Wednesday 21 February 2024

Experimental art & exploring Indigenous cosmologies & the cosmos


"The cosmos is within us ...we are made of star stuff ...we are a way of the universe to know it's self." 🌟 Carl Sagan. ( ref 1)

Watercolour , if 15
Rainforest 

"Look up at the stars..(...) Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder what makes the universe exist. Be curious. " Stephen Hawkin. (ref 2)

"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave." Dakota wisdom.( ref a)

"I do not think the measure of a civilisation is how tall it's buildings of concrete are, but rather how well it's people have learnt to relate to their environment and fellow man. " Sun Bear, Chippewa (ref b)

Presently I'm exploring ideas around indigenous people's cosmologies. It is particularly striking how, through the cultivation of their sacred wisdom a deep relational connection toward and harmony within natural ecosystems exists. It's an holistic approach which inclines itself toward the preservation and a thriving for the ' whole web of life'...  And therefore is a way which naturally -even consequently sets in motion a flourishing of  bio - diversity within natural environments the Kogi people's inhabit...In someway it could be described as an ethos based on what has been termed by current day writers  as an 'ecological civilization.' David Korten explores such ideas in his book 'Change the Story Change the Future.'

The success of such eco- societies is established through the passing on of generational cosmologies, ancient cultural stories and symbolic references depicted within the fabric of these communities - intuitive insights and eco-holistic understandings are part of the peoples heritage...

This way of being positively contributes towards ethical sustainability. The kogi approach draws on deep ancestral collective connections to the natural world and each other. Being in sync with and co- existing as part of ecosystems they inhabit. Such intrinsic values of  co- exsistance and eco-dependency has resulted in an ongoing, harmonious balance established over hundreds ... in some cases thousands of years...their inheritance as a coherent whole. One could say in prescient times, they are at the forefront  of  being the dynamic eco-participaters and preserver's of life on our planet ....This little blue dot in the universe we call home. 

And as Aldo Leopold has also stated, "we are part of a community"..a part of the whole 🌎

Working on sketches Kogi
 yf, 24

" We do not see other species as separate."

Hindou Oumaru Ibraim. (Ref d)

"May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your hearts with beauty, may hope forever wipe away your tears, and, above all, may silence make you strong. " Chief Dan George. Tsleil- Waututh. Nation (ref c)

"Mother Earth is a being...like us."Elder Mamo Kogi People.



acrylic mixed medium, experimental
ideas  yf 24

These initial works are mainly evolving, exploratory ideas, inspired by systems expert and theorist Dr Ervin Laszlo - his recent writings "Reconnecting to Source and discussions online titled " The Great Upshift Of Humanity. " create a sense of future hope. The visual work is experimental and tentative focusing  on how  all things are interconnected...From the macro to the micro. The seen and unseen. The hidden aspects being intrinsically vital for the seen to not only survive but thrive...

As often mentioned here... "humankind we are but one thread all things hold together...all things connect."  Chief Seattle. Duwamish Nation.

As many of us may experience in varying degrees an increasing sense of  disconnect from the rest of nature - which we could consider is confounded often by the sense of unease experienced by isolating effects of urbanized  living. Ways of living which have emerged over a few hundred years and majorly due to the onset of the industrial revolution in times where dominant discourses cultivated ideologies toward seeing the rest of nature to be conquered consumed  for man's use alone. Beliefs which may well have set in motion  consequences of disconnection, loss, unease and discontent.

"Civilization is a flimsy dust sheet thrown over our psychy rich in emotion and instinct shaped by the living planet." George Monbiot ( ref g)

I'm aware of French literature writer-Francis-Rene de Chateaubriand whom in the 1800s aptly stated... " Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them. " (ref3c

Eco-philosopher Arne Naess's own thoughts were based on the need to re-establish, our reconnect and to see nature as having intrinsic value  for its own  worth ...not human consumption alone. 

In a time of ecological exploitation, resulting in - soil depletions, river contamination, air pollution, farm mono culturing, a realization these  eco issues impact on biodiversity is hard hitting ...we may well yet look to the wisdom our Elder brothers...

These ideas, thoughts have no disregarding of the incredible inventiveness that exsists within humans ...but to creatively explore 'how' we can increasingly move toward a coherent whole. One only has to consider the likes of expert systems theorist Dr Ervin Laszlo  to gain an understanding that we can work towards a more sustainable coherent whole -one that balances the sciences ,technologies further inventions for the sustainable good of the whole .

After watching a video based on the Kogi peoples way of life...below are images and quotes from some sketch book works, based on the Kogi people insights that have stood the test of time as communities living in harmony and connection natural habitats. They remain in tune with nature protecting their lands from pesticides and  machinery... the mountain areas are seen as a sanctuary


Recycled set-up Cosmos- Organik Planet 2030yf




Work on recycling art if 24









Exploration Worlds within Worlds mixed medum, yf24

                                           Inspirational Rumi Quotation               
                Beyond belief and disbelief lies the vast expanse of ecstasy
                where the mystic lays his head on a cushion of truth. Rumi ( ref f)


sketches inspired by Ervin Laszlo
quotes on The Great Upshift yf 24.



 “Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns it calls me on and on across the universe. “ John Lennon (ref4)

Finally... remembering the macro &the micro co- exist...

"Do not feel lonely the entire universe is inside you. " Rumi  (ref5)


Patriarchy has stolen our cosmos and returned it in the form of 'Cosmopolitan' magazine and cosmetics. Mary Daly ref6

References quotations  find out more! :)


youtube  Kogi indigenous peoples of Columbia.

3a....https://www.qouteslyfe.com.

2,3,4 https://positivethinkingminds.com/qoutes-about-the-universe.

ref6 - https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/cosmos-quotes

ref a,b,c,d. techensive,com/70indigenous quotes.I

ReF f page159 Rumis little book of life, interpretations by Maryam Mafi & Azima Melita Kolin 2012, Hampton Publishing Company, Inc Charlottes ville,

Ref g- http://www.monbiot.com/civilizationisboring. 

Sunday 31 December 2023

May the sunshine bright on you...2024


                            πŸ”†May the sunshine bright on you.πŸ”†

 Hope -  Dawning of a new day on the Horizon, yf

                                            

  Warmest of winter greetings.πŸ”† 
New years eve walk on
 the Marsh.

Its been well over a year since I've had the privilege of receiving news letter posts from Maria Popova's site "Marginalian." The wisdom, insight and extraordinary flare Maria has as a writer is absolutely captivating, thought provoking and inspirational. Often focusing on the great and gifted writers of our time, Maria's own gift of writing draws attention to the beauty within each creative she herself encounters -  be they, artist, philosopher, poet or writer. The magic is in the reading and reflecting of her prose. You can  find Maria' s web site on........🌈           https://www.themarginalian.org/                                   


Insights by Maria Popova on Irish Poet Philosopher John Donohue.

"Every once in the bluest moon, if your lucky, you encounter someone with such powerful and generous light in their eyes that they kindle the lost light within you and return it magnified; someone whose calm, kind, steady gaze penetrates the very centre of your being and, refusing to look away from even the shadowy parts of you, falls upon you like a benediction.." Maria Popova. The Marginalian. (ref 1a below)


"There is a quiet light that shines in every heart. It draws no attention to its self, though it is always secretly there. It is what illuminates our minds to see beauty, our desire to seek possibility, and our hearts to love life. Without this subtle quickening our days would be empty and wearisome, and no horizon would ever awaken our longing. Our passion for life is quietly sustained from somewhere in us that is wedded to the energy and excitement of life. This shy inner light is what enables us to recognize and receive our very presence here as a blessing." John O'Donohue, Irish  Philosopher & Poet (January 1st, 1956 - January 4, 2008)  ref 1b below


All things Connect , Pastel 2011-12 - yf 
                                     

Keep close to natures heart....break away once in a while, climb a mountain, spend a week in the woods...wash your spirit clean - John Muir,  "pharaphrased" 

"May the Sunshine bright on you. " phrase from 1979 Song by band Nazareth visit site-  ( you tube totp 1979) 

 ref 1a - πŸ”†πŸ”†πŸ”†Maria Popova writing inspired by John O'Donohue - Irish Poet - Philosopher 

ref 1b Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donohue (January 1, 1956–January 4, 2008) To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings from the website & most recent news letter of Maria Popova - The Marginalian ...visit newsletter@brainpickings.org

Sunday 3 December 2023

Displacement 2000 years on- Cop 28



 "Never use life forms merely as a means.  Remain conscious of their intrinsic value and dignity even when using them as resources. Arne Naess- Eco-Philosopher (r1 below)

                "All that is born on this planet has a right to live on it." Franz Krajcberg (2)


Today's group display at the Local library  - in conjunction with events of Cop28. Images , Letters to the Earth, Quotes  & Nature poems. 

Displacement and A Nativity scene.....2000 years on.             

Cop28 A nativity scene & Displacement 2000 years on.yf

Inspiration for the display ....Txai of the Amazon Rainforest

"My people have cherished this rainforest for 6000 years it's the greatest manifestation of life on the planet...."The Amazon has more species than the stars in the sky. " Txai.

"My father the Great chief, taught me that we must listen to the stars, the wind, the animals and the trees they are pleading with us now." Txai

Finding  resources for keeping on keeping on at times is challenging. Then a moment comes "out of the blue," Txai's Story of perseverance in the face of adversity that shakes one out of lethargy.

Unfinished yf  23
 Her wisdom and passion to advocate for the rights of indigenous communities along with other young people, is born out of realized catastrophic effects of both climate change and the drilling for oil in rainforests. The community lands have been devastated by climate change impacts. She is focused on raising awareness at Cop28 event.

"The Amazon is Earth's most intricate ecosystem. My people are part of that web. If the rainforest is under mortal attack, then so are we." Txai ref3


Txai and her people need to be heard and respected at Cop28 ...donations  to the Organization  Avaaz  - avaaz@avaaz@.org who continue to support Rainforest protection. ref3


Nativity Scene below charcoal image 
Displacement.

Meraylah 's image Protecting Angel embracing Earth 

Local letters to the Earth nature poems, quotes, hiku & images...
the butterfly - Swallow-tail - currently on the red list of 
endangered species.



Sketch book work Taxi yf



Descriptive ecologically related words 

Outside the Local library Cop28  display

Sketch book and rainforest images 


"The destruction of our rainforest land is terrible, because the forest is alive. It is our life, and the animals’ life. We don’t separate our existence from it, we are all one body and one being: the plants, water, trees and YawanawΓ‘. When we see harm come to the rainforest, it is as if a part of our own body has been hurt. It feels like an illness that rises up in us and needs to be cured." Nixiwaka YawanawΓ‘



Eden project- Nixiwaka Yawanawa ....was based at the eden project a few years ago as part of the rainforest projects.


ref 2 Deep ecology in the 21st C, by George Sessions editor,  pg 267 



Wednesday 11 October 2023

Upcoming display 'All Things Connect', Carlton Marsh Suffolk



Welcome ! 🌠 to  autumn....natures vibrant gems  ....

Autumn is a second spring where every
leaf is a flower- by Albert Camus.




 'All Things Connect' - at Suffolk Wildlife, Carlton Marsh Reserve       Center. November through till December 10th 2023.


Eco Quotes part reclaimed paper
Presently, next phase preparations are underway -  working on finishing a few smaller abstract works, quotations, and Cosmos, recycled art cards ....based on a continuing theme that focuses on the causes of biodiversity loss . The display will include the main body of abstract works inspired by Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. 





Quote by Henry D Thoreau.



Organik Planet recycled art into cards.'Cosmos


                                      Recycled art abstracts  into cards designs 
 
 
Recycled art 'Cosmos' 2023



                            Small scale mixed next abstract unfinished art 


Monday 2 October 2023

Gallery space images




Reflections....after the Gallery display 

************


"In the circle of life, every being is no more, or less, than any other. We are all sisters and brothers. Life is shared with the bird, bear, insects, plants, mountains, clouds, stars and sun",  Stan Steiner, (ref 2.) An anthropologist observations - first People philosophy - Circle of life.


                                               
Final display images from - July /August 2023 



 The main body of works are part of an ongoing project that focuses on the detrimental impact of pesticides and herbicides. The knock on effects of industrial pollutants comes at a price, impacting biodiversity ecosystems including land /soil runoffs into rivers and airborne effects on flora and fauna. Concerns which Rachel Carson addressed in, Silent Spring. Presently in the UK alone, there is alarming concern amongst  major conservation organizations, revealing in the last week - wildlife is now in a serious state of decline, endangered due to the effects of industrial pollutants. The percentage of wildflower meadows also drastically reduced majorly due to herbicides. On a positive note some farmers are moving toward more eco-friendly products - along with the ability to 'work with nature' as a crucial component for nature to thrive - the latter aspect  proven to be successful both in the UK and other parts of the world. However, presently, the U.K is considered the least ecologically sustainable country in Europe due to toxin impacts on habitats....pollutants which damage vital biodiversity, humans depend on.

"Humankind we are but one thread ... all things hold together, all things connect". Chief Seattle.



Part of the display included  public participation..... Knapweed plants to take away raising funds toward Conservation Organization, The World Land Trust, the display encouraged people to take an eco focused quote the response was positive.

A Further outcome of the project...The series of images will be on display at Suffolk Wildlife Centre - The Carlton Marsh Reserve, at the end of October. 

This year as a group at the reserve also explored Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring. The display will create an ongoing opportunity for public interaction through various quotes, and recycled artworks.   

I recently explored Psychologist Carl Jung's ideas on nature / earth - however out of my depth, I know there is a need to further develop my understanding of these ideas and perspectives - hence this appropriate re-edited version.  

Recently re-reading  "Earth Has A Soul", editor, Meredith Sabini, Ph.D,  created a succinct compilation of writings by Carl Jung ....many inspirational and thought provoking excerpts, stories, ideas and thoughts that explore the effects of disconnection from the natural world... Interesting insights on Carl Jung's understandings on our human nature and relationship to the rest of nature.... (see ref below 1)

David Korten in his book, " Change The Story Change The Future", shares interesting facets - By focusing on how we can utilize technology, the sciences and indigenous values - to create sustainable eco-systems.

David Suzuki wrote an enlightening book - The Sacred Balance, an in depth exploration of the natural elements;  water, air, earth, fire. ref 3



Works in Gallery Space










Recommended reading, Ecology- Books 


Ref 1 'Earth Has A Soul', C.G.Jung. pg 4 edited by Meredith. A.Sabini , Ph.D. Publisher, North Atlantic Books California. 2002,2005,2008.

Ref 2 Anthropologist, Stan Steiner, Circle of life quote, pg 158, 'Deep Ecology  for the 21st Century'. Editor George Sessions. publisher, Shambala , Boston &London 1995

Ref B 'Change The Story Change The Future'.  David Korten . Publisher, Berret & Koethler, 2015.

Ref 3, David T Suzuki - 'The Sacred Balance'. University David T Suzuki ( University of British Columbia 

Wednesday 30 August 2023

Images curating the Gallery art space

 Reflections on  final preparations.... 🐝

Garden Bumble bee
Linocut .

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet.....And the winds long to play with your hair".....Rumi.

The final part - making decisions about displaying the work, the input from friends and family so valuable - very thankful for their support : ) there is deep truth in the saying ....."no man is an island."


Below are some works being displayed  .....along with knapweed plants, recycled art cards and numerous eco quotes! Also sketch book work on display that include inspirational people such as -Rachel Carson - Silent Spring, Franz Kracjberg - Eco activist artist of the Amazon. Arne Naess - Eco-Philosopher...environmental and ethical philosophy. ) Eckhart Tolle - Spiritual teacher. Ervin Laszlo - Philosopher of Science & Systems theory. Wendell Berry - Poet of The Peace of Wild Things.                           

At the end of this blog is a list of inspirational books. I hope in the next blog to show the gallery art space ( having a problem with my computer atm) Thank you for visiting .....



In future blogs I hope also to explore inspirational countries such as Singapore  and Bhutan whom are leading the way in their environmental values and approaches toward ecosystem sustainability.





Chemical Abstract Giclee print yf 


Bee -Altered Perceptions, mixed medium
on canvas. yf , 2023

Altered Perceptions, mixed medium on canvas
yf. 2023

Preparations quotes & recycled art into cards yf



Organik Planet 2030 recycled art into card yf 23

Organik Planet 2030 -recycled art in to abstract card,yf 23


Chemical Abstract Giclee print yf 

Bee- Altered Perceptions- mixed medium
yf 2023  




At the Gallery unpacking

Arranging work

Order of work 

Nails & Hammer

Final adjustments and tweaks

Decision time





Rachel Carson one key idea amongst many....Humankind we are simply one part...our survival depends on the whole web of life.....

Franz Krajberg ..... "Nature gave me back my humanity" 

Informative &Inspirational books ..........

Rachel Carson -  Silent Spring. 

Deep Ecology for the 21st Century. Eco Essays ....Arne Naess  plus many more inspirational eco essays,  editor George Sessions. Shambhala , Boston &London

Eckhart Tolle Spiritual dimensions - Stillness Speaks

Wendell Berry poems -The Peace of Wild Things poetry book

Ervin Laszlo - Reconnecting to Source. 

Franz Krajcberg - Eco artist of the Brazilian Amazon. inspirational qoutes