Inclusional Research
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Art and Creativity

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Brief Introduction

Artistic approaches can both be inspired by and help to develop and communicate inclusional perceptions of receptive space and dynamic boundaries, which can transform our understanding of evolutionary processes in biological, ecological, geological, cosmic and social systems. Lyrical writing, visual and performance art are very effective means of exploring these perceptions in an invitational and immediate way that can, without imposition, engage peoples' imagination and go beyond the restrictions of definitive language.

Inclusionally, all patterns and processes in nature arise from the variable stiffening and yielding of fluid dynamic, spatial-informational medium (flow-form). Excessive stiffening results in the rigidity of 'fixed' or 'frozen' form, corresponding with the static linearly boxed (3-dimensional) and excluded space of Euclidean geometry. Excessive yielding results in formlessness.

Correspondingly, creativity dynamically mixes informational rigidity (discipline) with spatial relaxation (letting go) so as to generate and explore an infinite array of possible forms of expression ('formings'). Any meaningful work of art hence depends upon being both relaxed enough and disciplined enough to allow expression to flow into forming. This is when the Muse works her magic in the liminal zone between conscious and unconscious realms in a way that can seem little short of miraculous when we become ‘stuck’ between periods of creativity. The inhibition felt when the 'blank canvas', 'blank page', ‘block of wood, stone, metal or clay, and 'pregnant silence' freezes us into non-expression is like what happens when trying to swallow at will. As soon as we concentrate on the action or intention itself, our throat locks up - analysis becomes paralysis. To proceed at all, it is necessary to have the courage to 'let go' in an act of faith that all will or at least can be well. But the letting go has to be constrained if it is not simply to splurge.

Ultimately the combined sense of having the courage to relax and allow whatever comes to mind or hand to emerge and surprise, along with the determination to maintain influence over what issues forth can fill with deep excitement, pleasure and awe - just as Nature does - on a good day. On a day and in a place where those defensive 'blocks' that paralyse so much of modern culture don't get in the way of our joyful expression. When we have the sense of being lovingly receptive-responsive channels, not grudgingly possessive, active-reactive authors demanding royalties for what flows through us from beyond our local reach.

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