Creative & the contemplative

Speed hides all subtlety, and reality is subtle. Arthur Zajonc

The arts possess an extraordinary capacity to communicate beyond the limitations of verbal expression. A profound nonverbal dialogue exists between artwork and viewer, creating a unique space for understanding and connection. Through deeper contemplative exploration, individuals can access this unspoken exchange more attentively, gradually unravelling the feelings, emotions and universal ideas embedded within inspired works of art.

In his professional practice, Steve Pozel has established himself as a pioneer in developing innovative programmes that integrate art, architecture and nature through the lens of mindfulness. His extensive experience in the art world has enabled him to craft unique and thought-provoking experiences for participants, successfully bridging the realms of creativity and contemplation.

In response to our increasingly fast-paced, technology-driven world, Pozel recognises the crucial need for spaces and experiences that foster introspection and present-moment awareness. His approach suggests that by incorporating contemplative practices into engagements with art, architecture, nature and music, individuals can access deeper insights into themselves and their relationship with the world around them.

“…there's no limit to the different kinds of feelings music can make you have. And some of those feelings are so special and so deep they can't even be described in words. You see, we can't always name the things we feel. “ Leonard Bernstein

Key EVENTS 2016 - 2025

·       Insight Timer launches new Art Mindfully sessions

·      2024 VIVID Festival - Art of deep listening

·       2024 ILLUME art mindfully APP prototype

·       2023 Art of Deep Looking website launched

·       2023 VIVID Festival - Coming to our Senses

·       2022 VIVID Festival & Brisbane Arts Festival

·       2021 Art of Deep Looking, Sydney Opera House; Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop exhibition, MCA, Sydney  

·       2020 Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop exhibition, MCA, Sydney

·       2019 Masters of Modern Art from the Hermitage, special Art in Mind: modern art and music 2-part program, Art Gallery of NSW; Wednesday Late Nights, Art Gallery of NSW & VIVID Ideas Festival

·       2018 Rembrandt and the Dutch Golden Age, Art Gallery of NSW & The Lady and the Unicorn 4-part program - Art Gallery of NSW

·       2017 Art in Mind developed for Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney

·       2016 Tatsuo Miyajima: Connect with Everything, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney + The School of Life, Sydney - collaboration

  • AGNSW, Art Mindfully

    Over two years, through sessions ranging from 30 minutes to multi-day courses, we gathered evidence of transformation in how participants experienced art. As one visitor reflected, "Art in Mind lets one see and feel a whole new world around you." Another noted it "infinitely increased my appreciation of the artwork." These encounters consistently revealed how slowing down could elevate the gallery experience, with many echoing the sentiment: "I will never see art in the same way again!"

  • Sydney Opera House

    In 2019 and 2021, we explored Jørn Utzon's masterwork through contemplative engagement. Sessions examined the main entry foyer's forms, his extraordinary tapestry 'Homage to C.P.E. Bach' (2004), and the music that inspired it. The 2021 program deepened this investigation, exploring the building's dialogue with Sydney Harbour. As one participant observed, it created "a sense of deep connection to the building and the immediate environment."

  • MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, SYDNEY

    For Lindy Lee's 'Moon in a Dew Drop' exhibition (MCA, Sydney 2020), we curated special mindful viewing sessions. Meditation teachers including Timothea Goddard, pioneer of Mindfulness-based stress reduction in Australia, and Subhana Barzaghi, senior teacher at Sydney Zen Centre, guided participants through exercises that illuminated the relationship between mindfulness and Lee's work.

  • Brisbane Festival

    The 2022 festival featured two distinct programs. For Lindy Lee's site-specific installation 'The Spheres', we developed an intimate exploration drawing on centuries-old contemplative practices. The annual dawn cruise transformed into a 'Coming to Our Senses' experience, with mindfulness expert Timothea Goddard guiding over hundred participants along the Brisbane River.

  • ART OF DEEP LOOKING WEBSITE

    This digital platform opens doorways to mindful encounters with art, architecture, and nature. Through workshops, programs, and virtual experiences, we apply ancient wisdom traditions to contemporary creative exploration, helping participants experience the present moment with renewed clarity and precision.

    To visit the Art of Deep Looking website go here.