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Comment by Renee Tay on 12 October 2008 at 5:31am

Comment by io casino on 24 July 2008 at 2:39pm

Comment by La'Vaughn Wright on 26 May 2008 at 12:19pm

kenny, I feel an artist can relate to any subject, if they have a strong opinion. But it's the body of work that counts. That way you can see the artist nature. A large body of work will reflect a commom theme.

Comment by Kenny Cole on 17 May 2008 at 12:31pm

I am a lowbrow artist who likes to deal with religious and spiritual themes in my art, not exclusively, but often enough. I have a pretty religious background (Catholic) but do not consider myself a religious person now. I take my art very seriously and feel that religion is a part of my psyche whether I want it there or not. When I create art, which I try to do every day, very early in the morning, when all is quiet and my mind is fresh, I feel a deep sense of happiness. I can then face the day (I still have a day job!) with enthusiasm, good will and a sense of accomplishment. That feels like spirituality to me...yet looking at my art I feel that those who look for the "spiritual" in art would see no spirituality in it. I guess my question is: who can define spirituality and religion; can an atheist produce positive spiritual and religious art? (see my stuff: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kennycole/)

Comment by La'Vaughn Wright on 9 May 2008 at 1:24am

I'M GLAD TO SEE THAT SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS HAS A POSITIVE PLACE IN THE ART WORLD. LATELY I'VE SEEN LOWBROW THEME ART DEALING WITH RELIGION.

Comment by Pennie Steel on 6 May 2008 at 1:11am

Hi Dawn
For me there is a difference between Spiritual and Religious. I depends how you define the words.
Many people connect with Religion (all kinds of religions) and find solace in that connection. Religions are groups of a like mind and faith and have rules and canons and a history of those ideas. Spirituality for me doesnt have to be connected to any one body of thought. It comes from within. It is a sacred part of us which I really believe we can trust.
I think that artists will often connect to the spirituality that is within them because that is a large part of the human psyche. We are complex beings who are influenced by our world. But we have the capability to tap into our 'self' and express that self through our art. To simply follow anothers' idealogy without question or without thinking hard about it, can be destructive and narrowing.
An interesting debate which will attract some comments I think.