Painting

Ma Yuan, a painter of the Song dynasty, was called “One-corner Ma” because, in an attempt to render perspective, he would put the foreground figures in one corner

“What’s the title of your painting?”, they ask me. Well, it’s like when I’m asked for a diagnosis. To me, the diagnosis is the sufferer’s name.

Michelangelo was aware of his “I,” his ego, when he painted, just as we are when we look at his paintings. But when we go back and look at Paleolithic art, for instance that of the Lascaux caves, we realize that these were not the result of

Many of the Japanese homes I have visited have a little altar area, which is usually behind closed doors. There is often incense burning, and some food that has been left for the gods. And inside there may be a painting, or perhaps a photograph of a dead relative to encourage the spirits to come

Over the years, I too have collected many rocks, and my love of them has nothing to do with their geological classifications. I have no idea what kind of rocks they are. To me, they are just rocks. In fact, I believe that when you name something, like a bird, or a flower—or a rock—you

It is a first step for the patient to express his feelings through art. But what feelings?

Dr. Diamond discusses the tendency for painters, towards the end of their lives, to depict the Yoni, unconsciously seeing death as a return to the Great Mother. Another talk in the Art for Healing series.

See more videos by Dr Diamond on his YouTube channel.

What could make pure art?  Obviously it cannot be created with notes of music and instruments, nor with paints and brushes, nor with cameras, nor with marble and chisels, since every medium has gross limitations. A medium is not full of life. We can bring it to life, but by itself it does not live.

We have a desire, a need, to anthropomorphize God – and similarly, although to a lesser degree, to reify the content of art.

Look at that block of stone. Feel its spirit. Then ask yourself, Should it be sculpted?