"What are Devotional Arts?" is a question that periodically comes in, and I'd like to answer with something more than an elevator speech or passing social media comment. If you too have been curious, hopefully I can satisfy your interest in this wee post. For me, two aspects must interplay during the creation process to infuse and inform a piece if I am to refer to it as Devotional Art, and both can be found within the definition of the word "Devotion". So let's start with that, a dictionary. Yep, bear with me a minute, it's worth it. How about Merriam - Webster..
Thereby, Devotional Arts, require varying layers of personal devotion and dedication in both physical process as well as of a spiritual nature during its creation and/or intended use. Traditional slow crafting skills are just that - slow. In a time of instant messaging and same-day shipping, spending a year simply growing and processing the fibre one needs to even begin weaving fabric for say, a heritage quality shirt, is almost unheard of, yet it is absolutely the sort of soulful and environmentally restorative remedy for what ails much of today's world. Think of it, a garment made by human hands in a manner that heals the soil and brings community together, which gets comfier with use - that will also last 100+ years? How about with prayers made while the seeds were sown, heartsong captured as the fibre was spun, and with blessings woven right into the fabric? mmmm.... I say YES to this! Tapping into old world methods of Making organically connects us to ancestral wisdom. Utilizing the natural elements around us fosters reciprocal relationships with the earth, wind, fire, and spirit of a place. The zen of repetitive or quiet work lends itself well to calming our nervous system and receiving insight, but also other realm workings such as prayer, Sight, spirit journeys, divination, spell work, and blessing. What better way to honour a tree we love, than to delight in the hidden colour its shed leaves give our dye vats. How wonderful to integrate a powerful experience at the Solstice fire by grinding ink from the charcoal then writing a poem, vow, or declaration with it. Knitting a sweater for our loved ones with protective prayers in each stitch is old old magic that was once commonplace. The cup crafted from mud and carved with runes or ogham, reminds us each morning as we wake that our spiritual side continues to be nourished, even as we pack lunches and ready for work. These sorts of workings can be felt, seen, and affect change in the world. It scratches an itch that often is missed by technology heavy methods, mainstream religion, and even popular spiritual workshops or retreats. It gives us something mindfully, carefully, crafted with love and intention, to hold, wear, or use either in our own ritual work or in ordinary daily doings. These ways bring us closer, rather than continue to disconnect us, from what matters most. When we think of the arts as being more than only Fine Art, it brings awareness to the many branches of skill and knowledge that bring healing, nuance, and wisdom to humankind, as well as how we relate with each other, with nature, and the divine; however that might personally look. As a Devotional Artist, my making process involves real honest time and dedication to the craft at hand while including some element of soul tending or other realm workings. My pieces either support your (or my) innermost personal healing, or spiritual and ritual practices.
It might look like:
I've been deeply honoured support the tending of such private issues as:
If you haven't met me yet, Hello! I'm Juliette Jarvis, a sacred living mentor, best selling author, and devotional artist here to help you navigate life while cultivating your spiritual nature. If this work feels supportive to you, do have a look through the pages of www.selkiesanctuary.com or follow along as intentionally crafted pieces are created at @selkie_sanctuary on Instagram.
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Juliette JarvisStories of devotional arts from the Selkie Sanctuary cottage Archives
July 2024
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