THE  FINAL MAJOR PROJECT

Brief:   This project is self initiated but needs to incorporate  skills and knowledge acquired during the last two terms.  It it, therefore, going to be a much more substantial project.  We have 6 weeks to complete it. 

I have chosen as a title for my project:  'Nature and Paganism'.

I have tried throughout the year to incorporate nature as part of my projects, when I was able to do so.  I chose the Green Man and Nature's manipulations' as part of my last project.  This time my choice is much broader and I intend to incorporate the following:

• research on the Pagan religion in Britain.
• the eight festivals which Pagans celebrate every year.
• the history of labyrinths.
• various artists whose work celebrate or include Nature as part of their creations. 
• In depth research of one or possibly two artists who will inspire my final piece.



Statement of Intent:   I am not entirely sure why I chose my subject.  I am a Pagan but do not belong to any groups, neither do I know anyone who is a Pagan.  So my beliefs are very personal, based on instincts rather than acquired knowledge.  I chose (in part) Paganism as I knew I would have to research this in some depth.  I decided to paint a canvas reflecting the influence of Nature on the Pagan religion.  Pagan religion has eight festivals based on seasons, solstices and equinoxes.  I would like to include the design of a labyrinth.  I found a labyrinth made of stones embedded in the ground of a very old churchyard. I am intrigued by this and will research as to why it was placed there in the first place. I would like to use the labyrinth as a frame to hold the eight festivals within rather than the circle commonly used.

Finally I have chosen Gustav Klimt and Georges Braque as I would like to incorporate some of their techniques in my paintings within the book. Klimt's  beautiful landscapes techniques and the use of geometrical patterns as well as Braque's landscapes full of colours during his Fauve period will work well, I feel, and will complement each other well with my own.

 

 Georges Braques                                                   La Ciotat

                                                       

                                

 The Apple Tree                                                                        Birch woods

 Both by Gustav Klimt

Reflective Log:

As well as making a blog, I am compiling ideas and updates on my research in a dedicated small sketchbook.  I am also using a large sketchbook for drawings and paintings tests.

I will also include reflective thoughts as I am inputting in my blog.  I will not have a separate page for my reflective log, so will differentiate it by starting my entries as such: RL.

Paganism through history

Paganism origins:

Definition:

The word pagan comes from the latin word paganus.  During the roman invasion, it was used as a term to describe rural people (‘country bumpkins’).  Later on, once the Christian religion had established itself, the word referred to heathen people – non Christians or Jews.  In both cases, the word was used in a pejorative manner. Through the history of the last 2000 years, the word also described people who enjoyed the present and had no concerns about the future or interest in what is thought to be a more sophisticated religion. In other words, did not adhere to religions based on fear of the after life and enjoyed the pleasure of the present and the world.

It is common to find the word used to describe idol worshippers, non believers, unholy, profane, impious, primitive, and barbarous.

In the broader sense of the word, Paganism is a polytheist religion which means that a variety of deities are revered.

History:

There are many religions through the ages which are described as pagan.

These are to be found worldwide, from Africa to Australia, the far East, as well as Europe and South and North America.  It is believed that it is possible that religious behaviour was in existence as far as 300,000 years ago, based on the burials found in Iraq, Israel and Croatia, which demonstrate a link to burial rites (artifacts included in graves).

                                    

                                     Burial of Teviec, (Britanny, France) Mesolithic 6000BC

In this project, I am particularly interested in Paganism in Britain.  It is important to note that Britain has been subject to many influences through its history.

Archaeological finds indicate that the first religion in Britain was based on the worshipping of ancestors dating back to 5000 years ago. The dead were buried in barrows and were worshipped in order to ensure clement weather and good harvests.  However, the climate changed drastically and people turned to nature instead as they felt that the ancestors had failed them.

By 3000 BC, it is believed that the sun and the moon were included also (stone circles).  The climate had turned clement again and stone circles were used for celebrating, gathering and outdoor activities. By 1100BC, it appears that many circles are pulled down and it is believed that Stonehenge seeks supremacy over other circles.   This is probably the first instance of intolerance.  In 1159BC, volcano eruptions from Ireland cause a 10 year climate change in Britain, resulting in famine and a change in religious direction.  For a period of 600 years, paganism establishes itself in Britain.  There does not appear to be any single main religion but more of a conglomeration of sects inter crossing and based on the sharing of knowledge of medicinal plants, rituals, sacrifices, shrines, water and river worshipping.

Around 400 BC, the Celts move to Britain, bringing with them their own beliefs and practices.  

Overview map of the Hallstatt (yellow) and La Tène (green) cultures the Hallstatt culture. (Atlas of the Celtic World by John Haywood - 2001)              

The Hallstatt culture was the predominant central European culture from the 8th to 6th centuries BC.

The La Tène culture was a European Iron age culture named after the archaeological site of La Tene situated by a lake in Switzerland.                             

The Celts came from various European countries; they shared a language which influenced the British and Irish language.                                       

                                           Photo werner archives scala/florence

According to ancient records and archaeological research, the Celts were animists.  
They believed that the natural world was made of deities and spirits and that even objects had a spiritual essence, with whom people could establish a connection.  The supernatural was perceived by the Celts as part of their world.  They attributed spirits to all things (trees, mountains, rocks etc) and also believed that the sun, the sky, the moon, the seas were divine and many had personalities.  As opposed to the Greeks and Romans who based their religious cultures to a more town dwelling way of life, the Celts' religious world was rural based, encompassing Nature in all parts of their beliefs. 


In 100BC, the Romans begin to reconnoitre Britain and they invade in 43 AD.  They bring with them people of many different countries – all with their individual beliefs.  The Romans have a permissive attitude towards the many faiths and religious practices.  However, they insist on people also worshipping the various Roman deities; often building temples for their own gods, as well as British ones.  Most religions are thrown in a melting pot, adopting specialities from different beliefs, for example their god of war directed at soldiers was influenced by the Methriac religion.  Slaves also had their own religion which the Romans respected as they felt it kept the slaves happy.

This figure of a hunter-god with dogs was found in London. The figure might represent the Celtic god Maponus and the Roman god Apollo. (BBC)

There is, however, an exception to this: the Druids.  In 60AD, the Romans eradicated the Druids by sending full military power to Anglesey in North Wales.  Shrines, sacred groves were destroyed countrywide.  There are no artifacts or proof of their existence apart from Roman and Greek records.

It is acknowledged that they held oak trees and mistletoe sacred, and considered themselves guardians of the natural world.  They also practiced human sacrifices.  This was totally unacceptable to the Romans.

Eventually, Christianity establishes itself in Britain, keeping many Pagans celebrations as part of their practices.

Over a period of 600 years, Paganism exploded into a multi cultural religion.

By the 5^th century, Rome has withdrawn from Britain, leaving the country vulnerable to invasion from the Saxons and the Picts.  There follows a period of around 300 years during which time, Anglo Saxon paganism establishes itself.  The Saxons worshipped various gods named ése such as  Woden, Fige, Frey.  They believed in elves which they thought to be harmful to humans, dwarves and dragons, as well as magic and witchcraft. They built wooden temples and worshipped in places like hilltops, sacred trees and wells.  They practiced animal sacrifices but there is no conclusive proof that human sacrifices were conducted.  They celebrated festivals based on the seasons and dedicated to different gods. 

 

The right half of the front panel of the seventh century Franks Casket, depicting the pan-Germanic legend of  Weyland The Smith, which was apparently also a part of Anglo-Saxon pagan mythology.

   

By the end of the 8^th century, Britain faces a new invader:  the Vikings. 

Once again the invaders are the followers of a polytheist religion.  Very little is known of their religious practice.  It is understood that chieftains had some priestly duties and that they sacrificed horses.  However, their mythology is well documented, thanks to the Vikings saga written mostly in Iceland in the 13^th century called the Edda.  The Vikings quickly incorporated Christianity with their own religion once they settled in Britain.  Pressure was put on them to adopt Christianity, as they were only allowed to trade with Britons if they had converted.

The only known three-dimensional Viking representation of a valkyrie is set to go on display at the British Museum next year. The small figurine, which was discovered in Denmark in December and is currently on show at the National Museum in Copenhagen, is made of gilded silver and is believed to date from approximately 800 AD.(Oxford university Press)

It’s in 1066 that Britain faces the next invasion – this time it’s the Normans, and there are deep cultural and religious changes as Christianity is soundly established in Britain.   Religion becomes a force onto itself as the church gains more and more power over people and royalty alike.


Bayeux Tapestry - The Landing in England

William the Conqueror considered the invasion of England a necessity.  He disapproved strongly of any pagan based beliefs and wanted to eradicate all Viking, and Saxon polytheist practices, making England a truly Christian country.  Although Anglo Saxon Church did not appear as being particularly problematic, he presented the invasion of England as a holy war and was sanctioned by the pope.  Indeed, his victory at Hastings was viewed by the people as getting God’s approval.

This invasion was quite small as William the Conqueror was followed by around 8000 Normans.  They were however, soon to be followed by French settlers from different part of France.

With the help of the archbishop of Canterbury – Lanfranc, William imposed new religious rules and laws and unified religious practice across the land.

He de-sanctified all the saints and renamed all the churches.  He also began a huge construction program, starting with the re-building of Canterbury cathedral.

A secondary invasion is the one of the monks who established themselves by building large monasteries set in huge estates.   This is also the first recorded migration of Jews to Britain.  They were soon to become ostracised as it was believed that they killed British children in order to use their blood for their rites. 

British people, after centuries of multi faiths living fairly harmoniously together  became intolerant of other faiths.

Starting in early 11^th century and finishing by the end of the 12^th century, the Crusades also brought to Britain the Islamic faith.  This resulted in a cultural input from the Islamic faith in Britain. With the increased exchange of ideas and faiths brought on by politics and the Crusades.

However, both Jews and Arabs were persecuted and the Jews in particular were targeted for their wealth.  The Jews became new Christians practicing the Christian religion openly and practicing their own religion in secret. This situation will last for 350 years. 

Paganism survived through this period as many of its festivals had been used for the Christian faith ie: the winter solstice becomes Christmas.

Traditions such as the May pole dance, Morris dancers etc… maintained knowledge of lore  and pagan stories.  Another typical sign of Paganism within the church is the Green Man who was officially accepted by the Church as it was part of the re-conversion to Christianity campaign led by the church at the start of the Norman conquest.  Churches were built on pagan sites of worship to encourage people to come to church.  The Green Man presence is clearly marked through most churches by the many carvings to be found to this day.

                                                        St. Nicholas, North Walsham

                                                                                                                                                 

By the mid 14^th century, however, coma a most terrible invasion: fleas, and its resulting effect: the Plague.  Half of Britain population was wiped out.

                                         Dance of Death -Michael Wolemut 1493

 

 

It is thought that between 75 to 200 million people died worldwide. 

In Britain the effect of the plague leads to more persecution of minorities (Jews, Arabs, lepers, vagrants etc…) with terrible consequences for them as they are blamed for the disease and are burned alive. 

The plague had many re-occurrences and kept coming back until the great plague of London in 1666.

During the 15th century, in 1486, Maleus Mallificarum- The Hammer of the Witches, was published.  Written by the Dominican priest and witch finder Heinrich Kramer, the book outsold all other publications apart from the Bible.  This was the only cause which unites Catholics and Protestants. 

Once again, the climate turned particularly harsh and harvests were destroyed causing great hardship for most in England, and all over Europe..

These meteorological changes have been described as a mini ice age.  Tensions were high and witchcraft was often blamed as witches were seen as the makers of bad weather by use of their magic and subsequently failed harvests. 

The most significant change to pagan practices happened in 1563, when witchcraft was made illegal as it was deemed heresy after Pope Innocent VIII had made it so in 1484. It is estimated that 200.000 ‘witches’ were burnt in Britain and Europe between 1484 and 1750.  Although some believe that numbers were much higher.  Lonely women, who offered medical help based on plants lore as well as surgery, were automatically condemned as witches.  However, it soon also became a form of tool used in vendettas between neighbours for example.

The Hammer of the Witches is particularly misogynistic, and the author adapted stories and tales on his witch hunting travels in order to convince people that there was a conspiracy of witches wanting to destroy Christendom.

                                                           Lancashire witches

The book caused a surge of persecutions towards women and was the perfect tool to conduct witch hunting and prosecution. 

The reformation.

The plague had a marked effect on the church and people turned to mystics.  Julian of Norwich was an anchoress who had had visions of God on 16 occasions whilst she was very ill and thought she was going to die.  This opened the door to a new women’s role, allowing women to express themselves. She was considered a moderate mystic as opposite to European women mystics who practiced rather extreme self harm, by cutting pieces of their own flesh and one in particular in Italy who licked pus of lepers. Both Julian and Marjory Kemp – another mystic wrote of their thoughts and beliefs which are still followed today by some.

The plague marked a strong turning point as following these terrible years, people questioned their faith.  Furthermore, rebellion was at hand with different monks who challenged the Church by asking for the Bible to be translated into English in order to get anyone to have access to it. John Wyclif an academic from Oxford leads the Lollards a group rebelling against the church for an English Bible to be produced.

This was the beginning of fundamental reforms and various contributing factors which would eventually lead to the Reformation.  The 15^th century saw the foundations of many schools and colleges throughout the land, including  Cambridge and Oxford.   

On the 31 October 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in Wittenberg in Germany.  The Protestant Reformation had started.

Henry VIII marriages and divorces lead the English Church to separate from the pope and the Roman Catholic Church.

The constant turmoil of political and religious ideas, idealism and beliefs lead to many conflicts.  For two centuries, Britain faced huge upheavals.  During that time, Paganism was more linked to witchcraft, the Islamic faith and Judaism.

However, on a more positive note, a new enlightened period started at the end of the 15^th century and carried on till early 17^th century: 

The Renaissance.

Starting a hundred years earlier in Italy, the Renaissance developed in Britain during the reign of Elisabeth I. 

      The Ditchley Portrait of Elizabeth I by Marcus Gheeaerts the younger  c.1592

                                                 
 

Following the vast changes brought on by political, intellectual and cultural upheavals of the last century,as well as a to and fro movement within the Christian religion (catholic with Mary and  eventually protestant with Elisabeth); Britain settled as a Protestant society. 

Witch hunting carried on, targeting individuals, based on quarrels and personal vendettas rather than actual witchcraft practice.

It became possible to consider other cultures and religions from other countries and civilisations and Paganism had a revival through the revival of ancient Greek and Romans civilisations.  Indeed studying classics form the antiquities became an important part of education at that time.

Interestingly, a revival of the Druid religion took place in the mid 17^th century.  This was brought on by scholars who started to investigate the prehistoric stone circles in Britain.

                                                     Stonehenge (BBC)

The period between the 17^th and 18^th century is referred to as the ‘Enlightenment’.  It was believed that the Druids had built the stone circles and in 1717, an Irish scholar – John Toland became the first Chosen Chief of the Ancient Druid Order.  It was named the British Circle of the Universal Bond.

 

This was the first step towards the re-introduction to Pagan religions. 

Theological societies were founded and people’s attitude towards Paganism changed.  It is important to note, however, that although legal Acts against witchcraft started to be repealed in 1736, witch hunting was still happening.  The 1736 new Act made it a criminal offence to claim that a person could have magical powers or was guilty of practicing witchcraft. Official execution of witches were not permitted anymore although in Europe, it is recorded that a woman Anna Goldi was executed in Switzerland in 1782 and another Barbara Zdunk was executed in Prussia in 1811, although in both cases, the sentence did not mention witchcraft. The last official execution in Great Britain took place in Scotland in 1727.

The 1736 Act was used until 1940 to prosecute spiritualists and was revoked in 1951.  Witch hunting still took place in Britain, however, and it is alleged that in1863 a man was drowned in a pond in Headingham in Essex.  In 1945 also, a farm labourer was found dead near the village of Meon Hill in Warwickshire.  He had his cut slit and was pinned down to the ground with a pitchfork.  He was apparently known for being a wizard.

The 19^th century saw a revival of interests in folklore and traditions based on old Pagan religions across Europe.  The French revolution at the end of the 18^th century and the industrial revolution in Britain emancipated people. 

In northern Europe, Saxons and Norse traditions were revived.  The north east of Europe was particularly pro- active in retrieving indigenous language, traditions and folklore.

Eventually, in the 20th century there was a significant change towards Pagan religions due to several important factors:
 

• Gerald Brosseau Gardner (1884-1964) whose writing and practice confirmed the    pagan religion of Wicca.
• The hippie movement, as well as eco activists of the 60’s both lead to a strong revival of pagan religion with a great emphasis on revering nature.
• Paganism becomes a favourite of feminist movement who recognised nature as the Great Goddess – Mother Nature representing the archetype woman in the 60’s.
• Eco-activists, also in the 60’s, relate to Nature as being sacred. 
• The Druids are recognised and accepted.

 

In conclusion:

Paganism nowadays covers a variety of religious movements.  It is important to differentiate the following:

All Wiccans are Witches.         Not all Witches are Wiccans.

All Wiccans are Pagans.          Not all Pagans are Wiccan.

Some Witches are Pagans.      But some are not.

Modern Paganism offers a wide range of beliefs and religious practises.  Polytheist religions have reappeared across the world

Pagan religions and movements in great Britain hold Nature sacred and divine.  The celebration of Nature through the seasons, the elements (earth, water, fire, air) are renewing old traditions as well as creating new ones.  Hedge witches are white witches who prefer to practice alone.  But many pagans belong to covens or movements, have moot and celebrate the festivals together.

          

                                                                                  CMJD copyright

RL: 

10/04/13

I spent the last two and a half weeks completing the research above. 

I have thought at length about the piece I am going to create. I have listened to a few hours of interviews on Radio4, and watched rare interviews on witchcraft on Youtube. I have visited many websites of different movements. I realise that the research I have completed is only just skimming the surface of a huge subject. 

I have read in parts several books and compiled a questionnaire for my visit to Glastonbury.  I went to Portchester castle.

I had decided to start with, to create a painting - using palette knives and the Labyrinth as a centre piece as well as the foundation on which to place the eight festivals.  I chose to paint also, as I am going to turn to illustration for the next three years and wanted to finish on a Fine Art piece.

 

 

17/04/13:

I have carried on with my research in a more angled way in order to clarify my beliefs and thought about Paganism.  I have completed my research on labyrinth and although I have found out about where and how old labyrinths are, but I cannot find any explanation with regards to their purpose. 





Research

Labyrinth

There are two reasons I chose originally to incorporate the design of a labyrinth as part of my final piece.  I wanted to use a labyrinth as a frame to incorporate the eight pagan festivals instead of a more obvious wheel.

Also I visited Portchester castle recently and discovered by chance that a labyrinth had been incorporated in the churchyard within the walls of the castle.

I was intrigued by this and went back another day to enquire at the church about the origin of the labyrinth there.  I was fortunate enough to meet the church warden and he explained that it was a relatively recent addition to the churchyard. 

The reason being, that they had a memory garden for the parishioners who had been cremated and whose families wanted to have some space to be able to commemorate the birthday or anniversary of the death of their loved ones.  The end result was a very messy corner of the churchyard with a lot of plastic items like windmills and such like.  One of the parishioners had seen a labyrinth in another church which was being used as a memory piece. Hence the small floral tributes on the photograph.  Not only the labyrinth is more pleasant to the eye but it allows for a greater amount of people to be included as part of the memorial piece. I think that this could become a tradition of the future.

                                                 

Origin of the Labyrinth

 

Labyrinths have been found all over the world and some may be as old as 4000 years according to some.  They are represented as carvings in stones, paintings, mosaic, ceramics, etc… the most remarkable fact about them is that the same pattern is to be found in all different parts of the world at different times yet showing the same design.

 

                                      

                               

                                          

                          

It is not known as to when or why they started to appear with certainty as there are possibilities that some of them were added at a later period as graffiti.  However, it is likely that they possibly could be 2500 years old or more.

What I find most fascinating about Labyrinths is the fact that there is one classic design which appears all over the world.  There are some theories about its origin but nothing concrete.

 

  

                               

                           

 

                            Prehistoric labyrinth petroglyph, Pansaimol, Goa, India

 

 

 

 

RL:

17/04/13

I had a tutorial with Maria and my intention to create a painting completely changed as during tutorial, having described what I intended to do, the resulting comment was: 'So you are doing an illustration'. I was completely taken aback, not only because it was the opposite to what I intended to do, but also because I realised that the comment was absolutely true. So, instead I chose to make a book. I had wanted to make one from the beginning but felt that I would be making some more at university. I have, therefore, decided to make a 'Book of Shadows' I will incorporate the eight festivals as well as a double pages on the elements and deities. 

Paganism and Nature will be totally reflected in the book I intend to make as the festivals are based on the rhythm of the seasons and affinities with the elements, fauna and flora. 

 

22/04/13
Went to Glastonbury on 20/04/13.  The village was same as usual, full of wonderful stuff, lost souls, conceited wizards, and very nice people.

This visit has been instrumental to understanding how people view themselves within the various Pagan movements, and I am relieved that my research has not changed my topic.

I have read in part two British books on Paganism as well as two American ones.  My research into the history of Paganism has really helped me in understanding the evolution of existing movements.

 

 

INTERIM EVALUATION

23/04/13 

The research into the history of Paganism through the ages, has made me revisit the history of Britain from an early age and  has helped me understand he progression of faiths and beliefs. Modern Pagan religions and movements, are diverse but have many common ties such as polytheism, and veneration of Nature and the planet. 
On a personal note, I have been able to redefine my beliefs and understand now that I do indeed belong to one particular religion. The title I chose for my FMP, could be changed to 'The Long and Sinuous Path to Clarification of my Beliefs'. However, I shall keep my original title as it is a/ shorter and b/ still totally relevant to my final piece.
 

Had another tutorial and apart from the fact that I am beginning to seriously panic about the vast amount of work remaining, it was suggested that I evaluate my final piece with regards to the public. I am confused about this. I know that any art work is subjective both in its creation and in the response on an individual basis. But how do I evaluate this?

 

I have been thinking of incorporating some messages within each page when it is possible. For example, the plight of oak trees and the desease affecting them.  Similar thing for bees.  I am not sure if this might confuse the feel I want to give to my piece. 

 

 

RL:

27/04/13

 

I have spent absolutely ages gluing 384 pages into 'leaves' of 19 pages stuck together each.  This was a lengthy process, especially in view of the fact that I had to test different glues to establish which one would cause the least corrugation when drying.

I have worked out that the pages need to be slightly open for the air to circulate.  I used some of the sliver of woods used to stretch canvases.  They are perfect for the job.  I hope the book will dry faster.

 

 

INTERIM EVALUATION

 

I am worried about the presentation I need to complete in order to 'Highlight the most significant points of departure from my original idea and the most significant point of development'. 

I have departed from my original idea in the sense that I have changed from a canvas to a book as a creation but  I have not changed my mind about my choice of subject. Yet I feel that I am not fully engaged with my project.  I am worried about the completion of the piece.  Will I finish on time? will people understand what I am trying to convey? Unlike some of the other projects I have completed this year, when I had a clear message I wanted to express.  My aim in this one is a celebration of my beliefs and my love for Nature. 

I am nervous about the presentation I have to complete on Prezi.  I have completed many presentations in my professional life, but have purposely never used a computer program as a mean of communication.  This is purely because I trust myself more than electronic.  But this time there is no escape.

 

RL:

30/04/13

 

I have finished the first prototype painting for half of the generic pages covering, Nature and the Elements.  I have completed the research on specific colours, animals, plants relating to each festivals.  I will need a music pulpit to display the book.

  01/05/13

 

Had the visit of Peter Golding a local artist.  He gave an excellent presentation and I learnt about the business aspect of being an artist and I now understand the difference between the creative aspect of commissioned work and independent creation. I had the opportunity to discuss my project with him and he suggested providing latex gloves for people to use to turn the pages of my book.  More in order to give people an idea of being careful when looking at the book.  I must to speak to Justin about the display and space I need to have for my book.

 

02/05/13:

 

Had tutorial with Justin.  Discussed display, research of artists. I have checked with him and I do not need to complete research on the two artists I have chosen. This is great news. I need to demonstrate why I have chosen them and elaborate on the reasons for my choice.

Justin asked me to consider how I will judge the success or failure of my book.  He suggested that the evaluation of the book as an illustration will be easier that assessing the book as a celebration of Pagan festivals. I am a little confused about evaluating the celebration as a successful outcome.  I am trying to be as accurate as possible with the details of each festivals which is based on my research.  Justin mentioned critical awareness.  I will need to reflect on this and get back to Justin.

 

Also had tutorial with Ariane and discussed with her the treatment of leather and how to distress it to make it look older in a natural way.   I was able to buy some off cuts of sheep skins in Glastonbury.

I have come up with the idea of recording the sound of the burning of the Wicker man and the festivities when I am attending the Beltane festival at the weekend.  I will then make a loop on an MP3 and play it behind the book to add to the atmosphere.

 

INTERIM EVALUATION: 

 

I spent a day at home in order to start on the book itself with the illustrations.  The pages are still not completely dry so I have been completing painting tests.  I have been able to evaluate what has not gone well so far:

• I should have started on the book earlier (although it couldn't be helped as I changed my mind).
• I need to be more instinctive, as I am only addressing the technical aspect of my work.

I have spent a long time searching the net for some resources to download for items I want to include in my paintings. I have reflected in depth on my visit to Glastonbury.  I fully appreciate the fact that being a Pagan is like saying 'I am a Christian', it does not indicate if you are a catholic or a Protestant for example.  My questionnaire has helped me realise that most Pagans have something in common; they all became aware of their beliefs between late childhood and adolescence.

My beliefs are very much based on a strong instictive feel for Nature, the Elements, and painting each festivals will not only celebrate Pagan beliefs but my own individual beliefs also. 

RL:

05/05/13:

The Beltane festival was a disappointment.  First of all the Wicker man was of a much less substantial  built than last year and therefore, took only 10 to 15 minutes to burn.  But also, for some reasons the celebration was accompanied by a large group of belly dancers !?!  On top of that, I was not able to record the sound of burning or general festival sounds as when the Wicker man was set on fire, most women attending started to emit the Arabic yodelling very enthusiastically.  It felt more like I was at a Moroccan wedding than a Beltane festival.  So I will not be able to use this as a recording.  It was suggested to me to download some sounds from the Net.  I am loathed to do this as I wanted a more personal input.

10/05/13:

Did my presentation two days ago.  It went okay but for some reason I am really not happy about the whole project.  I think that hearing myself talking and explaining what I was doing to my classmates made me realise that I am going through the motions but I am not feeling it.

Having spent several days, gluing pages in preparation for my book, as well as completing prototypes of pages to be incorporated in my book, I have become aware that I am not happy or comfortable with my process of creating.  I have persevered with the book and have become more and more unhappy with the developing outcome. I am going through the  plan I have made which I feel it is not right. 

It took three events to put me back on track.

• I realised I had made a huge mistake with the book.  I remembered that with my first book, I dealt with one 'page' at a time, thus enabling me to plan the type of method I would use (ie: carving paper out).  Having glued the pages in batches of 19 to make it a total of 18 'pages' out of 384, meant that I had absolutely no leeway to produce 3D work.
• I came to the conclusion that I wanted to complete this book through a year and complete each festival within the book as I celebrated them.  Beltaine pages were the only tow pages I could think of clearly with regards to what I wanted to include in the pages.
• I visited the Tate Modern and fell in love with a painting: Eluhim by Leonora Carrington.

                                                                     Tate Modern

 

             

The choice of subject and method of painting appealed to me greatly. It freed me also of the question about Fine Art and Illustration debate constantly going on in my head. 

I made a decision today to revert to my idea of painting on a large canvas.  I will incorporate some collage for a frieze around the centre piece.  I still intend to use Klimt and Braques painting techniques.  I will incorporate as many representation of nature (animals, elements, trees etc) as possible in my painting, based on my research of Paganism through the ages.

RESEARCH:

Leonora Carrington:  

Born in 1917 in Chorley in Lancashire.  Leonora is the daughter of a wealthy  artificial textile industrialist.  Of Irish descent, Leonora and her three brothers lead a privileged life moving from mansion to mansion surrounding by beautiful woods and countryside.  During this period of her childhood and up to the age of 9,  Leonara has an Irish nanny who introduces her to many Irish folkloric tales.  She also visits her Irish grandmother in Ireland regularly and becomes aware of her Celtic roots.   Unfortunately, her idyllic childhood is cut short by her joining a convent where she boards from the age of nine, for a period of three traumatic and unhappy life.  

Leonora was encouraged by her mother from a young age to draw and paint - against her father wishes as he didn't approve of a career in the Arts.  

Despite her father's opposition, Leonora opts for an artistic career.  Having constantly rebelled against her pre-destined life of  a socialite and its privileges, she manages to convince her mother to send her to an art school in Florence.   She attends Mrs Penrose's Academy of Art.  Leonora, enjoys the bright colours and Italian painting techniques.  On her return to England she attends Chelsea school of Art first but soon moves on to the Ozenfant academy in London.  This school was set by Amédée Ozenfant who in collaboration with

Charles Edouard Jeanneret (Le Corbusier) had formed the Purist movement (a follow up to Cubism).  During that time, she is introduced to Surrealism  through the art world visiting an exhibition at the age of 17 and also literature when her mother gives her a book by Herbert Reed on Surrealism.   In 1936 she visits the international Surrealist Exhibition in London, this has a marked effect on her.  She discovers, Man Ray, Ernst and Dali.  It is also during that time that her friend Ursula Goldfinger a fellow student at Ozenfant intorduces Ernst to Leonora.  They visit Cornwall together and she meets various artists including,  Henry Moore, Man Ray, paul Nash, Lee Miller etc.  Soon she joins Ernst in Paris where she meets artists such as, Picasso, Dali, Leonore Fini, Marcel Duchamp Joan Miro and Breton.  It is thought that some of her best paintings are from this period.  The relationship between Leonore and Max Ernst quickly develops and he separate from his wife. 

She is now surrounded by artists who share her beliefs and understand her art.  The big difference between them and her was the fact that Leonora always based  her art on the mystical and magical as well as mystery from the beginning of her interest in art.

Leonora and Ernst set up home in Paris for a period of two years (1936 - 1938) and move to St Martin de l'Ardeche in 1938, where Leonora buys a villa with the proceed of the sale of her paintings.  Sadly the romantic, idyllic life is soon interrupted by the war.  Max Ernst a native german is arrested and imprisoned.  He is released later, following the intervention of Peggy Guggenheim an art patron.  He later marries her in 1941.  In the meantime, Leonora has a nervous collapse following Ernst's arrest.  She manages, however, to escape to Spain, leaving her paintings behind.  She suffers a nervous breakdown and is admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Santander where she is submitted to horrendous drug induced treatment based on convulsion therapy as well as electo shock treatment and drugs designed to induce anxiety.  She manages to escape from the hospital and flees to Lisbon in Portugal.  She will write two books based on her experiences:  'Down below' and 'The Stone Door'.  She is granted asylum at the Mexican ambassy and eventually escapes Europe by marrying Renato Leduc and takes one of the last ship leaving for America as part of the Mexican diplomatic core.  In NewYork, where she first stays, she is able to resume contact with some of her friends from Paris like Marcel Duchamp, Breton etc.  However, Leduc has to return to mexico and she goes with him. 

Eventually Leonora divorces Leduc amicably and marries a photographer Chiqui Weisz in 1946 with whom she has two sons: Gabriel and Pablo.

Leonora manages to find peace and tranquility at long last.  She forms friendships with many artists both in Mexico and America where she has long stays both in NewYork and Chicago. 

In 1947 she meets Edward James a poet and art patron who organizes an exhibition for her at Pierre Matisse gallery in NewYork.
Leonora died at the age of 94 on 25th may 2011.

    

                               Temple of the word

                                        

                                         Bird bath

RL:

15/05/13

Leonora Carrington is to me a natural surrealist.  Her feel for the mysterious and the magical infuses her paintings with a very special quality.  I stopped dead in my tracks when I encountered her painting at the Tate Modern.  I find it really frustrating that there was an exhibition at Pallant House last year and that I missed it.  I have spent a few hours reading orbituaries and articles as well as looking at her paintings.  I intend to see more 'in the flesh' as soon as I am able to do so.  She has given back to me the impetus that I so needed for my project. 

EVALUATION:

15/05/13

Having changed my mind a third time, was I feel necessary.  I was not happy with what I was doing and having made the decision to revert to a painting has revitalised my inspiration.  It is important for me to stress that I will still use the same subject - Nature and Paganism, and will still incorporate as much reference to the chosen topic.  I also intend to include as much of the various techniques and mediums that I have discovered this year.  

I was quite relieved to tell Justin my tutor as I was worried about it.  However, I could not compromise my integrity by completing a piece mainly going through the motion because I have lost my inspiration.   

RL:

16/05/13

The plan I have made for the painting is as follows:

• The canvas will be painted with acrylics, inks and  I will use some pictures I have taken which I will manipulate with bleach.
• These animals are representative of animals which are part of Pagan religions and movements.
• I have gathered some pictures of the relevant animals and cut them to use as templates.  I intend to cut out the shapes out of instant camera pictures of the woods and manipulate them with bleach.  I will include these in a border on the canvas.  They will be stuck on a background of acrylic paints and inks.
• A variety of copper wires and glass pebbles will also adorn the frame giving it I hope, a feel of tribal veneration.

 

                                         Ink and acrylic tests.

 

                                         

                                         Manipulated cut photographs

 RL:
19/05/13 to 25/05/13

I have been doing some painting and design tests.  I am nervous about painting as I realise I haven't painted for many months as I was busy learning about other mediums.
I want to keep away from  modern Pagan art I have found on the internet.  To me Paganism is Nature, and I want to keep my painting simple in what it represents, emphasising the richness of both Nature and the pagan religions within the frame I am surounding the centre piece with.

I initially decided to paint the elements and incorporate as many parts of nature as possible in my painting.  However it looked gimmicky to me.

I tried to represent deities but as I wanted to keep the picture as generic as possible I refrained from being too representative.

 

 

 I used different ways of applying paint before deciding which way I would paint the picture.

I decided to use this way of painting.  Applying thinned down layers on acrylics to give a smooth a realistic feel to the painting.

       

I also used different layers of inks and acrylics.  The circle in the centre is made of layers of acrylics washed over with red and yellow inks.

 

 

I opted to represent a landscape incorporating earth, water and air as well as fire (the sun).

I had difficulties when I started to apply paint to the canvas as the paint would receed into small globules.  I applied an undiluted coat of white paint over the canvas to prime it.

I have chosen to represent Nature (Mother Earth) as a young woman.  I am placing her in the corner of the picture almost hiding and smiling as if inviting the viewer in.  The sun has risen recently and the moon is still in the sky. I aim at making the viewer get the feeling of space, unadulterated countryside. I want to give also a feel of power from the large blocky areas of forest and the meandering river.  I particularly liked the way Klimt painted the Park as it gives an atmosphere of strength and  mysterious power.

                                                           

                                                   

                         Avenue of Schloss Kammer Park       The Park

In both paintings, his analogous use of colours in large blocks adds an almost dark, supernatural sense to the picture. Green is a secondary colour which can be either cool or warm, and when used as a main colour, it is possible to give an extra lift to contrasting area because of this.

Green has long been known for symbolising fertility, nature, and health. 

 

27/05/13

 

I have completed a large part of the centre piece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RL:
30/05/13

I have updated my blog with pictures and more reflective log entries.  I read through the whole of this project.  I will now be able to complete the rest of my painting and conclude my blog with the knowledge that I was right to persevere and reach a point where I felt totally happy with my choice of medium and the representation of my chosen subject.
I am looking forward to using inks and acrylics on the frame as well as bleach manipulated photographs.  These are new techniques I have learnt this year. 
I'll need to practice writing with bleach and a nib on ink.

RL:
01/06/13

Changed the perspective by bringing the hills closer together.  I am still having problems with the hand.  Are hands difficult to do because they really are? or are they difficult to do because it's common knowledge and you expect to have difficulties?

 

 



I have made some test with inks on gold paint.

 

 

                                                             

I have covered the painting in the centre with cling film and a double layer of masking tape so that it is protected when i am applying inks and bleach, once I have painted the border gold as a base.

RL:

03/06/13

 

Things have not gone well as the bleach and some ink have sipped through the masking tape.

 

 

The ink left by the tape shows clearly as a straight lined  mark.  This is going to take some time...

 

 

I managed to cover the straight mark on her face.  It took several thin layers.

 

                                           The edges are now tidy


 RL:
04/06/13

The painting is complete apart from one technical problem I haven't been able to resolve. I have represented the festivals with glass pebbles.  The intention being to use typography and write around each one the name of the festival.  However, I have tested various items to use such as white acrylic ink, drawing ink, pen, tracer to no avail as the bleach I have used on the inks in the border, makes the writing fade or almost disappear.  I will ask as a last result when I take it in today if there is anything I can do.

 

I have included the horned one within the woods as a collage (similar to the green man project I had completed before)

EVALUATION:

 

This final project has been the steepest learning curve I have experience this year.  I have been able to use acquired skills which I enjoyed.  However, the creative side and the soul searching resulting from my research has taught me a few points I will endeavour to remember:

• I need to make sure that with all my future projects at university, I keep my research within limits to personal interests.
• I need to overcome the fact that I 'freeze' at the start.  I understand that this is all to do with lack of self confidence.
• I need to learn to evaluate better the message I want to express and how the viewer will comprehend it.
• To some extent I think that working by commission might be easier.
• I need to get more disciplined and balance creation and research effectively.

It has been a difficult project to complete and more so because of my awareness of being the final one.  I have imposed pressure upon myself which I believe slowed me down.  I have the measure of studying art now.  It is the most difficult subject I have ever studied, but it is well worth it.  I am looking forward to starting university.

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS:

 

The exhibition at college opened last night and it was an opportunity for me to look at my painting after not seeing it for 10 days or so.  I am happy with the fact that I kept to a representation of Nature and I feel that having used Klimt's use of green in blocks has helped me in giving a sense of latent strength and almost threat to the hills in my painting.  I have started on a bigger canvas and will use this again. 

I visited Winchester exhibition yesterday, and also had the opportunity to view  the college exhibition.  In both case, I deducted that my choice of Illustration is the right one. 

I am learning about the tribulations of creating work for an exhibition.  So far I have been guided by my tutor and have been given a project to work on.  I would like now to try this by creating paintings and exhibit independently.  I observed how people view art pieces and how it feels when someone looks at your work.  It is not a very comfortable experience but it is very exiting. My year at college has been well worth it as I have learnt so much, I just hope that university is as rewarding.