Artist's Perspective: Mikel Elam on Tranquility
- Mikel Elam
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
To be at peace is a mindset. Daily practice is the key.
We live in stressful times. Perhaps the world feels more unfamiliar than ever before, or perhaps it feels like a return to the past. Either way, we feel vulnerable, a little nervous, and afraid.
Tranquility is a state of being. We all have it. There is a chance we don’t know how to access it.
There are certain spaces we can access to give us balance. I learned this early on in my life. As a child, I would leave the big city of Philadelphia in the summer to visit my grandmother in North Carolina. Upon arrival, I found myself totally bored with the stillness of southern life. At first, it felt torturous. I was used to something happening all the time, from constantly watching television to seeking distractions like games, sports, or running around with whoever wanted to play. From early on, we learn to keep our minds and bodies busy. Yet we never tap into our core where tranquility dwells.
Finding stillness is the sweet spot. On those dirt roads when I walked alone, I could hear birds singing. Watch trees swaying with the breeze. Insects in abundance. Beautiful flora and fauna. It took me years to recognize this beauty. To know that the pace does not determine whether we succeed over others. Winning should be determined by how we are feeling as opposed to how much we own.
I thought I would always love the urban life. I love humans moving through the streets. In art, I created stories in my head about their lives. Creating parallel tales to my own life. As we become more immersed in our lives- careers, family, politics, relationships- we can also fall prey to worry. concern, and yes, stress. The good news is we have safeguards even living in large metropolitan areas.
Turn off your phone. Go for a walk without any communication devices. Try yoga or Tai Chi. Sit in the quiet. Give yourself at least an hour or more each day. If not possible all at once, take four 15-minute breaks a day. It will work over time.
Nothing happens instantly, nor is it permanent unless you practice. Your health and your body will thank you for it.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am in search of my higher consciousness, all within the constraints of this part melanin-based vessel. Some say we arrive out of the womb already aware of our destiny. I have always gravitated towards future ideas: new approaches and ways of looking at things. I’ve been searching for humanity within the sea of infinite compassion. Simply trying to get closer to the divine. I meditate twice a day. I try to nourish my body and my soul with proper sustenance. My art practice is a continuation of these values. This often leads me to make observations about this life and its consequences.
I love all of the art forms. I am most adept with pigments and painting devices. I listen to music, watch films, and read constantly. However, when starting a painting, I work in silence. It gives me better clarity in developing a dialogue and a narrative within the art itself. Once the work can stand on its own, I can begin introducing external sounds to continue my practice.
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