Layered Art: An Holistic Perspective

Layered art does more than just increase our awareness of the connection of self to other. It reminds us that, fundamentally, we are truly one with the universe. It is sometimes presented as a collage. Sometimes it is paint applied in layers. Other times it can be assembled items presented in an artful way. And other times when you look at a piece, it appears that the artist must have intended more of a layering of thought than actual media. Regardless of how it is actually presented, it is really best seen as fine art rather than a craft. When done with intention, it can draw the mind to many sorts of subjects ranging from spirituality and cosmology, to healing, time, community, earth connection, even the future. Above all, it functions as a tool for people to use as they learn more about their inner lives, as well as their outer limit discoveries.

The aspect of layered art that many find most intriguing is its tendency toward a synchronization of thought. One where we learn to recognize that there is an interconnectedness throughout all that binds everything together as one. This obviously raises interesting philosophic and phenomenological questions. One could wonder, for example, what it is exactly that acts as the binding agent itself. Some have argued that it is some primary physic that is the truest fundamental reality of the universe, and that only when we understand what that is will we be able to fully explain our combined oneness. Others have speculated that, if there is a universal unity at all, it must only be a conceptual unity.

Physicists, philosophers and theologians can continue to ponder and debate the nature of reality. For now, most of us are content to just do our part to participate in what our own creativity and passion tells us to do. Keeping the mystery and energy alive in our lives through layered art allows such an expression. One where the end is not determined, necessarily, before beginning. Whether created, or just enjoyed, layered art is like eating a warm bowl of your favorite soup on a chilly day. It warms, calms, and comforts. Yet it excites and makes you want more.

Layered art represents somewhat of a paradox. I find it especially challenging to explain how it is that looking at a piece of art can tap into some aspect of self that intuits or at least senses a fundamental reality; that even though I am one, I am part of a greater One. What is is about color and shape that is so primal that it brings to the conscious mind that which otherwise would remain below in the underlying subconscious realm? One might justifiably wonder what it is about layered art that actually causes one to consider meaning that would otherwise remain hidden.

For those who like searching for holistic meaning through nuance, and find meaning in the almost hidden details discovered only through a careful and thoughtful consideration of a piece, layered art is special. It holds a solid place amongst the other types of art that tend to do the same thing. Adding to, or taking away from a layered piece is indicative of the cycles of life. It is a technique that is both metaphor and physical. It is meditative, yet practical.