In the Middle

About the Book

The French philosopher Gilles Deleuze, remarked in his book Negotiations that, "Things and thoughts advance or grow out from the middle, and that's where you have to get to work, that's where everything unfolds". This prompts the question: How does an artist get to work in the middle of a process that is continuously becoming? The thesis is an unfolding narrative of the author's attempt to experientially answer the question by way of an art practice, leading to an examination of the issue of freedom: freedom from attachments and freedom to create new possibilities with all for all. The thesis off ers a view: that art practice – exploring ways to break free from the bondage of the mind, moments of freedom from oneself – is spiritual practice is life practice.

About the Author

Teong studied Graphic Design in South Australian School of Art, University of South Australia. He then joined Macquarie University, New South Wales in 1975. From 1975-99 he completed his BA in philosophy while working as Chief Designer, Centre for Advancement of Teaching and later at the university’s Centre for Flexible Learning. He retired from Macquarie University in 1999. He then spent four vital years in the Advanced Creative Fine Arts programme at Sydney Gallery School, Meadowbank TAFE, New South Wales. Between 2006 and 2012 he completed his MVA (Master of Visual Arts) and PhD at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney, New South Wales. He is now a full-time painter.