An essay by Frater Mat Apr
Art begins for most of us, at least in America, as a mandatory class lasting until High School (then it becomes optional). The curriculum consists of lessons intended on acquainting students with the many facets of Art. For some of us this was not the beginning.
Regardless of how long it may have been, we have all drawn (or whatever media). Some have not ventured to try since the elementary school days. Back when this 
was your Dad and this 
your house. The problem is that the talent has not been exercised. The images of old are being applied as if they were genuine reflections of reality. In actuality they are dead images stored in the brain. The dilemma is that the artist is not "seeing" the subject. The mind provides the image, however outdated.
What is the solution?
We must learn videre (Latin "to see"). Close scrutiny and practice will train this most subtle skill. The act of Drawing must be a living "tool" in the hand of the Artist.
Why all this fuss about art? What value is there in my personal artwork?
Consider this:
Any school kid who has had the misfortune (or fortune, if it could be possible) of becoming involved with school (or state or federal) psychologists, psychiatrists, or even counselors may realize this by now. It is a normal procedure to ask the youth to draw a picture, usually of the family (this is an indication of the suspicions of the inquisitor as to the cause of the underlying stress). This creation is then interpreted with all the wisdom of Freud, Jung, and whatever the current theories of Science suggest. This example should provide reason enough to acknowledge the Power of Art. If these 'raw workings' reveal so much, how much more would a masterpiece? And how much more would the work reveal to one's self? Our personal secrets are not so veiled to our own inner Eye. After all we possess all of the Divinity of heaven and all of the baseness of Hell, within our very beings. Art has the ability to release the guardians from their duty, allowing the Light to pour freely through the door of the Unconscious.
So how can we use these "tools"?
Through techniques such as 'Free thought' drawing or 'Copy-yoga', one may still the mind and release deep-seated images. Upon inspection they will indicate the root of the disturbance.
"Debate not of the image, saying Beyond! Beyond!.."
Liber LXV Chapter 1 verse 9
Interpretational skills are apt to develop. Just as one who practices with Tarot cards eventually become proficient at reading them. This information is no less than a Divine key back to the Unconscious- while conscious!! Beware!
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