May the sunshine bright on you...2024

                            🔆May the sunshine bright on you.🔆

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

                                            

  Warmest of winter greetings.🔆 

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 - 🔆🔆🔆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

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 Yawanawá. 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 Yawanawá

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 

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 

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 

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

Focus- Final preps for Eco Art display ...

 Working on final week preparations before the Gallery display is up and running  lots of sorting out to do all the behind the scenes....time ticks away a few images to share . I'm hoping to incorporate sketch book work - that focuses on individuals who have enabled me to explore and come to an understanding of the effects that our interactions have on ecosystems.  In today's blog I have focused on Ervin Laszlo. Who has written 75 books ....he focuses on reconnecting with Source. A philosopher of Science & Systems theory....

Quote- Both the rolling thunder and spotted fawn had told me how spiritual healing begins with respect for the great spririt, life and love, that can be found in all of natures creations- each element has it's own will, own way, own purpose. These ways need to be respected..... by human beings. ( ending pharaphased)  Ervin Laszlo. ref  below

Sketch book work. Ervin Laszlo
Philosopher of Science and Systems Theory

invite to viewing 

Works ready for Gallery . Paper
Works framed & Canvases. 

  

Final working on image canvas mixed medium yf

!

ref book 'Reconnecting to Source' by Ervin Laszlo. Philosopher of Science & Sytems Theory.

Perspectives - Eco Philospher Arne Naess & Sage Lao Tzu

 

Living in harmony ......Lao Tzu possible contemporary of Confucius.(551-479 B.C.E.)

An interesting perspective of Lao Tzu indicates that - by centering 'self' in the Tao, would have the capacity to transform the world...everything finding its natural rythms and place...the unfolding of reasonance, peace, equilibrium. (Paraphrased No 37) ref 1

When in vulnerable nature, living light and traceless.....Arne Naess ref 1) 

Tendency to appreciate all life- forms rather than merely those considered beautiful, remarkable, or narrowly useful....Arne Naess.ref 2 .

 

Continuing with sketchbook works. Drawing on ecologically based ideas. Focusing on two the two main perspectives....Individuals such  as eco- philosopher, Arne Naess whose own understanding concerning the ecological impacts deriving from shallow ecology, that majors on a human-centric perspective- based primarily on the development of sustainability for human consumption alone.Whilst the deep ecology perspective considers the deeper implications for the whole realm within biodiversity systems...which considers eco-centric values...of which we are a part. The interconnectivity and intrinsic value of the whole - Aldo Leopold also discussed as the' whole'  community each being a part.....The importance of diversity within ecosystems....ultimate realisation... all things connect.

In the past most farming practices from the 1940/50s....were mono crop... using industrial herbicides/pesticides..the knock on impacts affecting wildlife -Rachel Carson discussed in The Silent Spring ...it's heartening to know theres an ongoing realisation amongst farming communities now working with natural habitats.... the re-realising of hedgerows and wild flower areas, continuing to shape the landscape in more holistic ways ....presently bringing about incremental shifts toward equilibrium and harmony of the whole.

Two excellent books for consideration - Kate Rawston - Doughnut Economics, & The Sacred Balance by David Suzuki.

Working on image...

                                     

                                       Recent  layering acrylic washes onto canvase  

I 'm also aware of the important attributes of our worlds Indigenous communities, whose ethos and values reveal the wisdom of deep ecological  interconnectivity ...

As  Chief Seattle stated-

Only when the last tree is felled,

The last river is poisoned,

The last fish is caught.....

Only then will we realise that money cannot be eaten.

References 

Lao Tzu paraphrase. No 37 

Arne Naess pg  260. No 17,18 - Deep Ecology  editor George Sessions. publisher Shambala, Boston &London  1995.