THE ART OF SOUL: AN ARTIST'S GUI

The Art of Soul is about learning to see, literally and metaphorically. It is also about applying the principles of discerning vision to the development of a soul. Artist and teacher Regina Coupar has prepared a series of 'art lessons' for people who may never pick up a brush. For Coupar, the alignment of body, mind and soul required by an artist for drawing and painting is comparable to what happens during meditation. Her resulting insights are surprisingly insightful and accessible.

Readers with no artistic background will benefit from her rich experience accumulated over decades of teaching and art making. Coupar uses the analogies and metaphors of the art world (balance, perspective, "dry," "wet" and "mixed" media, light, composition, etc.) and shows in a non-technical way how these can relate in very practical ways to our own spiritual development. And for experienced artists, Coupar's intimations of the spiritual meaning of their work will resonate with authenticity, and inspire a deeper understanding of the spiritual aspects of their work

The practice of art can put us in touch with our soul - the creative process engages out intuition and opens doors for dialogue between our inner and outer selves. When we see the world differently, as artists must, we discover inter-relationships and possibilities never seen before. Coupar shows how art can be learned by anyone and can become a vehicle for stimulating and nurturing our spiritual growth.

Regina Coupar lives and works in a historic sea-captain's house overlooking Chester Basin in Nova Scotia. She is an artist and poet of Acadian descent whose work explores the meaning of creativity and spirituality. She is a regular guest lecturer at the Atlantic School of Theology.