Being an Artist: The Transformative Power of Multiple Mediums

My Journey Through Expressive Abstract Painting and Sound Journeys

Art and healing, seemingly disparate domains, have woven together beautifully in my life, each playing a crucial role in my personal creative journey, while also becoming a cornerstone of my emotional and psychological well-being. As I’ve explored the realms of expressive abstract painting and more recently in the past several years, a sound frequency practice in the form of ‘sound journeys’ (aka, sound baths) , I’ve found a fascinating interplay between personal expression and therapeutic benefits. In this article of my ‘Being an Artist’ series, I intend to share my experiences with both artistry and sound, and reflect on their inherent qualities, historical practices, and how they have each facilitated my personal growth, expression and healing.

(Just a quick note before I get started: I am also an active comic book artist and publisher, fine art nude photographer, and a few other creative disciplines. I have chosen these two primary mediums of mine to share a slice of the creative possibilities that open up when I allow myself the space to create, play and give to people in my life.)

Walk To The Edge by GENE Jimenez

My Artistry in Expressive Abstract Painting

Expressive abstract painting has become a sanctuary for me—a place where I can transcend the constraints of traditional representation to evoke deep emotions, thoughts, and sensations through color, form, and texture. In this artistic journey, I’ve learned to delve into my subconscious, letting my brush strokes and splashes of color convey my innermost feelings, rather than depicting tangible objects. 

From day one, starting about 22yrs ago in my style of painting, my intention for my visual work has been to portray the ‘human spirit at play’. Whereas I could probably write book after book on this topic alone, a single painting allows me the imagery to convey that which I can’t put enough words into. Having created in this form of expression for over two decades, it seems to be my primary form of expressing how I feel, and that works just fine for my life.

Untitled by GENE Jimenez

The Creative Process, or, ‘The Unfolding of Life’

For me, the creative process in expressive abstract painting is inherently subjective. Each stroke holds a piece of my emotional landscape, revealing unarticulated feelings and experiences. This spontaneous act often becomes cathartic, transforming my canvas into a personal diary that narrates my inner experiences. What I find fascinating is how my emotions can shift dramatically with a few strokes of a brush or splashes of paint, creating something that resonates with both me and those who view it.

Engaging in this form of expression has brought immense psychological benefits into my life. I’ve found that the act of painting significantly reduces my anxiety and lifts my spirits. It allows me to enter a meditative state where I can immerse myself in my thoughts, ultimately enabling me to confront and process my feelings in a safe and constructive manner, while also, as a by product, my subconscious rears its head every now and then and reveals myself to me that I was unaware of. This constand ‘unfolding’ of what may come to fruition next is both exciting and a bit unnerving at times. My game has become a steady practice of ‘trust the process’ and the image seems to always reveal itself.

Blue Dancer by GENE Jimenez

My Experiences with Sound Frequencies

In contrast to the colorful realm of painting, I’ve discovered the unique auditory experience of sound journeys which scientifically produce relaxation and healing through sound frequencies. During these sessions, I encounter a wide array of instruments—singing bowls, gongs, native flutes and chimes—each creating resonating soundscapes that envelop me in a cocoon of tranquility while also providing science based natural frequencies for my clients and participants to resonate, entrain and envelope for their own personal therapuetic physical, emotional and mental healing.

As I researched the history of sound healing, I realized the profound heritage behind it. Many ancient cultures, including Tibetan and Indigenous practices, have long relied on sound as a healing tool. It fascinated me to learn that sound, revered for its ability to shift energy and consciousness, forms the cornerstone of community rituals that date back centuries—a reminder of our collective human experience.

Scientific Sound Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, I was intrigued to discover how sound frequencies influence our bodies on a molecular level. When I sit in a sound bath, the vibrations penetrate my being, inducing shifts in my brainwave activity. The effects are palpable: I often find myself slipping into Alpha or Theta brainwave states—conditions linked to relaxation, creativity, and intuition. This connection resonated deeply with me, as I could see parallels between my experiences in sound baths and the creative explorations of my art. Whereas sound was an active and ancient practice of healing our mind, bodies and souls, visual art is more of a passive expression of healing, and expressive communication, which can also provide a place of empathy for the weary heart.

Contrasting Personal Expression and Healing

While both expressive abstract painting and sound baths evoke strong emotional responses and foster healing, I’ve noticed that their methods and philosophies starkly contrast. My painting journey is personal and introspective, focused on my unique expression, while my experiences in sound baths center around a collective, shared atmosphere of healing, intentional and empathetic to those in my presence. In the moment, I am aware of who I am affecting, whereas, I have paintings in various ‘homes’ around the globe that continue to express for me, without me knowing who I may be touching at a sacred healing level. 

Expressive abstract painting feels like an individual journey for me. Every canvas is a reflection of my personal struggles and triumphs, a visual narrative comprised of my experiences and emotions. When I share my work, I open the door for others to interpret it through their lens, creating an intricate dialogue that connects me to viewers on an intimate level. I always express to people that I have paintings to sell, not art. It only becomes art when someone else finds that it moves them to action, and finds value in themselves enough for them to walk out the door. (This goes along with my previous article “If I Paint in the Forrest…”).

Sound journeys, however, offer a different connection. In these shared spaces, participants lie together, enveloped in sound. While my experience may differ from that of my fellow attendees, there’s a beautiful sense of unity in our shared journey toward relaxation and introspection. I appreciate this community aspect, which enriches my healing experience and fosters a sense of belonging. To be actively creating space for others healing or ‘self-work’ is the act of being a human being. I like to think I do this with my sound work practice and my visual art. 

See Me After Dark by GENE Jimenez

Cultural Significance and Purpose

Both practices hold significant cultural roots, revealing the human quest for understanding and healing. I’ve come to view expressive abstract painting as a response to our modern, industrialized world—an avenue for seeking personal expression amidst rapid change. It embodies the embrace of authenticity, encouraging me to connect with my true self through creativity, regardless of the sometimes horrific views of what might be right outside my front door. 

On the other hand, sound journeys resonate with the essence of communal healing practices intertwined with our history. They provide an environment designed to prompt introspection and harmony, reflecting humanity’s desire for connection with oneself and the universe. This knowledge deepens my appreciation for both practices, recognizing how they have served as conduits for emotional and spiritual healing throughout history.

Sitting by GENE Jimenez

Conclusion: A Journey of Symbiosis

Through my exploration of expressive abstract painting and sound journeys, I’ve come to understand the profound connection between art and healing. While my painting journey is a pathway to explore my emotions, sound journeys provide a collective experience that resonates throughout my being. Both practices, rooted in their historical significance, have become vital instruments for my personal healing.

This journey has woven a vibrant tapestry of experiences, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of our human existence. As I continue to embrace these practices that foster well-being through creativity and connection, I am reminded of the enduring legacy of expressive abstract painting and sound journeys as guiding lights in our collective journey toward emotional and spiritual health. 

Ram Das said, “We are all just walking eachother home…”. I feel I have the humble honor to make the scenery along our paths connect with us at a soulful level, while the soundtrack heals us as we walk together. 

TAKE ACTION: If you’re interested in mentoring or creative coaching, feel free to contact me at www.artistgene.com. I work with individuals looking to jumpstart, restart and reignite their natural creative practices and make it a permanent part of their lives. Ready to reignite yours? Sometimes it just takes the first step and having someone in your corner always helps. It’s OK to attempt, it’s OK to fail and it’s OK to be discouraged. What’s not OK is to never do anything at all and ignore that creative fire that exists in all of us.