent immediately but when one thinks of the creation of music and how it is transmitted, we can see how Mercury plays an important role in its composition and dissemination. I always find it very inspiring to paint with music in the background. From Ancient, to Classical or New Age to New Wave, Pop and Folk, beautiful music comes in so many different languages, and different expressions and it probes highly inspirational while working.

Euterpe, School of Giovanni, Francesco Romanelli, Oil on panel, 1662

Melpomene

 The 'singing' Muse of tragedy is usually represented with a tragic mask. The Muse that brings inspiration through feelings of loss, pain and tragedy, she shares territory with Saturn, the planet/god of suffering, and endurance through hardships and discipline. This type of energy relates with the satisfaction we get out of hard labor and strenuous work but also by sadness and feelings of melancholy which can also be inspiring. Well structured work schedules and appropriate setting that gets us to  work hard, will be well suited for Melpomene. As the saying goes: "No pain no gain".

Melpomene, a carved marble bust after the antique, Italian late 18th or early 19th century

Polyhymnia

 Polyhymnia means 'Many songs' and she is the Muse of sacred hymns, dance, agriculture and pantomime. She is also one of the most quiet and serious of the Muses. Polyhymnia the muse of many songs and many gods is uniquely spiritual and solemn in her movements. She comes to us in our quietest moments, when we are at peace with the world and let our soul drift and float in the infinite ocean of the cosmic creation. Just like Neptune, the planet of illusion, holistic visions of Utopia and transcendence, Polyhymnia embraces all channels of understanding and becomes all and one at the same time. Incense, prayer and quiet environments attract her presence. As an angel of God, she elevates our soul and aids us in creating art that is sacred and ethereal. She blesses poets, gardeners, healers, mystics, painters and all artists and musicians devoted to creating art that evokes the Divine.

 Polyhymnia by Joseph Fagnani Oil painting on canvas, 1869

Terpsichore

 Terpsichore is 'Joy in the dance', the Muse of dance and lyric poetry and also said to be the mother of the Sirens. Professional dancers, athletes and fitness trainers understand the creative beauty of the human body and this is precisely the area of Terpsichore. Physical exercise is as vital as mental exercise when it comes to creativity. A healthy body that is well balanced and harmonious will become the appropriate temple a healthy creative spirit. As a painter I find that the study of human anatomy should not only be about drawing the human figure but also involve becoming physical and developing physical intelligence and grace. As one of the seven Da Vincian principles: “Corporalita” proposes an art that requires the cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness, and poise. In archetypal terms, Mars, the planet of passion, discipline, determination and physical impulse immediately comes to mind. 

Terpsichore by Johan Heinrich, 1759

Thalia 

Her name means has several meanings from 'Abundance’, ‘to bloom’ to ‘good cheer' and she is the Muse of Comedy.. Thalia is the most jovial of all Muses, reason why she becomes closely related to Jupiter, "The Greater Benefic" that brings abundance, growth, optimism and a good supply of laughter. Her place among the nine Muses shows us the importance of a good sense of humor in any art form and that we should not take ourselves too seriously all the time. There are plenty of references to be inspired by which can be found mostly in contemporary pop culture.  TV personalities, comedians and artists who use parody and satire in their creations are blessed by this goddess. Every once in a while it does well to lighten up, laugh and have fun right before or while creating an artwork. 

 Thalia, by Jean-Marc Nattier

Urania

 The muse of Astronomy/Astrology and therefore could foretell the future by the placement of the stars. Being associated with Uranus, the planet that rules not only astrology but scientific revolution, social upheaval, sudden breakthroughs, technology and modernity, Promethean in nature, Urania can be called the Muse for contemporary artists, astrologers, psychic and mystics. Techno/Synth Pop music that is often fasted paced and futuristic is quite appropriate to invoke her. Urania loves the new, innovative and future driven creations. That is why she points up to the starry skies and reminds us where we truly come from.

 Urania by Simon Vouet

 

Apollo

Olympian god of Music, the Arts and Prophecy, he is the leader of the Muses. Apollo, the Sun god reminds us that as our solar system has a bright core from which everything else orbits, in the same way, our motives, dreams and creations orbit our creative spirit, our center. Every one of us carries within an internal Sun that illuminates and gives life to our art. We just have to become aware of it and let it shine. As the planets orbit around our Sun, the Muses revolve around our Soul influencing and inspiring us to create art that engages more than one aspect in this archetypal Cosmos.

Apollo of Belvedere, marble antique.

On the existence of the Muses.

“Mythology may, in a real sense, be defined as other people's religion. And religion may, in a sense, be understood as popular misunderstanding of mythology.”

― Joseph Campbell, Thou Art That: Transforming Religious Metaphor

 

                                        Divine Inspiration by Patrick McGrath Muñiz

 

Ever since I started painting over 20 years ago, I have wondered about the existence and nature of the Muses. Do these ancient goddesses of creativity and inspiration from Greek mythology play any active role in the creation of art? The question may seem odd and a waste of time by modern rational thinking standards but this is because our own skepticism is filled with many preconceptions and prejudices about religion and mythology. In an age of scientific progress and information technology, the terms "myth" or "mythology" often equates to the opposite of “facts”, lies and superstition. But there is much wisdom to be learned from these "myths" and their stories are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.

 The Night by Auguste Raynaud (1854-1937)

As a matter of a fact, much of mythology has become the basis of our modern day religions as well as means to understanding the cosmos and nature from a creative perspective. Reason and logic alone are not enough; you need creativity and imagination as well. Real life stories can be engaging and meaningful by themselves but when these are told by someone with a vivid imagination and who creatively endows the story with a deeper meaning and spiritual significance the story becomes in a sense "mythical". At the end of Yann Martel's "Life of Pi", the protagonist, Pi Patel after telling his personal odyssey, asks Mr. Okamoto "'So tell me, since it makes no factual difference to you and you can't prove the question either way, which story do you prefer? Which is the better story, the story with animals or the story without animals”? Sometimes the cold facts are too boring or even depressing to assimilate by the human soul. Stories and works of art that go beyond “facts” and embrace the wild side of our subconscious awaken our curiosity, our inner child and they allow us to dream and believe. That is why stories involving animals are so appealing. They transport us to a distant time when we were in much closer contact with nature and the spirit world. 

 Life of Pi (2012) directed by Ang Lee

Some of my friends don’t believe in the existence of the Muses and I can understand their point of view. These elusive entities are equated with inspiration that comes and goes like the wind, cannot be harnessed and often becomes an excuse for a lazy artist that relies solely on being inspired in order to get to work. There is some truth to this but what if the muses are universal energies that can be invoked by the artist, just like in the ancient myths. Having an empty canvas in my studio and visualizing what will be painted on it requires something beyond rational scientific studies or hard work. It requires a unique vision, an open imagination and a spark of creativity to rekindle the artistic mind. Whenever I start a painting I am getting ready to pour my heart and soul into my work. In a sense this is an act of love and an act of faith brought together into one.

 Pleiades by Elihu Vedder

                                            

If faith is a necessary component of creating art that doesn't exist but in your mind, believing in invisible universal forces that are in charge and behind creativity and inspiration shouldn't be hard to do. Beauty after all is an ever elusive and subjective quality philosophers and artists have been striving to define and embody in their works but beauty just like a god or goddess, is above and beyond human reason. Just think of how difficult the term "beautiful" is to define with words. It simply IS and requires no justification, just like flowers. Muses are no different. They work behind the scenes and don't mind their existence being ignored or denied, they simply act and reward those who accept their gifts and put them in use.   

 

Four Muses by Andrea Mantegna

As an artist I can give testimony that I have been visited not only by the muses but by spirits, ghosts and other invisible entities. Instead of calling them muses, call them archetypal energies if you will. It does not much imagination, just knowing you are not alone and that you are not the sole author responsible for creating art, you are medium, a vessel transmitting a message beautifully and making the invisible, visible. It just requires the same faith you already have when creating something that is not experienced by the human eye yet. These archetypal energies, influence, direct and show us the way to better express and fulfill our art.

 Apollo and the Nine Muses from the Tarocchi of Mantegna

It has been my personal experience as an artist working 8 to 10 hours a day in my studio, that work is as important than inspiration and even though keeping a strong work habit is crucial,  I also notice that much work without that spark of intuitive and fiery inspiration, is simply dead cold. For years I have struggled to keep a balance between the two and a few tricks and practices have been quite useful. In order to bring a conducive environment appropriate for creation I work with music, light up incense, rearrange things or simply open up every window in my studio or as I like to call it "invoke the Muse".

 Muses Urania and Calliope by Simon Vouet

Truth is I seldom think of a Muse when I do these things but after much research on archetypal astrology I'm beginning to realize the significance of being fully aware of hidden energies. By being consciously aware of these invisible influences in one's life, one can manage and channel them in an advantageous and favorable direction. Just like the animals in the story of the Life of Pi, they accompany, inspire and teach us in our art. Like the weather or Sun sign astrological forecast they are difficult to predict, but once you know them, you know what they like and learn how to attract them, it becomes a matter of creating the right environment and rituals in order to bring the best out of your mutual creations. There is more to be said about the Muses and this is just the beginning. Stay tuned as I shall explore each one of them in more detail and how I work with them as an artist.

Mass Media Viate Et Mortem by Patrick McGrath Muñiz