| Shamanic artmaking - Shamans, indigenous spiritual leaders and healers, believe that everything is alive. Every rock, tree, bush, animal-even the elements earth, air, fire, water-are sentient beings with whom we humans can communicate for the wellbeing of ourselves and our tribe.
Today, urban shamans still communicate with all sentient life, but may use slightly different tools from the pebbles, feathers, and shells used by their forbears. One such tool is focussed artmaking.
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Shamanic artmaking uses materials taken from the body of the being the shaman wishes to use as an intermediary, and throughout the artmaking process the shaman maintains a clear focus on her desired goal and an attitude of reverent respect towards that particular being. The finished art piece describes the illness or problem of the supplicant, invokes the aid of Spirit, depicts the form in which the shaman expects that aid to appear, and thanks Spirit for its guidance and help. |
