EDITORIAL
Soulful intuition
10 December 2024 – Vol 2, Issue 4.
It is a common belief that the main way to obtain valid information is through the body’s five senses. And yet, it seems that there is another gateway to information, namely: intuition.
Intuition is best harnessed through art, because art helps us connect to ourselves. Art expands one’s awareness beyond this time and space, helping us access inner dimensions that are often ignored by logic. Logic does have an important role in creativity: it translates intuition and emotions into words and images. As such, logic is the second step in the creative process, coming after the illuminations of intuition.
‘Intuition’, by AI and Gil Dekel. 2024.
This issue of the Journal of Creativity and Inspiration covers intuition (see: The twelve-minute method, and Soul and experience), creativity (From ‘genius’ to AI), solitude (Orlando), phenomenology (Under this fine rain), language (To speak petals), and AI (Where is the ‘I’ in AI?, and Unexpected beauty).
Being the soul’s language, art communicates beyond images or words. When you look at a painting, hear a piece of music, or read a poem, you’re not just witnessing technique—you’re experiencing the artist’s soul laid bare. You are invited to recognise your own soul reflecting back at you. The silent voice of art infuses the work with a sense of life that the audience can feel, even if they can’t quite articulate it. This essence stems from authenticity, the unfiltered expression of inner truth in art. True art is a channel through which the universe speaks, unburdened by societal expectations or ego-driven desires.
This issue of the journal also covers internal emotions (Psychorealism), the imaginative world of William Blake (Explorers of the imagination), materials in art (Beauty in cityscapes, and Connecting feelings with no words), lines and shapes (Transforming simple lines).
The process of making art starts when one becomes empty, a clear channel, and enters a creative-inspired space. To be inspired is to allow creative energy to flow. You then feel whole, complete. It is like an intimate dialogue—we might not have all the answers, but the soul provides clues, leading us down a path we wouldn’t have taken otherwise.
On one level, the creative soul is very personal—it is unique to each individual, shaped by their purpose and inner world. On the other hand, there’s a universal element that connects all souls, and it works through art. We all have a soul, and art has the ability to connect us, to remind us of our shared humanity. It’s as if the soul recognises itself in others.
It could be argued that all people had a ‘spiritual experience’ at one point, in which they felt, even for a moment, something inside that is larger than themselves. This is not mere phantasy, but a clear call from ancient wisdom. Artists excel in ‘answering’ such calls, through making art.
It would be useful for people to accept and reflect on that moment. A simple reflection can help people take the first step in reconnecting with themselves, with their intuitions, and becoming more creative in life (whether as artists, or not).
Creativity doesn’t respond well to pressure—it needs space to breathe, and to express itself naturally. It thrives in an environment of openness and curiosity, where intuition is allowed to guide the process, and logic serves as a supportive tool rather than a restrictive force.
At a Glance:
Creativity = Intuition (emotions, logic) + Soul (authenticity, universality).
Creativity is an integration of Intuition and Soul. Intuition combines emotions and logic, and the soul comes through authenticity and creates a sense of universality.
© Journal of Creativity and Inspiration.
Gil Dekel is a doctor in Art, Design and Media, specialising in processes of creativity and inspiration. He is a lecturer, designer, visionary artist, Reiki Master/Teacher, and co-author of the ‘Energy Book’. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Coin, in recognition of his dedication and commitment to pastoral work in the UK.
