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.

Preparations for July 23 Gallery ECO-Event

Celebrate the beauty and mystery of the visible and invisible world-Kandinsky.

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

There will be no shift in ethics without a shift in perception.Anon 

Continuing to organise Sketchbook works in preparation for the upcoming Halesworth Gallery display. My works focusing on the consequential impact that pollutants have on biodiversity. Below are some of the plans I hope to incorporate into the event. 

The humble knapweed plant to we humans may seem a rather ignoble specimen - But to many pollinators  such wild plants are essential - particularly for bee and butterfly species exsistance. Presently I'm growing knapweed from  last year's harvested seeds - as part of an ongoing  range of  wildflowers now growing in the garden- a 'microcosom' space for biodiversity to thrive rather than be on the brink to survive. The drop in wildflower meadows since the 1970s has rendered many wild species on the endangered Red list. Herbicides being one of the main causes in the depletion of  wild flowers -  pollinators depend on . 

The intention - to have an installation of these humble potted plants as part of the art display ....through which to encourage the viewer to participate- it's an incremental gesture - by taking a plant and replanting - in doing so we each become positive participators in the process toward ongoing rewilding. 

Preparations -Knapweed plants potted& growing !  

Bee landing on first knapweed
Flower this week. : )

 

In the garden flourishing 
 Knapweed budding 2023 

     

 

Harvested -Last year's knapweed seedlings

The potential to support many insect species 

Particularly pollinators.

Yet a cautional reminder......

"Never use life forms as a means. Remain conscious of their intrinsic value and dignity even when using them as resources. " Arne Naess. - Deep Ecology editor George Seasons pg260.

Today working on linocut  images  - Garden humble bee .....

Redution Linocut fun messy business! 

 Needing to keep on reworking images ...

   

Hoping to eventually incorporate lino cut Bee image along side Rumi quote ...

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

Ubiquitous margins.... 

.....lanes,streamsides, wooded fence rows...thresholds of wildness...enact within the bounds of human domesticity itself, a human courtesy toward the wild that is one of the best safeguards of designated tracts of true wilderness. This is the landscape of harmony. Wendell Berry. (Ref 1below)

Ref 1- Incarceration of wildness , essay, Thomas Birch, pg 351, Deep Ecology for the 21st C, edited George Sessions. Shambala Publications. C.1995  George Sessions.