We are but star dust ..macro /micro

       It takes a whole  universe to make just one swift 🌟 Mark Cocker .

ATM..there are a number of ideas being worked on.. It can, at times feel like multitude of explorations- complex strands being weaved into the process all at once... past ideas re-emerging to fuse with present ones... Ideas that hold resonance on a personal level and feel significant in someway. Particularly when one encounters different perspectives. Articulating with words, on my part, often can lead to a sense of inadequacy -

Attempts to grapple with ideas based around environmentalism, ecology, philosophy, stoicism is ongoing. Concepts around cosmology is a most recent exploration...and it is vast! Dr Ervin Laszlo's work and explorations, has been a recent  discovery  that I find  both expansive and inspiring. Reading his book titled, Reconnecting to Source, based on peoples encounters into new dimensions of being. I look forward to his latest book, The Great Upshift. 

Also recent re-visiting of what is meant by " sacred balance". Which Dr David Suzuki, Scientist & environmentalist, explores in his enthralling succinct book titled, "The Sacred Balance", through which he shares his scientific insights, concerning  human activities impacts on both planet and people. Dr Suzuki's  in-depth study revealing, our inter-dependency on the natural elements; water, soil, sunlight and oxygen -  the breath of vegetation that sustains all life forms.... I'm reminded also of journalist writer, George Monbiots apt qoute highlighting the conditioning  of our disconnection....

 "Civilization is but a flimsy dust sheet thrown over our psyche rich in emotion and instinct,shaped by the living planet ". ref2. 

Our industrialised  mindset, endeavouring to comprehend alternative narratives, to what now is...Exploring what a  purposeful meaningful life and exsistance is as a human being. A great many writers, poets, artists whose journeys illuminate and inspire widening and expanding ..breaking through the conditioning of anthropic ways of being into an expansive whole  ...their works expressing timeless knowledge's resonate more than ever today. 

 

"The World lives within us ; we live within the world. By damaging the living  planet we  have diminished our exsistence" . George Monbiot, red 3.

Bird of the Amazon Rain
forest, The Spangled Cortinga.
 Symbiosis & Biodiversity. yf 14.

Books of interest Dr Ervin Laszlo "Reconnecting To Source" & "The Great UpShift"

Dr David Suzuki, "Sacred Balance "

ref 1 Mark Cocker quotation.

ref 2 . How Did We Get Into This Mess?George Monbiot Verso Books qoute Pg91 

ref 3 How Did We Get Into This Mess, George Monbiot, pg 93 Versso Books.

Pensychnant Reserve Open Art Exhibition. July 24

Looking forward to two mixed media works being part of the Pensychnant Conservation Open Exhibition in Wales .

The circle of life. 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, mountains,clouds, stars and sun. Ref 1

It's inspiring to realise there are more events
representing ecologically focussed art works. Pensychnant Nature Reserve is one such place. A well established conservation center that  has a keen passion focusing on the well being of wildlife habitats along side sheep farming . Set in stunning surroundings it is open to the public - it also hosts numerous nature events and is proactive in protecting wild life habitats in an area of natural beauty. 

The images relate to  the impact of  industrial pesticides and herbicides on wild life habitats and the ongoing consequences these pollutant residues  have on both biodiversity, wildlife and wild flora. Here in the UK populations of certain wild species are in decline some now classed as  endangered.

Below are various artists works which are part of the Pensychant Reserve display....Each artist creating interpretations which primarily focus on the beauty of nature or themes concerning ecological  conservation . 

Works inspired by the natural world.

Detailed images of natures beauty.

All Things Connect - Wren yf.24

All Things Connect - Bee yf24

Ref1, Deep Ecology in the 21st C, by George Sessions, editor,. Shambhala Publications London & Boston 1995.

Working towards SWL Event - September 24

Suffolk Wild Life - Eco- Art Display at Carlton Reserve, September 2024.

"All wildness is finer than tameness". John Muir conservation writer(ref1)

"I walked through the forest and found life". Frans Krajcberg. Sculptural, eco -artist activist of the Amazon.

If a tree falls in the forest...does
anybody hear?...charcoal &pastel yf 2013

The event will focus on trees, highlighting  the consequential impact of deforestation on biodiversity. Originally the images were shown as part of the exhibition, 'Viewing Change'. My views, still, evolving were intially  informed by 'The World Land Trust'  back in 2013/14....Working with WLT transformed and deepened my understanding of how as humans we are changing the face of the Earth from a multifaceted, diverse world to a colonised monoculture exsistance. 

A major inspirational 'go to' book - "Deep Ecology in The 21st C," keys into the human impacts on nature...George Sessions most interesting article addresses the issues and reasons behind human mono- culturing of wild spaces .

He not only explores important eco writings, but also illuminates the evolving, changing of views of some, giving insight into a growing awareness of how the natural world is valued by humans - much like Aldo Leopold's own shift from anthropo-centric toward a deepening of eco-centric values. So it seems there's  an on going, growing understanding a shifting in the ways of seeing how all things really do connect.

One particularly insightful point was expressed by Forestry critic, Chris Maser, who stated, " We are liquidating our forests and replacing them with short rotation plantations.....Everything Nature does in designing forests adds to diversity, complexity, and stability through time. We decrease this by redesigning forests to plantations. "...

Sessions eloquent response - which resonates somewhat, says, " The destruction of ancient forests must cease, and a massive global effort should be made to restore diverse wild forest ecosystems. " To add to this, is, the great need of our time to literally protect the ancient forests that remain. In England there are remnants - small pockets of ancient woodlands, how very much they are in need of protection now more than ever - they are after all the last remnants of wild diverse places.

"Natural Forests, new research tells us are no longer something to move through, in some economic sense, in our quest for higher gains, but indeed are a key element in the balanced functioning of planetary life. " Bob Nixon.ref 2.

Onwards to the September display......

Presently I've been working on nature based linocut ideas . As part of the event. The idea is to create multiple, small original hand printed works made into cards.

            Dragonfly . yf 24

It's been a while since making linocut images - so often I expect not all, intially,  will work out according to plan. The process of Linocut techniques brings with it an element of trial and error, yet it is quite magical to see an image evolve in the process. Preparing with an idea in mind or working from image helps with focus. Linocut block materials vary. I tend to work with three tools to hand and start with sketching my idea onto the lino. Using the brass rubbing  technique as the work evolves enables me to be aware of areas within the image that either need to be left or to keep working on - one wrong cut with the tool can  'wright off' an image...

Linocut process - from pencil
Rubbing to printing 

 Tree 'Reflections' on water

Over use of linout tools!! ... yf24

ref1&2, pg, 358 & 358, Deep Ecology in The 21st C, George Sessions editor/ted Shambhala Publications ,Boston &London, 1995 

Multiple Hand printed image Reflections. 

Mini Abstracts - recyled art works & up coming eco-event

 Out of the chaos ! 🎇 first image work in progress.

Messy chaos working on recycled
 works yf 24

Over a number of weeks I have been working on up-cycling a batch of old art into new mini abstracts. The idea is to get enough ready in time for the next display to be held at Carlton Marsh Reserve, which is part of Suffolk wildlife conservation. This will be held over the month of September 24. I hope to work along  similar eco-based themes ....Having the sketchbook works on show, particularly focusing on inspirational people ...Such as Chico Mendes and Frans Krajcberg etc..

I'm hoping to add a "funtime" interactive piece for all ages public engagement.

As it will be held within the reserve people will have interests in nature and the role of conservation....

Along with this I will be working on which relevant quotations to the topic  again with the intention of public participation.

The actual display mainly focuses on the impact of deforestation and it's effects on ecosystems, including the symbiotic biodiversity of  flora, fauna and it will  include indigenous communities responding to the preservation of the wild. 

Although the work is based on a previous project that explored the impact of deforestation within the Amazon Rainforest, it is still relevant to the ongoing consequences today in many parts of the world. But there will be more about the project on a later blog .

Here are a few previously finished works and a number of mini abstracts in progress.

They are. Mixed Mediums-  acrylic, watercolor, crayon and ink ....theme title-  Cosmos macro- micro. 

Introduction to Chico Mendes & Franz Kracjberg.

Polish born Frans Krajcberg lived in the Amazon after the horrors of  second world war.  Frans wanted to leave Europe and describes how "Nature gave him back his humanity." His compelling story and inspirational eco quotes I hope to explore in more detail in this revisited project for September -  Carlton Marsh .

The last image below is 'part'  of Chico Mendes and The Brazil Nut Tree work in- Acrylic 2013 -( seen here as a post card.)

Some thoughts...... 

Did you know, that although the actual  brazil nut tree can be grown in other regions, it's only able to produce brazil nuts within the Amazon ecosystem ....this is due to a combination of orchids and bee species for its pollination. This highlights how specifically integrated to the Amazonian region these species are. It was not originally known how Brazil Nuts pollinate ....Understanding that the two species of  flora and insect, are only found within the Amazon, this seems to be key.

When deforestation induced by fire occurs, the brazil nut tree is legally protected from deforestation ...however as the rest of biodiversity around it is lost, sadly within a matter of years the brazil nut tree will eventually die. Paraphrased ref 1

Part of Chico Mendes and The Brazil
Nut Tree.

Ref 1 Chico Mendes - in his own words with Tony Gross. Book - Fight For The Forest. 1989. pg 40. Uk Central Books,99 Wallis Road. London. E9 5LN.

 

All Things Connect.

The phrase  "All things Connect"  is part of an original  quotation by Chief Seattle ....who stated, "Humankind we are but one thread, all things hold together...All things connect."

In a recent application to a nature conservation reserve, the two images below have  been  put forward for the reserves ecological based art display. Created in 2023, the semi abstract works are part of an ongoing response that considers the root causes of declining wildlife habitats - in particular the loss of biodiversity and degradation of rivers, soils and air, being due to certain pollutants.

The main idea is to convey how  industrial pesticide and herbicide use has been linked to the declines of many species of bird and insect pollinators. Each image portraying  a solitary creature abstracted from its natural habitat - embedded into an alienated space. The intention being to highlight the plight of wildlife species endangered by chemicals.

 The concern of pollutant impacts on biodiversity was originally realized by Rachel Carson in the early 60's, through her research and seminal book, The Silent Spring.

Also recently in, The Marginalian author Maria Popova succinctly describes the enchanting story of Beatrice Harrison whom in the 1940s would play her Cello in the evenings ...capturing the attention of the local Nightingale whom it was said, sang along to her Cello. ....Beatrice herself entranced by nature and the Nightingale...in later years poignantly said - " in the century of the self we would come to forget the cosmos of others" ....And responded to the eventual declines of the Nightingale saying Earth has grown impoverished of a million Nightingales. Ref 3 below .

Finally  natures balance....

The irony is that left to its natural state of being, wild predators will naturally bring about an equilibrium  (e.g pest control via thriving bird populations ) ...thus generally maintaining an ecological diversity and balance...creating a thriving harmonious environment....Therefore the tendency for expanding  pesticide use would diminish as natural balances gain momentum. Allowing also soils, land, habitats and rivers to recover from toxins.

This idea of nature's balancing act was similarly noted by Aldo Leopold back in the 50s in his book, "Think like A Mountain" . Leopold's own initial realization was that once certain large predators disappeared -  by means of  human manipulation in this case -  through the culling of wolves...deer populations would extensively increase. Initially this was seen as a beneficial gain to humans who hunted the deer. However as Leopold's own  understanding of ecosystems grew he was able to describe how the void of wolf predators within the natural order resulted in excessive deer population growth which then decimated the forest habitat revealing a necessity for a rebalancing within those ecosystems . Chief Seattle s knowledge and deep understanding of how all things connect still chimes more than ever in these current times. 

And as stated by Leopold, "One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives in a world of wounds". Ref 2

All Things Connect- Wren. yf, 23

All Things Connect - Bee. yf 23

Bee , close up yf

Partial image Yvonne 

Civilization is a flimsy dust sheet that we have thrown over a psyche rich in emotion and instinct, shaped by the living planet. George Monbiot. Ref 2

ref 1 Think Like A Mountain Aldo Leopold .pg 44

ref 2 How Did We Get Into This Mess? George Monbiot pg 88 & 89.

Ref 3 please visit The Marginalian online by Maria Popova . New book reviews The Cello and The Nightingale. 

Thank you for visiting my eco artspace🙏🌈🐦

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. 

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