Sixth Sense

Oil on Canvas

Like the first brush strokes on a blank canvas— so is the first few lines of a story—

Most everyone has the use of all five senses; sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

The sixth sense, extrasensory perception, can deliver more than the five others when it comes to creativity. What is so magically wonderful about the sixth sense? It’s adroitness; or if you prefer, it’s knack to obtain information without the use of normal sensory channels. 

I’m wondering, how much; or better yet, can our sixth sense impact you and me in our outward and inward lives, especially as we relate to each other?

I can attest to the fact, my broadly embroidered self, seems to be in tune with an outward-inward faculty. My penchant for creative thoughts usually expressed with a paintbrush, and now sometimes in writing, often yields clues that are not easily witnessed by others not even my wife and fellow artist/writer. 

I wish could give you a blueprint that would allow you to maneuver your own thoughts in an objective and creative way. Perhaps you already do. If not, I can assure you there is much value when you masterfully conquer your sixth sense. 

The painting “Sixth Sense” is my deferential attempt to at least throw the discussion out and on to the table; without opening myself to philosophical banter, which could easily go beyond my understanding of such stuff.

This is what you may experience when viewing this work, especially in person. 

The first impression can be immensely and visually vexing, catalyzing uneasiness. That’s good, you just eliminated hearing, smell, taste and touch; four of the five senses. Ok, I know you could touch the painting; assuming that I would let you, and I would, if it was dry. The fifth sense is sight. You are looking, but what do you see? I mean what do you really see? This is where looking at nonobjective (abstract) art becomes problematic. You search for something to ground your thoughts and ideas. This painting won’t really let you. The composition is ambiguously cryptic and it’s intentional; purposefully crafted, but not by overly conscious thinking on my part: It becomes what it is.

I am relying on the dictates of my sixth sense; not judging the end product, just allowing the cumulative brush strokes to coalesce. You may think it’s oddly interesting, or you may want to run… and not be confronted with such an enigmatic challenge. Believe me, it’s not all that confusing, if you can view only with your sixth sense, you will discover the deep creative pleasure of unabridged thoughts. If you are looking for a visually restful experience, It’s not to be found in this work, or at least not easily available to the unimaginative viewer. Buckle up— this work can be a visual roller coaster with hidden delights. Tune in to see…

Much of my art is often viewed like this;  “what is it” or “what’s it supposed to be”? I personally have no expectations, nor do I try and compel viewers into my world of creativity. Most of the gratification comes from the creative process itself. Fortunately for me some people honestly enjoy what they see, most with an appreciation for authentically original art. Now that I share written and sometimes verbal explanations and rationales for its existence, I discovered that both myself and the viewer benefit. Sometimes you need to discuss the meaning behind a work of art. And the artist has the best insight and the responsibility to do so. He or she needs to be the guide— and the best facilitator, just might be our collective “Sixth Sense.”