What Do We Know? COSMIC EGG What Do We Know is a new, international, virtual art exhibition from 3-30 June exploring Spiritual art and its multitude of feelings, experiences, viewpoints and forms of expression. Curated by Art Director and Visual Artists Association Mentor, Karen van Hoey Smith. What Do We Know features nine international artists who all work from a deeper space; moving past the noise of modern life to create a physical form of an external presence. The word ‘Spiritual’ has been hijacked to elicit different meanings and reactions. By coming together, these 9 artists ask what does Spiritual really mean, can one word describe a multitude of feelings, experiences, viewpoints and forms of expression, and is ‘Spiritual’ the word to describe this movement?  Ana Delgado - photographer living and working in Brooklyn, New York E. Alana James, EdD - digital collage artist living in Ireland Karen French - author, painter and speaker living in Oxfordshire, UK Kirsten Todd - painter, medium and Reiki Master/Teacher living in Lancashire, UK Kristen Palana – American-Portuguese multidisciplinary artist based in Malawi Ozlem Yikici – British-Turkish painter living and working in London, UK Sadie Bridger - multimedia artist in New York City Sarah Brabbin - sculptor living in the UK Vicky Paul – Scottish artist, intuitive and energy healer based in Bedford, UK
Featuring a variety of styles and meanings, from visual art to photography and sculpture, these artists share the ability to stop or remove themselves from the noise of life, called to make the unseen seen. By placing the variety of styles and meanings together, What Do We Know aims to open up conversation about the inner state that starts creativity and makes that first mark. Most artists that cite Spiritual or Intuitive as the source of their creative process have been advised to keep that quiet, as if there is some kind of shame or embarrassment associated with sharing the truth around their practise. Eleanor Heartney comments in her 2020 essay in ArtWorld that there is now an acknowledgement that previous art movements were inspired and created from a Spiritual basis, and that other modern artists have their stated points of reference, but “none of this has gelled into a collective movement”. Karen van Hoey Smith (curator) What Do We Know is not about creating a collective or a movement. It is the beginning of open-minded humans who wish to explore and converse about the inner state that starts creativity and makes that first mark. Is this purely living in the present and innocence prevails? Or are these artists channelling parts of their brain and psyche that are unknown to them in their daily lives? This exhibition is about having the courage to explore what Spiritual is, so that it can be held as an honourable banner and part of these artists’ practise, life and inspiration. It is also an invitation to the public, and the art community, to appreciate the presence of a non material realm as a genuine source of motivation and inspiration. Karen van Hoey Smith (curator) WRITTEN BY Vicky Paul
0 Comments
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 And Theories by Eva-Marie Brekkesto Wessex Books
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.
Light in Life: Medical to Mystical by Dr Susan Jamieson MD
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 How Design Books
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.
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. Peter Ralston - You Tube Channel
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.  The Logo Decoded by Lora Starling Amazon Books
'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.' Wooden Books |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | 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'. |
AuthorSharing my passion for archetypal symbolism, especially sacred geometry, in nature, the Arts, sciences, philosophy and society. |
Archives
May 2023
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
May 2021
March 2020
August 2019
June 2019
March 2019
January 2019
November 2018
September 2018
August 2018
May 2018
April 2018
January 2018
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
January 2017
December 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
Categories
All
Africa
Alchemical Art
Ancient Sites
Archetypal Symbolism
Architect
Art
Artist
Art Techniques
Astrology
Bio-Architecture
Book
Book Review
Books On Geometry
Circle
Classical Elements
Collective Consciousness
Colour
Colour Symbolism
Consciousness
Crop Circles
Crystals
CymaScope
Cymatics
Dowsing
Egypt
Emotions
Energy
Energy Work
En-plein
Exhibition
Feng Shui
Flowers
Geometry
Geometry In Nature
Geometry In Sound
Grids
Guided Visualisation
Healing
India
Insights
Klimt
Life Figure
Light
LiterArties
Mandala
Mantra
Meditation
Mind Body Spirit Events
Mixed Media
Music
Nature
Numbers
Numerology
Oxfordshire Artweeks
Painting
Pattern
Plant
Portrait
Puja
Purple
Recommended Read
Sacred Geometry
Sacred Geometry Art
Sacred Site
School Visit
Sound
Sphere
Spiral
Spiritual Art
Spiritual Artist
Spirituality
Spirituality In Art
Squares
Squiggle
Sri Yantra
Subconscious
Symbolism
Tai Chi
Tantra
The Gateway Series
Triangle
Trinity
Trip
Virtual Art Exhibition
Visual Artists Association
Visualisation
Watkins Publishing Ltd
Workshop
Writing
Yantra
YouTube
Zen
RSS Feed
