"Artist as Shaman" Lecture at National Art Education Association (NAEA)
San Diego, California 2014
Shamanism is the direct experience of reality. Like the Shaman, the Artist shares his or her inner world, powers of forecasting and healing with the community. Creativity is naturally healing. Cutting through conformity, the Shaman and Artist remain true to their own vision, compelled to make the journey by an inner drive. Some talents border on the praeternatural. Inspiration is magical flight that elevates the Spirit. The Artist is inspired, moved, raised. The method is unique and his or her's alone. Remedies for today's ills are offered up in storytelling, personal sacrifices and rituals making and displaying, showing the new way by manifesting in the world what was carried in the heart. The story is transformative, to Artist and audience. Culture cycles repeat on higher octaves.
**School Arts Interview: GARTEL: Four decades of Digital Art (and counting) -
http://www.schoolartsroom.com/2014/03/laurence-gartel-and-four-decades-of.html