My Story in Colour
I’m Lynne Head-Weir, a Contemplative Artist whose artwork is inspired by prayer, Ignatian spirituality, which includes nature and the movement of the Holy Spirit. As a lifetime as an artist, these days, I delight in creating images, colours, characters, symbols as well as inspirations from nature that express the creative gifts and fruits of the Spirit. Through my art, I hope to invite others into wonder, reflection and a deeper awareness of God’s loving presence, a Contemplative Artist.
My contemplative artwork practice is now the main focus of my creative and spiritual journey. I also offer Contemplative Arts retreats and Spiritual Direction for individuals and groups, gently combining creative pathways with prayer, meditation to deepen understanding of ourselves with God and care for our common home, Earth.
My background includes a Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction, a Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy, a Bachelor of Community Welfare and a Graduate Diploma in Community Cultural Development. I am also a giver of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, with past professional experience in addiction counselling.
I am a member of the Spiritual Director Team at the JISA Faber Centre of Ignatian Spirituality, Brisbane, a professional member of Companions, and an active parishioner at St Mary’s Catholic Parish, Coomera, Gold Coast. Australia. I am also an exhibiting member of the Royal Queensland Art Society at Broadbeach, Gold Coast.
I am a proud mother of three and grandmother of seven. Creating art is one of the ways I get to know myself and experience God’s love with deep gratitude—and sharing that creativity with others is a special blessing.
What is Contemplative Arts?
Contemplative Arts has come about through my own personal practice of combining Ignatian Spirituality with Creative Arts Therapy and the arts. My visual journal continues to be the main enjoyment of my creative prayer life. Contemplation is the way I know and think of myself when I am sincerely praying and being present to Gods love. I notice what is drawing me towards God and what is drawing me away from God. I also love providing space and time for others to experience the embodiment of creative spiritual freedom .
Creativity Finding God in all things[1], creating is one sacred gift in my life. Creativity fits easily into the First Principle and Foundation of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises[2]. Contemplative arts is life giving for my soul and for others’ souls.
Discernment Creativity and prayer are dear playmates. As I open myself up to the gospel, I see through Jesus’ eyes. Contemplating on Jesus’ life helps me contemplate on my own life. As I draw or paint or write, I grow in awareness of what is drawing me away from or towards God. Contemplative arts is a form of Ignatian prayer with discerning when the spirits are true or false through meditation and imaginative contemplation.
Reflection My creative gift impels me to reflect on all prayer experiences from different perspectives. We notice what we are experiencing, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Where is the truth, the true spirit? Questions are stimulated. Mysteries revealed. Contemplative arts is congruent with Ignatian principle of reviewing daily experiences of God in our lives.
Creative process When creating artwork, I participate in a transforming universal venture. When I draw spontaneously, I draw from a wiser place. My shapes, colours and lines are interpreted into new awareness and learnings. The invisible becomes visible. Contemplative arts is an inspiring way to join in action throughout the world for God’s purpose.
Detachment While drawing, I trust in the creative process and not being concerned about or controlling the end product. The outcome naturally unfolds, as I trust in the Holy Spirit at work. With spiritual freedom, I patiently let go and let God create though me, for his design and grace to be developed. Contemplative arts allows detachment from personal expectations and outcomes, surrendering to Gods graces.
Inclusive for everyone Immersed in the creative process, I attempt to be true to who God has created me to be. The creation of my artwork is between God and I and I am not comparing myself with others. It’s not about being right or wrong even though my inner critic attempts to make detrimental judgements to the contrary. Contemplative arts provides a time and space for us all to express ourselves creatively without judgement.
Creative and spiritual freedom All types of creative expression can be used including music, drama, movement, poetry, storytelling, writing as well all visual arts using sand, clay, paint, drawing, etc.. There is no pressure to have any artistic ability or to follow any techniques, rules or conformity. Ignatian spiritual freedom opens us up to experience God’s love and graces more deeply.
My hope is to encourage you to create a resourceful contemplative arts practice in your everyday lives through creativity.
[2] https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/vinita-hampton-wright-on-the-principle-and-foundation/