Discovering Artist Meinrad Craighead

 

Meinrad Craighead's enthralling works captured my attention and imagination a number of years ago.

Her works were unbeknown to me at that particular time, however having accidently coming across her book Sign Of The Tree in a second hand book shop...even though it was stashed away at ground level in amongst a jumble of other books, the image on the book cover caught my eye - immediately intrigued I delved into the book, further captivated by Craighead's ability and draftmanship with scraperboard and woodcut techniques.
At first I was perplexed  concerning the price - it seemed unusually reasonable for a hardback. Getting into conversation with                                                                  

Sign Of The Tree by Meinrad Craighead 1979 published by
 Artists house, Mitchell Beazley Marketing Ltd

the book shop owner about this; he then told me a quirky tale - saying that the book itself was worth a lot more, however a mouse had chewed it's way through the cover reducing it's value...this didn't dampen my enthusiasm but only added to the enchantment of my discovery...
The book itself through imagery and text captures the essence of a magical/spiritual experience. It can be likened to that of going on a journey into another world - an ancient forgotten world waiting to be re-realised.
Craighead's own spiritual awakening and experiences led her to create the work.
Each image holds a spiritual dimension and each one tells a tale - which in many ways evokes a sense of the ancient, the primitive. Craighead's imagery communicates a connectedness of nature with humanity, to us - a kind of interconnection a co-existence - of man and nature- one with the other intrinsically entwined.

This challenges my own shortfall and disconnection from nature in the contemporary culture I dwell in.
I am reminded again of a recent trip to 'The Eden Project', seeing art works by the Indigenous people...works that tell a tale of these peoples interconnection with nature.
Like wise the images within this book also capture the imagination and challenge ones concepts about a need - a realization concerning a balanced inter-dependence with nature - whether I realise this at times or not. I need to be reminded to reconnect - to put aside the techno-material world for a while...regain that balance.                                                                                   

The Eden Project  Art that tells a tale of mans
interconnection with nature 2015 yf

                                                                      

 

 

The Forest makes your heart gentle.

You become one with it.

No place for greed or anger there. Pha Pachack

http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/25-quotes-that-will-rekindle-your-connection-to-nature

 

Trees ....                                                                                 

Brazil Nut Tree,Acrylic wash.
2015 yf

"A tree is beautiful, but what’s more, it has a right to life; like water, the sun and the stars, it is essential. Life on earth is inconceivable without trees. Forests create climate, climate influences peoples’ character, and so on and so forth. There can be neither civilization nor happiness if forests crash down under the axe, if the climate is harsh and severe, if people are also harsh and severe...What a terrible future!"  by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

...The Brazil Nut Tree, Acrylic Wash.
2013 yf

 Charred Remains,Pastel.2013 yf