enlightening ART - program explanation

Enlightening ART is founded and created by artist and meditation teacher Elia Astfjord. The primary subject is to increase the interest for the meditative art that Enlightening ART is. This is done partly in order to increase the means of the Enlightening ART fund. The fund will redirect 25% of the profit from every sale, and put it into different environmental and human aid projects. The other important part is to increase the interest in and use of the meditative aspects of the art.

the enlightening ART fund

The fund that is being created is based on a burning interest for environmental issues and a vision for a sustainable society and holistic approach to life.

The obvious fact that humans are a part of nature is not practised the way it should be, in our high technological and self focused society. The inner environment of man and the local environment, together with national and global environment, are inevitably linked together. Damage in some part of this ecosystem affects the whole system, including all those other living beings we share the Earth with.

The aim of the fund is to create means for education (through media, the educational system, lectures/courses, research etc.), but also to support practical measures concerning for example valuable research, nature reserves and new technology, both in a national and international perspective. The fund is also intended to act in different humanitarian areas, for example social projects for helping street children and putting them away from violence and prostitution, promoting social welfare and increased well-being etc.

25 % of the surplus from a purchase of a painting, print, computer meditation, or from every other activity that generates a profit, will go towards causes promoting a sustainable society. This will concern ALL activity that comes out of Enlightening ART, including activity not directly linked to the art.

the meditative art

The term “meditative art” comes not only from the use of the art as a tool for meditation, but also from the fact that the art is being created by the artist while in an altered, meditative, state of mind. The art is being created by bringing together decades of experience and knowledge of meditation, artistry and alternative therapy.

The resulting effects of meditating upon the paintings, both by individuals and in groups, are so interesting that it has brought the attention of behavioural scientists. Elia Astfjord welcomes research that adds to the knowledge base on this issue, and is happy to cooperate with any scientific evaluation process.

One conclusion to be made is that Enlightening ART are highly creative creations that do not only constitute what is called a functional art, but they are also creating and providing practical means for a holistic sustainable development.

December 2005 Gothenburg, Sweden

Enlightening ART