“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.”
Navigation Device | Jodi Rose Gonzales
Stick Assemblage, Ear Falls, Canada
Art + Archetypes
Archein is ancient Greek, meaning “original” or “old; “typos” means “pattern, model or type.” The combined meaning is an “original pattern” of which all other similar persons, objects or concepts are derived, copied, modeled, or emulated.
My work explores archetypes. In the repeated forms of nature I see myself as part of a timeless, repeated pattern of nature and of humanity. My creative process is this: I enter the wilderness with a noisy head. I begin to quiet simply by noticing patterns, perhaps gathering materials.
I then create sculpture, specifically not manipulating beyond bending or perhaps pruning the materials (with the exception of twice burning my pieces).
I work exactly with what presents.
The process is cathartic: insight develops alongside connection to a quiet inner voice. With that clarity and connection comes empowerment. The decisions made in these moments are what steer my life, with better results than those made from behind the laptop or otherwise in my head.
Jodi Rose Gonzales
I don’t know why this reflective process sometimes translates into jewelry, except that I adore accessories. I suppose, as a reflection of my process, it is a literal means of wearing my emotions on my sleeve (or neck).
Yoga + Art = Life
In my art-based mindfulness teachings we explore why it is imperative to first calm the body, then quiet the mind, towards deepening self-awareness and insight (as well as managing anxiety and stress). We do this through the intentional use of materials, processes, and embodiment while we work. As the mind quiets, an inner voice—what some call the True Self—can be heard. We work with that voice through specific interactive techniques (typically journaling) with the artwork.
In fact, this is yoga practiced in all its’ eight limbs; not on the mat but through creativity itself. Here, it doesn’t really matter if one is technically adept. Like asana, you begin wherever you are at. Consistency is key. As one’s connection to self is strengthened, and the inner voice is listened to as it is expressed, life starts to change for the better. When you act on what you hear in practice, as a practice, you begin to respect your creativity as powerful form of navigation through life.
The big questions are: Are you listening? Are you living life in alignment with your True Creative Nature?
Inside the 8 Keys mini-course you’ll find audio meditations, fourteen art prompts, a practice guide, and additional resources to support your art-based mindfulness practice. The 8 Keys is FREE and housed inside my app, True Natured Creatives. Available in your Apple or Google Play stores, or explore it online here.
Jodi Rose Gonzales ATR, NCC, ERYT, YACEP is an artist, art therapist, author and yoga teacher who helps creative people unlock their full potential. Get her free mini-course called Creative Freedom: Eight Essential Keys to Inspiration, HERE.