Summer Solstice 2023 Newsletter
We are encouraged to see the Visionary Art community beginning to truly emerge from the semi-dormancy imposed by the pandemic. Exhibitions, workshops, publications...the hive seems to be buzzing again. We hope that we can all reunite at a group exhibition in the not-too-distant future. Meanwhile, here are some of the things happening in our creative community :
The long-awaited opening of Entheon
Brigid Marlin publishes Techniques in Painting
Release of the Dreams and Divinities tarot deck and accompanying book.
Art by Miguel Tio featured on a postage stamp in República Dominicana
Canvas Rebel interviews France Garrido
Geometry of the Sacred workshop with Aloria Weaver and David Heskin
ALEX & ALLYSON GREY'S ENTHEONOPENS TO THE PUBLIC
The All One Gallery and the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors
(Above: Alex and Allyson Grey at Entheon)
Entheon, Sanctuary of Visionary Art at CoSM, transforms a three-story carriage house into a stunning 12,000 square foot exhibition of the finest original works of Visionary Art, precious paintings, drawings, sculpture and moving image, that resonates with the highest states of consciousness. Inside Entheon, the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors features a cathedral-esque latticework ceiling, ten archangels, and a quartz crystal moat that surrounds each of the twenty-one Sacred Mirrors. Additionally, Entheon houses the All One Gallery, which features a group exhibition of Visionary Art, including numerous members of the Society for Art of Imagination, such as Mark Henson, Amanda Sage, Chris Dyer, and, of course, Alex and Allyson. There is even a painting by Ernst Fuchs on display.
(Above: The All One Gallery, with epic painting by Mark Henson in the foreground, right side)
(Below: Mark Henson, Chris Dyer and Amanda Sage, attending the opening festivities)
The long-awaited ceremonial opening took place on the full moon, June 3. Those fortunate enough to attend were treated to a musical performance by Jordan Rudess, the renowned keyboardist from the band, Dream Theater. Though the sculptural work on the building's exterior has not yet been added, Alex Grey's design art was projected onto the facade during the festivities.
(Above: Alex Grey's design art for future sculptural work, projected on the exterior of Entheon)
(Below: Mark Henson and Alex Grey, at Entheon's entrance portal)
Entheon / The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors is located a short drive north of New York City in Wappinger Falls, NY. It is open to the public Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 12 - 6 pm. Check out cosm.org for more information about visiting.
NEW BOOK BY BRIGID MARLIN
NOW AVAILABLE
One of the original founders of the Society for Art of Imagination, Brigid Marlin, has just published a new book. A 176 page, richly illustrated tutorial, explaining the mische technique and other processes used in imaginative painting. Illustrations by Brigid, as well as numerous members of the Society are included. "Techniques in Painting - Learning from the Dutch Masters" is available directly from Bloomsbury Press, or through Amazon, or other various online purveyors.
Brigid Marlin was recently commissioned to paint a portrait of the musical composer Alma Deutcher and her sister Helen. Discussing the symbolism in the painting, Brigid explains, "Alma has a great deal of indignation at the treatment of Nannerl Mozart, who was as talented a musician as her brother, and used to compose and perform with him as a child, until she was grown up and wasn’t allowed to continue her career, but was married off and had to bear children and do housework!!!! Thus, I have put the two sisters at the piano, and behind them is the ghost of Nannerl Mozart with her music giving inspiration to the girls!"
DREAMS & DIVINITIES TAROT DECK, AND A TRILOGY OF BOOKS BY LIBA WS, TO BE RELEASED THIS YEAR
(Above, left : Death by Carrie Ann Baade right : Princess of Swords by Viandara)
The Dreams and Divinities tarot deck, along with a trilogy of books (by Liba WS) about the Tree of Life, are completing their seventh year of production. The first two books will be released this summer and fall...and the deck and its companion book will debut this December 4th, with an exhibition of original paintings from the tarot, at the historic Atelier Gustave in Paris. Seven women have been creating the magical images for the tarot deck : Amanda Sage, Carrie Ann Baade, Heidi Taillefer, Ila Rose, Liba WS, Martina Hoffmann, and Viandara.
The launch will begin this summer, with the first book of the trilogy: "Rediscovering the Sefer Yetzirah: The Tree and the Triple Goddess".
The Sefer Yetzirah is the oldest Hebrew esoteric system. It is attributed to Abraham, but unlike Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the Sefer Yetzirah starts Genesis with three Mothers who birth the first three Fathers.
With ground-breaking research, "The Tree and the Triple Goddess" traces fundamental elements of the Sefer Yetzirah’s ancient esoteric system back to the advent of writing in the earliest cuneiform tablets of Sumerian culture. Through mythology and history, it examines how the divine feminine fell so hard that even the three creator Mothers at the Genesis of Formation, were turned into Kings.
The launch with an online conference will be announced through the Dreams & Divinities newsletter. If you are not subscribed , you can do that on the Home page: http://www.dreamsanddivinities.com/
THE ART OF MIGUEL TIO
ON A POSTAGE STAMP
We would like to congratulate
long-time AOI member, Miguel Tio,
for having his work featured
on a postage stamp in
La República Dominicana.
The stamp is an homage to
Emeterio Sánchez and
the rescue of the Memphis shipwreck.Emeterio Sánchez
was Miguel's great-grandfather, making this especially meaningful!
And this is a new painting by Society member, Don Farrell -
"II. The High Priestess”
acrylic glazes on panel, 14 x 8.5 ‘’
Don will be releasing an extremely detailed, illustrated book, in the near future. Stay tuned, to find out when it is published, and where it can be purchased.
CANVAS REBEL INTERVIEW WITH
FRANCE GARRIDO
Here is a richly illustrated interview with France Garrido. France has been active in the Society for Art of Imagination for many years. If you are not already familiar with her or her work, here is a very good way to become acquainted.
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-france-garrido/
GEOMETRIC ART WORKSHOP
IN SEATTLE THIS SUMMER
Join Aloria Weaver & David Heskin for a 3 day dive into the practical mysticism of sacred geometry. From a series of basic functions with the compass and straight edge, we will be able to unfurl an infinite array of complex and beautiful designs and possibilities.
In Gothic tracery and Islamic patterns, a contemplative visual language emerges from core geometric principles. We’ll explore these fundamentals with our minds and hands, achieving a beautiful drawings and a final painting project.
Class will be hosted in downtown Seattle, amidst a gallery exhibition of artwork by Aloria & David. For more information, or to register...and also, to see examples of Aloria & David's amazing artwork, please visit luminousfluxgallery.com
Please enjoy this lovely new painting by Society member, Lyne Lafontaine -
"L’Animale pond. La minérale pense. La végétale se meut.”
Oil on cotton, 36 x 36 ‘’
If you will be anywhere near Quebec, Canada between June 18 and September 3, you can see Lyne's work in person in the L'internationale d'art miniature exhibition, at the Louise-Carrier Exhibition Center. 33 Rue Wolfe, Lévis, QC G6V 3X5