Art as Spiritual Practice: The Tree That Bears Much Fruit Bows Low

In a personal essay published on his newsletter The Sovereign Artist, Clintavo argues that true artists function as modern spiritual guides—sages, mystics, and shamans—whose work amplifies their influence through magical objects. He draws a parallel between religious ritual and art, stating that both are performances offered as gifts to God with the aim of guiding souls. The essay emphasizes that art created from love flows downward to those in need, citing the Hindu proverb 'the tree that bears much fruit bows low.' It references Marc Chagall's quote, 'Art must be an expression of love or it is nothing.' The piece includes images of works by Joseph Todorovich (Folktale, oil on linen) and Rollin Pickford (Bowed Blossom Tree, watercolor, c. 1992). The essay also promotes FASO (For Artful Souls Online), a website platform for artists, offering a special spring deal of $150 for the first year (52% off the regular $312/year), encouraging artists to move away from platforms that use their work to train AI systems.