In the realm of profound mysteries that challenge human thought, the concept of nothingness stands as a perpetual enigma. Throughout history, luminaries from diverse domains such as philosophy, religion, mathematics, and astrophysics have grappled with this elusive notion. Yet, even in the 21st century, certainty continues to elude us in our quest to comprehend this concept, which holds pivotal importance in unraveling the origins and destinies of the cosmos.

The Artist’s Perspective

This narrative shifts its focus to the perspective of an artist, who, distinct from philosophers and scientists, delves into the influence of nothingness on their creative process. This artist is not alone in their contemplation; a multitude of renowned figures in the art world, including Kazimir Malevich, Richard Poussette-Dart, Mark Tobey, and Yayoi Kusama, have drawn inspiration from the void, emptiness, or nothingness in their works. Yet, the broader public often remains unaware of this enduring artistic fascination.

The Essence of Creative Practice

Nothingness constitutes the very essence of the artist’s creative practice, and this discourse will explore two facets of its relationship to their work. At times, the artist approaches a blank canvas devoid of any preconceived notions, allowing the vision to emerge organically as they delve deeper into the underlying concept. In other instances, a clear vision initially guides them, but it undergoes transformation and refinement throughout the artistic journey.

Preparing for Creation

Before the artist commences painting, weeks or even months of mental and emotional preparation are required, rather than sheer physical energy. This preparation ensures they possess the requisite determination to navigate both the intricate realms of the mind and the technical intricacies of painting. The artist’s goal is to avoid the abandonment of a work in progress, as returning to it after an interruption proves immensely challenging.

Entering the Creative State

So, how does the artist access this unique energy and enter their special creative state? It begins with a simple act: sitting before an empty canvas in the studio. Through relaxed but attentive observation, accompanied by focused breathing, a subtle shift occurs within the artist’s being. This transition resembles a gentle vibrational change in their electrical system, akin to a delicate shiver passing through their body. Their mind ascends, clarity sharpens, and they enter an expansive, luminous space that feels weightless—a zone of nothingness. In this state, time seems to lose its grip.

The Sacred Zone of Nothingness

This zone of nothingness is sacred to the artist, a pre-creative state that forms the bedrock of their work. When this state naturally concludes, and the artist opens their eyes, they require a moment to reacquaint themselves with reality, as if returning from an extended voyage. From this sacred space, they embark in various artistic directions, driven by a clear vision or a nascent idea.

The Artistic Process Unveiled

The actual execution of a painting involves two primary techniques: pouring and splattering, sometimes intertwined. A painting materializes only when conditions align perfectly—ambient factors like temperature and humidity, the consistency of oil paints, and the canvas’s texture must harmonize with the artist’s complete focus. These elements coalesce into a single painterly gesture, and the artist steps back to observe as gravity takes over, unveiling golden paths on the canvas.

The Evolution of a Painting

Each painting’s evolution entails meticulous layering of oil paint, a process that may span weeks or even months, depending on the work’s scale. Every stage of this intricate process responds not only to environmental factors but also to the artist’s psychological and physical states. The artist’s paintings begin to assume the role of an extension of their consciousness, forming a feedback loop between the artist and their surroundings, a concept in alignment with resonance theory of consciousness as articulated by Tam Hunt and Jonathan Schooler.

The Painting “Nothingness”

One of the artist’s most cherished paintings is inspired by the notion of nothingness. This masterpiece, while beloved, proved to be one of their most challenging endeavors. It was during a fortuitous encounter with Swiss artist and curator Andreas Heusser, who was creating the No Show Museum from an old Swiss postal van, that the artist’s thoughts delved deeper into nothingness. Memories of their earlier scholarly pursuit of Catharism and medieval dualism resurfaced, as comprehending nihil was intrinsic to understanding the Cathars’ cosmology.

Seeking Understanding Through Art

Two decades ago, a meeting with philosopher Leszek Kolakowski at Oxford ignited profound discussions about nothingness. From the philosopher’s exploration of the origin of evil and the existence of God to the artist’s scientific ponderings on nothingness preceding the Big Bang and the creation of the Universe, both were entranced by the concept. In the end, they acknowledged the vastness of the unknown concerning nothingness.

The Painting “Nothingness” Unveiled

Following conversations with Andreas Heusser about nothingness, the artist’s vision crystallized. They employed white oil paint blended with pearl pigments to craft a nearly monochromatic white background. As they painstakingly placed thousands of white and transparent dots on the canvas, they meditated on nothingness, seeking a comprehensive understanding. Extensive research, however, left their questions about nothingness unanswered.

Frustrated yet determined, the artist added a field of blue and silver dots to the bottom of the canvas, naming the piece “Nothingness.” This painting symbolized their ongoing quest to grasp the elusive concept.

Nature as the Muse

Nature serves as the artist’s primary muse, encompassing all existence, from the molecular to the cosmic, with its myriad forces and processes. Their art is a partnership with Nature, translating the invisible into the visible. Philosophy and science significantly influence their work, albeit not always consciously. Experiences, interactions, and fleeting moments with others, as well as the exchange of ideas, all contribute to their artistic expression. Nevertheless, nothingness occupies a unique space in their thoughts, shaping their creative process and imbuing each painting with a luminous, otherworldly essence—a coded message awaiting decipherment.

A Profound Bridge

In the realm of artistry, where the canvas is a portal to the artist’s soul, the enigma of nothingness becomes a profound muse. As we conclude this exploration into the artist’s journey through the abyss of creativity, we are left with a deep appreciation for the transformative power of the void.

• Nothingness, that elusive concept that has mystified philosophers and scientists for centuries, finds a unique home within the artist’s heart. It serves as both a departure point and a destination, a canvas upon which the artist paints the intricate tapestry of their thoughts and emotions;

• The artist’s process, steeped in preparation and profound meditation, reveals the sacredness of the creative act. It’s not merely the stroke of a brush or the splatter of paint; it’s a delicate dance with the unknown, a communion with the void, and a conversation with the cosmos;

• The painting “Nothingness,” born from a convergence of philosophical ponderings and artistic vision, exemplifies this journey. Its white expanse, dotted with blue and silver, speaks volumes about the eternal quest to understand the incomprehensible. It is a testament to the artist’s unyielding determination to capture the essence of nothingness on canvas, even as the concept itself remains elusive;

• Nature, the artist’s ever-present muse, underscores the interconnectedness of all things. It is the backdrop against which the artist’s thoughts and inspirations take form, a reminder that nothingness is not void but a wellspring of potentiality;

• In the end, the artist’s work bridges the tangible and the intangible, inviting us to contemplate the age-old enigma of nothingness. Each stroke of the brush, each dot on the canvas, is a coded message awaiting decipherment—a glimpse into the artist’s profound communion with the mysteries of existence.

As we step away from this narrative, we are left with a profound realization: in the realm of art, nothingness is not emptiness; it is the canvas upon which the universe unfolds, and the artist, a humble explorer of its depths. Through their work, they invite us to embark on our own journey of contemplation, for in the enigma of nothingness, we discover the boundless potential of the human spirit.