The Impact of Public Murals on Social Transformation

     

 "When I realized how unconscious spontaneous art work could transform the painter's emotions, I started to wonder if public murals that invoked strong feelings in the viewer could also impact personal and social transformation." 

-Susan Mintz-Bello,Ph.D
 Founder, Org. for the Arts & Whole Brain Learning 

     I believe that art can become a healing force for individuals 

and for our global culture. Art expresses a language of the

human heart that reconnects us to lost values we

cherish. Presently consumerism and the media influence our

self-esteem and value system, since advertisers have the

funds to propagate  their messages in the marketplace.

      My doctoral research explored: Can frequent contact

with archetypal are expressed in public murals strengthen

uplifting values in the viewer? Archetypal art reflects

universal human themes represented in images so vital and        

meaningful that they evoke memories, emotional responses

in those who encounter the artwork, and an unconscious

resonance with the theme.

Robert Zajonc's exposure hypothesis,

hypothesis postulated that repeated exposure to a stimulus

can  intensify one's attitude toward the stimulus and have a

subliminal effect on  the viewer. My research confirmed

that a painting which stimulates deep emotions can mobilize 

and transform the viewer's thoughts and behaviors toward

the issue portrayed. 

If we all encountered public murals each day that mobilized a

mind-body connection and empowering feelingsconnected to

hope, inner peace, self-love, or solidarity with others, would

people of all ages and cultures begin to resonate with these

themes? Would such murals unify and shift their conditioned

mindset to a modern mythology based on peace, trust, and

respect?

    There is a vital need to rediscover new archetypal symbolic

images (other  than a white dove) to motivate youth, comfort

the elderly, and alleviate anxieties from living with terrorist

bombings, a down turned economy, noise  pollution, etc.

     As a Whole Brain Learning researcher, I am convinced that

our unconscious influences our conscious mind in many ways.

As a sacred activist, I am  committed to discovering and expressing

images that portray poignant murals which enhance inner awareness and honor

the sacredness of life. 

"Living Murals" bring 


 higher values  into existence, 

impacting our lives 


 in a healing way."

  

Please Join our ART FOR PERSONAL & SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION MOVEMENT 

on  fb:   http:// apps.facebook.com/causes/453677?m=18eac145  

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Art for Personal and Social Transformation

This will be a weekly blog so I have time to paint and draw as well as write.
Your comments are welcome over the week.




Susan Bello, The Organization for the Arts & Whole Brain Learning www.spontaneouspainting.com


What is Whole Brain Learning? (WBL)


Whole brain learning bridges the conscious and unconscious mind, develops unilaterally the right and left brain processes in a balanced way, thereby educating the whole human being. WBL develops the innate authentic multiple intelligences I.am.I in addition to rational cognition. These include creative, emotional, intuitive, imaginative, spiritual, symbolic, visual and kinesthetic. These innate intelligences channel unconscious symbolic energy through the I.am.I Spontaneous Painting process.


SPP is one approach in an entire WBL curriculum that promotes inner directed learning. It expresses the universal language of humanity’s unconscious mind through symbolic expression. No one tells you what to paint. The unconscious mind leads the paintbrush to express what is most needing expression. It includes meditation and other contemplative practices, such as, writing, movement emboldening self awareness skills, empathic listening, and the characteristics of the creative personality. Spontaneous painting is a language of the soul that can evolve consciousness in all of us.




Why do we need a Whole Brain Learning curriculum?


The evolution of human consciousness requires introducing a Whole Brain Learning curriculum within public education that will reach people of all ages, cultures, and economic classes. Isn’t it time that public education assume the role to educate the authentic Self in addition to the intellect.


What is the authentic Self?


This concept includes: our unique potentials each individual is born with that identifies their special aptitudes our divine essence, inherent direction that offers a deeper life meaning. Individuals who have connected to their essential divine nature, and developed it, have a healthy identity that inspires others and contributes to society.


Imagine what the world would be like if everyone expressed from their authentic essential divine nature. Imagine what YOU would be like?


We all are part of this greater life force in movement - a holographic Universal Self that we create together, by being who we are. Emotional education fosters an awareness of underlying pain and that needs to be released in order to uncover the divine essence.


Maybe it is anger, maybe hidden under the anger are vulnerable feelings of hurt, and maybe once these feelings are unleashed we find feelings of tenderness and a chance for the spontaneous joy each child is born with, and learns to hide, to come out and play.


When Joseph Campbell spoke to us of following our passion, he meant that when we connect to what we cherish and most value in ourselves, that brings us great joy and by doing so we are connected to our authenticity, to each other, and to humanity. This teaching is birthing a culture of peace that is much needed to heal our world.




The 44% of government budget is spent on military activities. While only 2.2% is spent on education.  
http://www.fcnl.org/issues/item.php?item_id=3148&issue_id=18 


Here is the link to the website on the cost of one day of the war in Iraq, and you can see what it would have bought in education instead. http://www.afsc.org/Iraq/ht/display/ContentDetails/i/19245


http://www.warresisters.org/pages/piechart.htm



For the past 5,000 years we have only known a worldview that is based on competition, a powerful group in control (power over), critical judgmental thinking, and not a world where co-operation, creative thinking, and encouragement of individual differences is respected and encouraged as the norm. In the evolving worldview, the concept of a ruling class is replaced by equalization. Not necessarily of wealth but a consciousness of personal respect for all the members of our species, our global community. No matter what the color of their skin, the texture of their hair, social or economic status…it is not about rich or poor. The poorest person may know how to love, to sensitively listen to others and to nature, and be happy with few material possessions, while the richest person may not. The accumulation of wealth over caring for one another is what is being taught today. No wonder the economy is so unbalanced. It reflects our values. How to get a job where you will earn a living, and of course having the money to buy things is important, but how to live joyously, with love and acceptance for self and others, is the timeless message of all world prophets. Over 2,000 years have passed, and we have not successfully taught or learned how to become aware of and overcome limiting fearful thoughts that block us from embodying our higher Self.




What are our values? What do we hold most dear? What are you yearning for?


Joyful living is a value of the new worldview. It is a birthright. We need not feel guilt in being joyous and receiving pleasure from life.


Rolando Torro the creator of Biodanza was one of my teachers and he recently passed away. His final written message to the world contained these words:


“The mission of the Biodanza professor is to transmit a state of love and awaken divine consciousness. Frequently people carry an identity where their divine nature is not allowed to grow. People feel insignificant, that their actions are insignificant. Living in a state of inferiority people are not aware of the divine nature they hold within. The essential nature of the human being is the eternal celebration of life. The essential nature needs to transmit its light, and this is the birth right of all humans. We are not inferior, we are divine.”


The new paradigm in education teaches individuals to experience the sacredness of life. A society that promotes such an educational goal is evolving a universal consciousness.


The Spontaneous Painting Process is therapeutic because it offers a method to access and express exactly what a person needs to for their own personal awakening. Spontaneously, in its own time, in its own way, we let the inner process unfold, as a flower. This all can be experienced in the art classroom. Such a consciousness includes states of self-acceptance and acceptance of others, compassion, solidarity, and greater connection to states of love and inner balance.


My goal is to create a Whole Brain Learning movement in education to change consciousness: Art for Personal and Social Transformation.
I would like to hear from you!


I think that one way to begin this movement is to start pilot programs in schools where a research study could be implemented. The results of this research could influence public policymakers to take a fresh look at the present curriculum. What do we need in order to begin?
1. We need teachers and schools interested in participating. All ages, cultures are accepted for this is a trans-age program. The younger the students the better, before the wounds start to become permanent habitual responses blocking the joy of life.
2. We need facilitators willing to participate in a training program, who will be the disseminators of the method.
3. We need YOU, educators, and change makers internationally to join this movement.
4. Once facilitators have been trained, you can begin to teach, and implement the research project globally.


Spontaneous Painting is the universal language of humankind. Wherever you live, you can learn this method and bring it to others. Please contact my email spontaneouspainting@gmail.com and let me know of your interest and questions. Seed the change you want to grow in the world!

Spring Workshops

The Organization for the Arts & Whole Brain Learning
Susan Bello Phd, Director
PLACE: SLC Conference Center-352 7th Avenue (30th St) 16th Floor
DATES: April 6, 13, 0, 27 May 4, 11,18, 25 June 1,8,15, 22
TIME: 7:00pm – 10:00 pm (set up 6:45)

The Spontaneous Painting Process offers an inner-directed
approach that allows the authentic deeper Self of each
individual to express.
Most people are unaware of their unique gifts and life
purpose. In an emotionally supportive, noncritical
environment, and under the guidance of the creator of the
method who has been teaching it for 25 years
internationally, take the inner dive to source your
spontaneous nature. Develop your Innate Authentic Multiple
Intelligences (I.am.I) emotional, creative, imaginative,
intuitive, visual, kinesthetic, symbolic and spiritual ways of
knowing.
Individuals of all ages, genders, and cultures can
benefit from the I.am.I Process of Spontaneous
Painting.
Be part of a small group exploring all your emotions,
through a variety of creative channels: painting, movement
and writing. Engage in group process, and empathic
dialogues that explore the significance of your symbolic
paintings. This course is for educators, therapists, life
coaches, holistic practitioners and all people yearning to
have a creative adventure. Professionals wanting to learn
more about our intensive training are welcomed to this
class.
-Adelphi Student " This class was unlike any I have ever taken..
I never bonded so quickly with my fellow students. I learned more
about myself and I feel that Dr Bello and this experience changed a
little bit about each one of us".

In my pocket I have a rainbow

In my pocket i have a rainbow,
it remind's me of you,
the radiance of your smile,
the colour's that gleem in your eye's,
the warmth i get in your presence,
the glow of your face,
the beauty of you,
the beauty within you,
that's why i have a rainbow in my pocket,
it remind's me of you.

Alan Joseph Duffield Lock

“The wealth of the soul exists in images.” —Carl Jung (The Red Book)

Susan Bello, PhD, ATR

“The wealth of the soul exists in images.” —Carl Jung (The Red Book)

Come on an inner journey with the creator of “Spontaneous Painting” who for the past 25 years has been teaching this unique whole brain approach to psycho-spiritual healing and self-expression to thousands of people interested in actualizing their potential. By combining spontaneous painting, journal writing, meditation, and group process in a safe environment, we will discover how to produce healing images from our unconscious mind, where the brushstroke becomes an extension of our inner self. Here our mind enters a state of fluidity, where thoughts and inner judgments diminish, and our authentic voice can emerge out onto the canvas. If you are a beginner, this course offers you the opportunity to discover your artistic potential and for those who already do paint, to explore new ways to enhance your individual style and ground your technique. Come find out how to: quiet your inner critic; unleash your creative personality; and acquire invaluable, life-long skills through the art of spontaneous painting.

Note: No artistic training or background is required. This course does not concern itself with analyzing or judging our art work. There is no right or wrong: The objective will be to express ourselves on the canvas. A materials list in the amount of $45 will be provided upon registration.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(6 sessions) Tuesdays, February 16–March 23, 8–10pm
10WAV05T Approved for CEUs
Members: $180 / Nonmembers: $200

365 PIKA*DON - Hiroshima Yes !

"365 PIKA*DON" Seitaro Kuroda from SaiVision on Vimeo.

Whole Brain Learning

Spontaneous Painting allows us the opportunity to paint the unconscious symbols and understand them consciously.

Adult Student's Work

Spontaneous painting is for everyone - people of all ages, from all cultures, with or without painting experience. The two painting series below are each done by an art educator. The series portrays the development of their "authentic Self".
DONNA'S WRITTEN REFLECTIONS
This student teacher's final paper for The Spontaneous Painting course, documents her inner journey and what she learned. (download PDF)
REVEALING THE LIGHT
This student painted only in black for 6 years after her son died of cancer. When she began painting spontaneously, progressively she expressed lighter colors and this influenced her perceptions and personal life. Expressing these symbolic images transformed her grief and self-blame, and permitted her to feel new emotions and gratitude for being alive. Many times people express onto the canvas in seed form what will later actualize in their own lives.

SELF-ACTUALIZATION
In this student's paintings we can see how the fearful emotions that dominated her behavior gradually transformed. Her spontaneous paintings motivated her to confront the world with courage, manifesting her authentic Self. She transformed into a woman who walks in the world connected to her light and life force.

Testimonials

The following testimonials are from student teachers who took a spontaneous painting course that met once a week (3 1/2 hours on Sundays at Adelphi University) for eight weeks.
"Why isn't education instilling values and helping children at a young age gain self- understanding? I think courses about finding yourself and learning how to listen to oneself and what is going on in another person's mind should be required just as algebra. I just don't get why certain qualities, especially ones that are so important are overlooked as a factor in education."
"I have never painted before and I have never been given the opportunity to create what I want. I was looking forward to being led much more by the instructor, so the experience of being able to think freely in the classroom was new for me."
"When I paint I feel empowered because everything on the page is mine and not influenced by anything else but my heart, mind and spirit. The painting is not fulfilling any obligation on being judged by others. I am free to express who I am. It's so therapeutic and I'm so surprised I enjoy it so much. I usually feel like spending time on myself is selfish, but I feel like so much more of a whole person."
"I learned that I need to pay attention to myself and not always be attending to everyone else's needs and wants. It is okay to leave the paper blank and spaces unfilled. It's okay to not know what is going to happen next, and leave room for wonder and imagination to fill the page. I always live life worrying about the how things will turn out instead of just living each moment step by step and taking it as it comes."
"It became readily apparent that this was a place where we could say what we were feeling and not have to worry about being judged or criticized for it."
"I fear being forced to go to war, via the draft, and only have choices that will negatively affect my life. There is no escape if I must go to war. If I refuse I will be jailed for years or become a fugitive or run from the law."
"I need to learn to accept responsibility for creating my happiness instead of leaving it up to someone else to give me that happiness. The only person in charge of how I feel is myself. I want to refocus my way of thinking and ultimately my way of life to become a person who is responsible for their own life. I want to find my inner way."
"Teachers need to encourage creativity and thinking outside of the box in their classroom, not discourage it. Discouraging creativity in students only leads them to believe that there is a right and a wrong way to do things and that the teacher knows best. Students should be taught that they are the creator of their own world."
"I really like the professor and the classmates. Everyone is so friendly and caring of each other's needs. I definitely came out of class today with a new insight. It is important to take time in your busy life to step back and embrace your creativity. Everyone has creativity within them."

We recognize art as a healing agent for personal and social transformation. In a world culture that increasingly prioritizes intellectual knowledge for the job market, society needs to rethink priorities and seek a balance that also values and dedicates time to educating the inner authentic Self. Whole Brain Learning art programs provide people - of all ages, cultures, social classes from the advantaged to the homeless, and populations with or without special needs - with effective tools to discover their innate potentials and develop emotional, spiritual, and creative literacy. No prior artistic experience is needed in order to benefit from this method.
The I.am.I™ Spontaneous Painting Process is a method that can be applied in education, business, mental health, prisons, hospitals, and elderly care. Creative self-expression is a natural human gift we all can develop if given the opportunity. When large numbers of people paint spontaneously, they can align with their inner goals, unique talents, and creativity. Together, as we form a critical mass and enhance society, and there will be an evolutionary breakthrough in human consciousness.