Karen L French - BLOG Karen L French

August 11th, 2022

8/11/2022

Design and Form: The Basic Course at the Bauhaus by Johannes Itten
Thames and Hudson

Recommended Read 'Design and Form: The Basic Course at the Bauhaus' by Johannes Itten (1888 - 1967), published by Thames and Hudson. A very interesting book into some of the basic theories of colour, tone and shape that were taught at the highly influential Bauhaus school, in the earlier part of the century. Most of the book comprises of images of artwork from artists of the time.

Johannes Itten was a Swiss artist, writer, teacher and theorist and was part of the Expressionistic movement. He was Mazdaznan, a strict vegetarian and meditated to develop inner understanding and intuition.

Originally he trained as a school teacher incorporating new theories of teaching, notably including the practice of not correcting his students' creative work individually, so as not to crush their creative impulse. He chose certain common mistakes to teach the whole class.

From the influence of Hölzel, Itten chose a series of basic shapes (the line, the plane, the circle, the spiral) as a means from which to begin creation. His students did gymnastic exercises before class to relax! Later music and other relaxation techniques.

Itten had a HUGE influence on the use of colour in modern art and even the cosmetics industry. He taught the preliminary course at the innovative Bauhaus from 1919 to 1922 - the basics of material characteristics, composition, and colour. He theorised 7 types of colour contrast. These were hue, value, temperature, complements, simultaneous contrast (Chevreuil), contrast by saturation, contrast by extension.

CROP CIRCLES - History, Research & Theories

7/11/2022

Crop Circles: History, Research And Theories by Eva-Marie Brekkesto
Wessex Books

Recommended Read 'Crop Circles: History, Research and Theories' by Norwegian author Eva-Marie Brekkesto, published by Wessex Books. A brilliant book on crop circles! Includes some excellent examples of the thousands that have appeared, including a personal favourite 'the basket' (see below). This is the first book about crop circles that you should buy.

'The basket' appeared in Bishops Cannings, Wiltshire, UK on 6th August 1999. Over 50m in diameter it comprises ENTIRELY of flattened corn that has all been woven together in rings of progressively increasing diameter.

How could this possibly be created without being seen?

Though a small number of crop circles are man-made the majority are not. Stems of the crop are bent, rather than broken. Beautiful weaves are formed around bird nests so that they are not damaged. Some are enormous, yet appear without being seen or evidence of disturbance in the vicinity. 2012 was an interesting year as it was very wet. Fields were sodden and crop circles still appeared. The surrounding mud was undisturbed.

July 01st, 2022

7/1/2022

Sacred Geometry: Symbolism and Purpose in Religious Structures by Nigel Pennick
Abe Books

Recommended Read 'Sacred Geometry' by Nigel Campbell Pennick, currently published by Abe Books, is a classic starter to scared geometry. Indeed it was the first book I bought on sacred geometry! It is only a short book with some basic sacred geometry and light on examples. A nice quick read.

Nigel is a marine biologist, who writes about a variety of topics - over 50 books and papers on occultism, magic, natural magic, divination, subterranea, rural folk customs, traditional performance, Celtic art, runosophy, European arts and crafts, buildings, landscape, customs, games and spiritual traditions. But Nigel is most known for his knowledge of sacred geometry, geomancy, labyrinths, spiritual arts and crafts, esoteric alphabets and Germanic runic studies. He is also an artist, notably of Celtic artwork and creating labyrinths.

June 22nd, 2022

6/22/2022

Light in Life: Medical to Mystical by Dr Susan Jamieson MD

Recommended Read this week is 'Light In Life: Medical to Mystical' by Dr Susan Jamieson M.D., Better World Books Ltd, a medical doctor who has embraced the spiritual side of healing. Great introduction to the concept that we are all light beings and energy, or light, work.

Drawing on ancient traditions showing how to capture and share 'the light' contained in each one of us. Illustrated by simple exercises, in the form of yoga or Qi Gong, to maximise our inherent strengths and abilities to fulfil our potential - optimal physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Dr.Susan is a medical doctor integrating mindfulness, energy, and conscious awareness in wellbeing. She uses and teaches techniques of using quantum light fields and energy based on ancient Celtic wisdom and Eastern Philosophy techniques. This enables connection with your inner light and that of others, increasing joy,peace and well-being. ‘Be Your Own Light’!

DECODING DESIGN by Maggie Macnab

6/14/2022

Decoding Design by Maggie Macnab
How Design Books

Recommended Read 'Decoding Design' by Maggie Macnab, published by How Design Books. A greta book for appreciating the power of sacred geometry in logo designs. Maggie covers the core simple basic shapes - circle, square, triangle, cross, spiral and principle of duality. There are case studies of familiar mainstream logos and some of her own designs. Underlying this is her passion and source of inspiration, nature.

"Words are the language of the head, but visuals carry the intuitive language of the heart. The language of nature is universal and it is our first and primary language. Design by Nature is about recapturing the lost art of reading nature to create better visual communications—as well as give a better understanding (and appreciation) of nature."

DESIGN OBSERVER - Maggie Macnab founded Macnab Design in 1981 and received highest honors from the American Advertising Federation ADDY for logo design in 1983. She has continued to receive national and international recognition for creating design that focuses on meaning, beauty and usefulness. Her unique approach integrates symbolic information into design to create effective and accessible visual communications that translate into any language and any culture.

EFFORTLESS POWER by Peter Ralston

6/13/2022

The Principles of Effortless Power by Peter Ralston
Published by North Atlantic Books

Recommended Read 'The Principles of Effortless Power' by Peter Ralston is an excellent introduction to anyone considering and practicing martial arts, including Tai Chi. It really describes the moving and use of internal energy to effect your actions, effortlessly. As such it applies to every day life as well.

Originally published in 1989 it is still going strong, an indication of what a great book this is. Highly recommended if you do any type of energy work, including healing. It needs to be read thoroughly and may take several reads to digest all the information. Then actually practice and experience the techniques.

Peter Ralston has done over forty years of intense contemplation and personal experiential investigation into the nature of self and reality. He teaches people to authentically expand and deepen their consciousness, and to become more real, honest, and effective human beings. He has written several books on the nature of consciousness, which can be found on his Chen Hsin website. He draws on T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Aikido, and Pa Kua Chang, and is the first Westerner ever to win the world championship in a full-contact martial arts tournament. Peter Ralston "works with people to authentically expand and deepen their consciousness, and to become more real, honest, and effective human beings." He also does this through teaching people about their bodies and how to be most effective in its use, as well as teaching them the Art of Effortless Power.

I wanted to create an art based on fundamental observations of physics, perception, intent, impulse, and energy — an art that gears itself to meet any situation because it is founded on understanding the principles in which interaction takes place.

I wanted an art that would be adaptable and well-designed, forged through training and techniques but designed to teach something beyond the form.

The Art of Effortless Power is such an art.
Peter Ralston

Peter Ralston - You Tube Channel

THE SPICE OF LIFE - Oxfordshire Artweeks - May 2022

5/20/2022

Oxfordshire Artweeks celebrated its 40th year in 2022 and the turnout to all the art exhibitions in May was incredible! Thank you to everyone that came to The Spice of Life, behind the Spice Lounge restaurant in Summertown.

It was wonderful to be able to exhibit 'Porthole', 'Sun Light Codes' and 'Sacred Geometry Bots' from my Spring Collection - Circular exploring the sacred geometry of the circle and colour symbolism, as well as some older favourites.

May 04th, 2022

5/4/2022

The Logo Decoded by Lora Starling
Amazon Books

Recommended Read this week is 'The Logo Decoded' by Lora Starling. In her words, 'Exploring the power of logos and the effect that they have on our decision taking process as well as our own well being.'

Every part of a logo has a subconscious effect on us - colour, geometry, numbers, theme. Subconsciously we are drawn to certain brands because of our subconscious (sometimes conscious) association we have with them, such a designer brands for the affluent. By favouring these brands they become part of our ego identity. And, just about everything has a logo, a symbol representing the person, company, product, group, country (flags)....etc.

'This book explores alternative viewpoints including quantum thinking, brain plasticity and the power of each of the logo elements – symbols, colours and words as well as straplines (or mantras) and proposes that we would be wise to choose consciously the logos we choose.'

'Logos connect us to the heart of the brand. I have always specialised in corporate design, focussing on the logo at the core of the brand message. The design of the logo is so much more than a pretty face simply identifying a business from its competitors.

The allure of the brand comes from identity and the things that people use to identify themselves, their gang, their kingdom, their company, etc. They use symbols and emblems, designs and motifs, colours, words and noises to make their identity specific and agreeable to those whose respect they want, and need. They are creating their brands. The process is an emotional thing, and emotions run deep as they say. In fact these emotions of identity are so powerful and run so deep they touch the soul.

If design is one of the important parts of creating and expressing identity, then it makes sense to start designing from the soul outwards, rather than from the surface inwards.'

March 23rd, 2022

3/23/2022

Wooden Books
Publisher

Recommended Reading this week are the beautifully illustrated titles by the Wooden Books imprint, of which there are currently over 60. They publish a wide range of short taster books on sacred geometry topics and related subjects. Plus the beefier 'Quadruvium' and 'Sciencia' pictured here. Wooden Books specialises in 'age-old' topics. It won Best Non-Fiction Series at the 2007 New York Book Fair. It's series of titles continues to grow.

Most of the books are written by John Martineau, founder of Wooden Books. His MA project focussed on geometry and harmony in the solar systems. It was then the basis of his 'Book of Coincidence'.

March 11th, 2022

3/11/2022

The Secret Language of Astrology by Roy Gillet
Watkins Publishing
978-1-78028-008-0

Recommended Read this week is 'The Secret Language of Astrology' by Roy Gillett, published by Watkins Publishing. Lavishly illustrated primer for anyone who wants to start their journey into astrology. It even includes links to an AstrolableA' website created exclusively for the book, enabling you to create a detailed birth chart for yourself, or for family or friends, with advice on interpretation.

Roy Gillett outlines the layers of astrology and complex interplay of influences that shape each of us, our unique place in the stars that guides our life path. Firstly he summarises the history of astrology from antiquity to the present day. Then, in the second part of the book, The Elements of Astrology, he looks at the Planets, the Star Signs, the twelve Houses and the Aspects. The third part, Putting the Pieces Together, he shows you how to apply all this information when reading a full birth chart and interpreting it.

"Roy Gillett is a renowned astrology, the president of the Astrological Association of Great Britain and regularly lectures on astrology throughout the United States and Europe. He is the UK representative of Astrolabe™ astrology software, which is recommended by leading astrologers around the world, and is the author of Astrological Diaries and Astrology and Compassion." Watkins Publishing Ltd

Gateway to the Heavens
A glorious work that fires the imagination and helps us appreciate the truth of our reality.
NEXUS magazine

Do you realise you actually shape your destiny and shapes influence your destiny. If you want to understand how this works ask Karen to give a talk about it or read her excellent book. You may have hated even the mention of geometry at school, but Karen's simple and illustrated explanations will give you a real insight into this fascinating topic.
Jo Pelle, NSFH

The Hidden Geometry of Life
The harmony in our world and the cosmos is awe-inspiring, and is brilliantly portrayed here in images and words which reveal the connection between art, geometry, science, consciousness and spirituality.... An illuminating book indeed!
NEXUS magazine

The attentive audience was enthralled by Karen's introduction to the principals of this truly multi-dimensional topic ... The energy in the room, by the end of the evening, was well and truly charged!
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