"Awakening is not a one-shot experience." | Chuck Ceraso
A dialogue between artist Chuck Ceraso and Daniel Lev Shkolnik on the nature of spiritual awakening and consciousness. Chuck had an awakening experience in college which for a time destabilized his life. Afterward, he began his path to return to that state of awareness and discovered that his practice of painting was no different than his spiritual practice. Now, when he teaches others to paint, he not only teaches the craft but how to perceive the world from that state of open, concept-less awareness. "I paint not to reproduce a scene or subject as a picture, but to plunge more deeply into my experience of the world and to bring forth a painting that is alive with visual truth and Presence. For me, painting is an ongoing contemplation on the mystery and magic of life. I continue to learn that a profound humility is required for this endeavor and that the more I paint, the less I know. I approach each painting as if I’ve never before seen that which sits before my eyes. I have learned that the world is a visual feast that can never be fully digested, and in that, offers unending revelation and profound inspiration." — Chuck Ceraso The 1-hour dialogue was followed by an open discussion with the audience. To hear about future dialogues like this one, subscribe to my Substack: stableawakening.substack.com