Interview with Boris Toplan
In the realm of creativity, where discipline and devotion meet, we find Boris Toplan—a soul who employs art as a channel for self-healing. What makes his journey even more intriguing is that he doesn’t create for the masses; his artworks are intimate gifts, reserved for the select individuals who’ve left a mark on his heart. With a blend of discipline, detachment, and divine connection, Boris crafts unique pieces, pouring his energy, emotions, and intentions into each work. The result? A powerful and transformative creation that becomes a modality of healing.
In conversation with Boris, we delve into the intricacies of his creative process, the underlying philosophy, and how this healing artistry can potentially awaken the dormant artist in each of us.
THE AWAKENING TIMES (TAT): Boris, your journey is a unique fusion of discipline and art, driven by the profound belief that creativity can be a potent source of healing. Could you share how this journey began and the motivations behind your art?
BORIS TOPLAN (BT): I’d like to start by clarifying that I don’t consider myself an artist in the traditional sense. Instead, I use art as a means of self-healing and as a way to offer a unique gift to those I cherish. Every piece I create is a tribute to someone significant in my life. This approach helps me avoid becoming attached to my art. I create with the intention of channeling energy and frequency relevant to the person it’s dedicated to—be it for their protection, inspiration, or emotional release. It’s a practice that allows me to keep my ego in check and prevent any self-indulgent notions of being an artist.
TAT: Can you share a bit about yourself and what was your initial push towards the art?
BT: As a child, I was always drawn to processes that required using my hands: woodcrafting, sculpting, and painting. It was the magic of the moment of creation that fascinated me. However, as I grew older, I detached completely from that part of myself due to personal and external pressures. Fear played a significant role. I went through many hardships, including a war, which led to burying that connection with creativity.
In my experimental years, I noticed that something was missing, but I couldn’t quite identify it. I started searching for that connection in external things, even experimenting with hallucinogenic substances like mushrooms. It is important to me to mention this part, as it was crucial for my self-development. These experiences helped me reconnect with the magic of colors and creation, allowing me to free myself.
At the time, I wasn’t aware that my healing process was happening through this play of colors. Looking back, it’s quite profound how fear can detach us from the divine and make us seek external validation or stimuli. We distance ourselves so much from the source that we fail to see the beauty in everything. Now, my perspective is entirely different. I’m attuned to the majesty of creation in every moment. I’ve developed a relationship with my inner self through deep contemplation and meditation. I no longer need external validation of any sort. I can be an observer and, when inspired, pass a piece of that beauty through my work and give it to someone.
TAT: Your discipline in this creative process is evident. It seems that a deep level of commitment is required. Could you elaborate on the importance of discipline in your art and life?
BT: Discipline is a cornerstone, not only in art but in life itself. It brings order to what could otherwise be chaos. Discipline enables me to fully engage in the creative process, ensuring that I dedicate a certain amount of time and energy to my art daily. This form of art demands meticulous attention to detail, and each step in its creation is a testament to discipline. I resonate with the idea of being fully present, either committing wholly to a task or not engaging at all. This level of specificity may seem unique, but it’s profoundly rewarding. Each obstacle I overcome in the creation process serves as motivation to continue, step by step, toward the finished piece.
TAT: You’ve mentioned the importance of detachment from your art. Could you explain how you achieve this detachment?
BT: The ability to detach from my creations is supported by my role as an observer in the creative process. Through the practice of chanting, I align myself with higher realms, allowing divine influence to flow through me. This divine connection acts as a buffer against ego-driven attachment. Some of my works have taken several months of constant effort to complete. I achieve this through daily dedication and by inviting divine powers to work through me. This way, I become a conduit for the message the artwork carries to its intended recipient. I view this process as a form of healing rather than traditional artistic expression.
TAT: Your approach to art is deeply rooted in a spiritual connection. Do you believe that everyone possesses the ability to tap into their creative potential in a similar manner?
BT: The capacity for creation is inherently human and accessible to all of us. However, societal norms, educational systems, and life experiences have instilled fear and self-doubt in many, hindering the expression of creative potential. We are, in essence, divine creations, and the ability to create already exists within us. To access this potential, we must tap into our own unique essence and vulnerability, sharing it not for the sake of self-expression but to support others in doing the same. It’s about liberating ourselves from the constraints imposed by society. Everyone has this potential, and each person’s unique expression of it is extraordinary and beautiful in its own way.
TAT: Nature is a recurring motif in your art. Does the natural world serve as your primary source of inspiration?
BT: Nature embodies absolute art, elegance, and beauty. There’s a depth in ordinary expressions found in nature that transcends any human creation. The ever-changing and awe-inspiring beauty of nature holds a uniqueness that cannot be replicated. The movement of clouds, the fall of a leaf, or the turbulence of a storm—each is a testament to nature’s unmatched beauty. My primary inspiration derives from these ordinary and extraordinary elements of the natural world, constantly leaving me in awe.
I also love what happens when I think of the person I’m creating for. It’s always a beautiful experience to witness how symbols and motifs that show up in my work reflect that person’s essence and journey. This connection creates a beautiful flow of energy that in a way deepens the healing aspect of my art. Each piece becomes a personal and profound gift, resonating with the recipient on a unique level.
TAT: Truly special. As we wrap up our conversation, what message do you have for those who may be struggling to express themselves creatively or tap into their inner artistic potential?
BT: Begin your journey by taking time to contemplate and reflect on your own life and experiences. Work on yourself, peel away the layers of fear, self-doubt, and societal expectations that may have accumulated over time. It’s essential to take it all on the surface, to face the obstacles, release what holds you back, and heal your inner self.
And of course, enjoy the process. It is not just about the end result but the transformation that happens along the way.
