As life would have it, my schedule in the last week has not at all been what I had planned. I dare not judge, however. Like the bamboo tree, I have bent in the wind, curious at what it brings my way and knowing that all is simply what it is.
Vienna has become cold and rainy. I’m glad I got a 10 km walk in on Wednesday as any outdoor excursions since then have required the greatest of will on my part (due to both weather and focus). That day, I walked to the Belvedere Gardens and then through the adjoining Botanical Gardens where I read for a while before going to life drawing class.
Much of the week, I have been engrossed in “The Hidden Passion: A Novel of the Gnostic Christ Based on the Nag Hammadi Texts” by my school’s director, Laurence Caruana. I had seen it on the sales table of all our school events, but as is often the case when faced with too much visual stimulus (big shops, libraries, markets, museums, etc.), I get overwhelmed and ignore the details.
Gnostic Worldview:
Thursday of last week, however, before leaving for the Czech Republic, I attended a Sacred Codes lecture presented at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art. Laurence was presenting the Gnostic Worldview. After that, I just had to read his book, and so he lent me a copy.
When I was full-time at the academy, I attended Laurence’s regular Sacred Codes lectures on how both Humanist (Classical Greek, Renaissance, etc.) and Hieratic (Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist) worldviews had affected art throughout the ages. I had already been familiar with some of the founding principles behind those worldviews, but had never thought about their effects on art. I had therefore found them quite interesting.
This lecture, however, appealed to a much deeper curiosity. Having been raised Catholic with a lifelong connection to Jesus, through my early religious years and continuing through my more universal spirituality, I was intrigued by this different version of his well-known story. Although I knew the term ‘agnostic’ (a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God…; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God”.- Apple Dictionary), I had never heard of the term ‘Gnostic‘ or ‘Gnosticism‘ before: “a collection of ancient religions that taught that people should shun the material world created by the demiurge and embrace the spiritual world”. I also didn’t know (or didn’t remember hearing) that a series of Gnostic texts had been found in the desert in 1945 and later translated by a group from the United Nations (completed in 1970) – these are called the Nag Hammadi Texts. Even so, I must have been familiar with some of their beliefs because books/movies like “The Matrix” and “The Da Vinci Code” were based in part on these texts.
Of course I was familiar with the books and Gospels of the Bible. The Nag Hammadi Library, however, includes Gospels from others in Jesus’s circle, including Thomas and Mary Magdalene – as well as dozens of other books and codices. Fascinating!
As Laurence explained, the condition of these texts and the nature of translation makes it difficult to decipher all the information they contained. Some pages had been ravaged by time, for example, with literal holes in the text. Still, huge volumes were produced from these official translations. According to Laurence, although some of the passages therein are very poetic in nature, others are simply difficult to read or understand for the layman. With his Philosophy degree in Hermeneutics (the study of Biblical Interpretation), he tackled the task over several years and amassed a huge list of sayings from these texts in preparation for the writing of “The Hidden Passion” – this list he calls the Gnostic Q is available online. Unlike in the time of the Bible, however, he had to contend with the copyright laws protecting the translations of these ancient texts, and so the sayings he uses in his novel are paraphrased.
Laurence positions his novel in the middle, between the dry academic interpretations / translations and the many esoteric novels that are “loosely based on the Nag Hammadi Texts”. Of course, being a novel, he also exercised creative license. He doesn’t hide that, though. His afterword describes his creative choices, adding even more value to the experience.
I knew Laurence was talented, but both his presentation and novel have impressed upon me a greater depths to his gifts. I love stories. In this book, he’s managed to convey a lot of philosophical and intellectual knowledge in a way that was both easy and entertaining for me to explore. I am not up to the task of summarizing what I have read or learned about Gnosticism – but I will quote the summary I found on Amazon.com. I leave it up to you to decide whether you’re interested in finding out an alternative interpretation of Jesus’s life and the world as we know it (or don’t know it) – from the Creation, Adam & Eve, all the way to the crucifixion:
This is the tale of the Gnostic Christ, based on the ancient sources. In a compelling narrative, L. Caruana seamlessly weaves over 1500 sayings from the Nag Hammadi texts to recount The Hidden Passion of the Gnostic savior. Wandering round Galilee, increasingly hailed as the Messiah of the Five Seals, the Gnostic savior preaches divine awakening through compassion. But he must still contend with Judas, his dark twin, and Magdalene, his promised bride. At once earthly and spiritual, the Nazarene’s love for these two is finally transfigured into a higher, hidden passion. Each page of this novel rings with the authentic message of the lost gospels. By combining numerous narrative fragments from the Nag Hammadi texts, The Hidden Passion makes the Gnostic Gospels come alive. Complete with a map, diagram and glossary, this novel elucidates the Gnostic worldview in an eloquent , engaging narrative.
You can also purchase the novel directly from Laurence’s website.
While reading this novel, I understood that the painting I had created in the visionary art workshop in Bali was that of Mary Magdalene. Because of the blue veil, I had thought my subconscious had brought to the surface a representation of the Virgin Mary, but that never felt right. Instead of “In-Sight”, therefore, I’m renaming this painting “The Magdalene”. That feels right. So does the accompanying crane – symbol of loyalty and longevity, with a divinatory meaning of “drawing your eyes to the heavens, lifting your spirits, and inspiring you to trust in the universe.”
The Magdalene
Here’s an interesting video I found on YouTube on the role of Mary Magdalene according to these new texts.
Kabbalistic Worldview:
On Friday evening, with a new version of Heaven, Earth, and everything in between still running through my brain, I got dressed from head to toe for the rain and walked to school for yet another Sacred Codes presentation. This time, Emma Watkinson, another member of the Visionary Guild, presented on the Kabbala.
I would have benefited from reading a brief introduction of the Kabbala on Wikipedia before attending the lecture. Emma dove right in at super speed without my having a basic understanding of the word itself. The name rang a bell, but that’s about all. I’m glad I interrupted her to find out that the Kabbala is an ancient worldview based in Judaism but adapted by various esoteric and occult schools of thought. It is not a religious denomination by itself. It does, however, present yet another version of the universe and our journey towards Oneness.
Emma chose to present the various levels of this universe through artworks she felt represented them. It was a great way to journey up and down the tree. Equally interesting was her description of how the various major arcana cards of the tarot deck related to the various transition states between the various levels / worlds. Having used tarot cards for decades, this was of particular interest.
A few of the Academy teachers are scholars of the Kabbala and I can now see how this is reflected in their artwork. From what Emma showed us, it seems that Ernst Fuchs was also influenced by it – whether consciously or unconsciously. Emma told us that when asked, he would tell her that some of the symbology she referred to came to him in dreams. Having come from a Jewish background before converting during the war, she believed that the Kabbala’s influence on his work would make sense.
Worldviews and Beliefs:
Our exploration of the various worldviews at the Academy has done more than increase my understanding of the earth’s populations and of visionary art throughout time. It has expanded my own spiritual journey. It would be hard to describe what my specific beliefs are. It’s simply something in and of me that requires no explanation or defense. My spirituality has been shaped by all I have lived and learned, so that I may live to the best of my ability while on this earth. It’s something I feel and something that guides me. I am very comfortable with that even if I couldn’t spell it all out for you. While some things ring true to me, and others don’t, I am aware that I may not know the real Truth until I transition back into spirit state – a belief that itself has been shaped by what I have learned along my journey. So be it.
Assisi: In the Company of Saints
/in My TravelsI was in the company of saints on this day – literally. We visited San Damiano church, which Saint Francis (1181/2 – 1226) built and where Saint Clare died after it had been turned into a convent for her order. I had been to vespers there on Sunday, but got to visit the rooms upstairs and the rest of the site. I’ll admit, although I could still feel the energy this time around, it wasn’t nearly as strong since my busy bee mind was focused on touring. Although I believe that just being here would benefit anyone, only a part of me was in pilgrim mode, and so only a part of me fully benefited from the incredible vibe here. This is probably true of all the sites I visited on Wednesday. My guide’s approach – to meditate at each site – is probably a more appropriate way to experience Assisi. No worries – maybe next time?
We then parked the car and walked through the charming streets of town past picturesque houses and an old Roman temple to the Basilica of Saint Clare, where the original crucifix is that came to life and spoke to Saint Francis when he found it in the ruins of Saint Damiano church. Downstairs, in the crypt, is the tomb of Saint Clare. I didn’t know this at the time, but Saint Agnes is also buried there.
We then went to a little church often bypassed by tourists – Saint Stefano’s. This is a very old and unrestored church – Saint Francis used to pray here. When I say old, I even mean by European standards, not only North American standards where anything over 100 years is considered old. We’re talking 12th Century. You’ll see a picture of this small and simple cave-like church below.
From there, we went to the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis, where I had 45 minutes to make it through the many chapels and murals on the top floor to the courtyard below and the crypt below that. Saint Francis’s tomb is there in a little chapel. When I arrived, I knelt down to pray and within a minute, a Franciscan brother appeared and led a few songs – magical. I didn’t have time to stay longer, so I’m not sure if this was part of a full service or not. My timing was great though. The echo of beautiful Italian voices resonated in the space while the tomb of Saint Francis, built high into a rock column at the front, imbued the space with love and light. That’s why he asked to be buried here, as before that, this place had had a dark history. The statue in front of the basilica represents his return from the Crusades – something I was familiar with thanks to all the movies on YouTube.
We didn’t get to see all the pilgrimage sites in 3 hours, but I certainly got a very good introduction and felt very happy. Thank you Ananda and Gopala! He even took a few pictures of me to submit to Kaliyana’s Facebook travelogue as I was wearing one of her tops. We then returned to the ashram in time for the food blessing and lunch at 1:30pm. Perfect!
Breathing, Stretching, Creating & Eating in Italy
/in My Travels, PaintingsI’m taking a break to chat with you while letting a layer of paint dry. The flames of the pellet stove beside me are keeping me warm while the symphony of rain on the tin roof and thunder all around stirs my soul. Lunch is in an hour and by then Dana and I may have a dry walk back to The Refuge at Ananda Ashram from the Academy of Art, Creativity and Consciousness, 3 minutes down the road (or 20 if you take your camera with you for a detour through the woods).
Now for some details.
YOGA:
MEALS:
After 2.5 hours of yoga, however, I am super hungry and eat more than I ever would if I were having my usual 5am breakfast. On Monday morning, I tasted peanut butter for the first time (except in cookies or satay sauce). I know… I’m strange. I’ve never tasted coffee either. I’m just not a typical North American. Anyhow, this was a huge bowl of obviously homemade stuff and it was warm. The bread looked good too even if I’ve never been a bread fan either (lucky thing as I try to eat gluten free). Anyhow, I liked it, but wouldn’t choose it every day. On Tuesday morning, I was surprised to find chocolate cake along with the porridge and fixings… not sure which yogic principle that follows, but it was great. I was starved, but it waited for me an extra 15 minutes as I ran outside after bringing my plate to my table. I simply had to chase the rainbow that appeared in the sky. I got it with my iPhone (can you see it?), but by the time I ran to my room to get my good camera, it had faded.
There’s always a variety of vegan and vegetarian choices at every meal, including plain steamed veggies and rice for those on special diets. There’s usually a salad buffet and a hot food station: risotto, cauliflower purée, pasta, soya meat stew, bruschetta, various soups, etc. Breakfast is in silence for the first half hour before a brief reading, lunch starts with a blessing and can be quite plentiful and social. Dinner is in silence and lighter in nature. It’s all healthy and prepared for me – such a blessing!
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE / ACADEMY OF ARTS, CREATIVITY & CONSCIOUSNESS:
After about half an hour in the gallery, I realized that the space behind the frosted glass doors was not Dana’s apartment, but the studio space. What a great space it is. Since Dana loves painted floors, it is very freeing to have complete freedom to splatter them with paint without worrying about making a mess. I’m so used to being careful… no need here. Yay!
Dana had prepared a big canvas for me to play on. After I swept the floor, I used my pendulum to clear an uncomfortable spot I had felt in my designated area. I then called in my heavenly helpers and blessed the space and canvas with palo santo smudge and cat love. Stella was quite adamant about being part of the creative team. My heart smiles every time I see her.
Working this large on an unstretched canvas is totally new for me. Some really cool things happened before it all became one colour on the first day as I overdid the pouring, lifting and folding with warm colours. No worries – it was only the first layer and all part of the process. I quickly had to remind myself that I had asked to be a channel to God, my guiding spirits and angels and so it wasn’t my place to judge. Instead, I got back into a space of total trust. After decades of painting intuitively, I’ve learned the value of stepping out of the way. Where the paint was puddling, Dana suggested putting plastic on top so that by the time it dried, tearing it off would create ridges of texture while uncovering previous layers of colour. I saw what it did on one of her paintings, but I’ll need to press down more next time to push the paint out to the edges. New trick – cool!
On Tuesday, I got in there with the cool colours and started mark-making. I love this stage – it’s all about colour and layers – no thinking, no planning, no knowing where it may go from there. I find that stage so much easier in painting than in life, but I’m getting there with that too. Layer upon layer, dancing, standing back and listening for what is being called for next – very enjoyable! It’s a wonderful way of painting and having the canvas up on the wall makes it easy to have my whole body involved, not just my wrists and hands.
Time to stare at my canvas again to see what it would like. It feels like a very happy piece – my favourite kind. Let see where it goes from here… this is just the foundation layer. I’m open to inspiration and I know it’s on its way. It’s inevitable in a place like this!
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Oh – and while waiting for another layer of paint to dry, I wanted to create one photo that captured the feeling of elation from this stage of the painting process. Instead, I present you this slideshow (viewable only on the website, not in email subscriptions, so click on the blue post title at the top of your email to view post online).
I’m having a wonderful time – what a blessing indeed!
Buongiorno! First Day in Italy…
/in My TravelsI had a great flight – 1.5 hours. There were no movie screens, but I didn’t need one. The scenery was spectacular – a meditative show reminding me of how small we are on such a big beautiful planet.
I looked for my ride after claiming my luggage, but couldn’t find him. He had been described as a big teddy bear and very Italian. That discounted a lot of the tiny men in suits with printed signs lined up at the arrivals door. When I got to the end of that line up, I stood there a couple of minutes and saw someone coming my way with a big piece of cardboard. It was facing him, but I thought for sure that’s something an ashram/art studio would do. He too was surprised at how fast I’d made it through. Bimah, one of the creative artists from the ashram’s kitchen, had gotten up almost as early as I had to drive the 2.5 hours to Rome to come pick me up. I’d heard nightmare stories about public transport in Italy, and so chose to arrive with ease and grace on this Sunday and pay for the ride instead. I’ll take the train or bus back, but appreciated the ease of transition into a new culture/country/experience. The ride was wonderful and I got the kind of introduction to the country that no public transport provides. One can say “Wow!” a lot in 2.5 hours. Holding my big heavy camera out the window and trying to shoot something on the other side wasn’t very successful (the Romans didn’t build their aqueducts as crooked as one appears here!), but fun nonetheless. Here’s a glimpse at what I saw outside the windows of our moving car. The last shots are of Assisi. It was only one of the many small earth-tone towns that sat on a hilltop during this trip. Assisi is part of Umbria, about halfway between Rome and Florence. It’s absolutely beautiful, and I’m told quite similar to the neighbouring Tuscany, where many artists go to create.
Remember, if you’re on the website itself (vs. email), you can click on the first photo and navigate through each gallery at full screen.
We got to Ananda Ashram (30 minutes from Assisi) just in time for the Sunday 11am service – another advantage of getting a ride. Had I come by bus, I would have arrived at about 5pm. The lovely Anandita at reception took down my information and helped me up to the top floor to my shared room (3 beds & a balcony) and showed me where the washrooms were at the end of the hall. I then met Dana, the Creative Director at the Academy of Arts, Creativity and Consciousness. She graciously introduced me to folks, showed me the small farmer’s market and then led me to the temple. That’s where I found out that in Italy, things rarely start on time. There’s an active community here and lots of guests who had just finished a week-long chakra yoga intensive. The ashram is very busy at times with its retreats, workshops, etc. I’m told the dining room is as full as it was this Sunday through July and August with all the guests staying on site in the main building, camping in the forest behind, or sleeping at the dormitories 15 minutes walk away. I almost stayed there, but am so glad I didn’t. Again – ease and grace as I experience life at the ashram to the fullest.
The service was beautiful – an east meets west feel, as Dana describes it. I had expected Sanskrit, but everything was either in English or Italian– most often both. Some parts were delivered in both languages, or I could hear the English simultaneously translated on my headset or read it in their booklet. This helped my ear get used to Italian. I could guess many words with my background in both French and English.
The service had a very Christian feel and of course, the sermon was totally appropriate for what I had been experiencing this week – lots of talk about “the real world” and “delusion” and how we often have those two mixed up. It was right in line with my fears and insecurities about returning to “the real world” in a month when this year of art studies overseas comes to an end. It helped me re-frame that and remember that life is indeed as I make it. This was also in line with the Hicks Abraham videos I had been watching this week to help me regain my faith in myself and the future. Sounds dramatic – I tend to express myself that way at times. It makes for a more interesting read. It wasn’t so bad – just a mental hiccup.
Jesus is indeed one of the gurus for the Ananda community. There’s a line of gurus, that also includes Paramhansa Yogananda, whose “Autobiography of a Yogi” , I had thoroughly enjoyed and been inspired by in my Spiritual Leadership classes during my Masters of Education program years ago. His direct disciple, an American named Kriyananda founded the Ananda communities in 1968. Their “non-sectarian teachings embrace the truths that underlie all the great religions.”
I took some alone time after lunch – I’d been on the go since 3am. After unpacking, I headed into the surrounding gardens and woods with my camera.
Along the way, I met a lovely man named Helmut who came here from Austria by car. We talked about Vienna for a while (in English) and then he mentioned that he was going to the vespers at San Damiano church if I’d like to join him and 2 German gals. Absolutely! That was also the name of my room. What I’d forgotten is that it was the church that Saint Francis rebuilt, almost from the ground up, after he “saw the figure of Christ crucified come alive and say to him, “Francis, don’t you see my house is crumbling apart? Go, then, and restore it!” “. I’d seen it depicted in the 6 or so movies I watched on his life in the past couple of months and so leaping from movie world to the actual location was awesome. It’s also where Saint Clara died, but the room where that happened was closed for the evening. I’m told I have to go back to experience that. If it’s anything like the church itself, it will be quite the experience.
I’m getting ahead of myself though. We left the ashram in the warm sunshine with rumbles of thunder in the distance. Half way to Assisi though, we got caught in a hail storm and had to pull over under a tree to save the car. What rain too! Once back on the road, we decided it was no use walking around the church in the pouring rain and just drove around. Police were guiding traffic at one of the tunnels that was starting to flood. We also saw a sewer grid on a country road get pushed up at a 90 degree angle by the gush of muddy waters spewing out of it. Quite the adventure and of course, I took pictures from inside the wet windows.
When the rain slowed down, we stopped in town for ice cream, but I was still full from lunch. It looked great though….
It’s hard to describe what I felt inside the church. For the first half hour, the nuns, Franciscan brothers, and a handful of tourists and community member recited the rosary (at least that’s what I believe it was – I recognized the cadence and some of the words, but my Italian is near non-existant). As I sat there, the energy was so strong that my head pulsated uncomfortably. I had to remind myself to breathe and to let the energy flow through me, not resist it. Once I did that, my whole body was vibrating in the energy of Saint Francis and Saint Clare – very powerful indeed. When the vespers started – with its prayers and chants (I loved signing in Italian as it’s quite easy to read – very phonetic), I felt simply grateful for the “chance” meeting in the forest that had led to my being here on my very first night in Italy. The bird songs filled the church and my being during the silent meditation times – reminding me of how each movie I saw had depicted Saint Francis’s relationship to the birds in different ways. I strongly resonate with his love of nature and its creatures and could just imagine him running barefoot through the hills and fields filled with wildflowers of all colours and shapes. It feels great to be here!
Back at the ashram, we ate the very welcomed meal that the kitchen workers had put aside for us. I was asleep before 9:30pm and before my German roommate had finished packing her bags. I dreamed a lot that night.
Graduation Exhibiton at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art (June 14-28)
/in Events, Vienna Academy of Visionary ArtsDominique Hurley
INNER WORLDS
Monday – Sunday from 11:00am – 6:00pm
Free Entrance
2nd Floor of the Palais Palffy
Josefsplatz 6, 1010, Vienna
Website
Facebook
SPECIAL: there will be Pay-What-You-Want tables of student sketches, etc. and most of my pieces will be offered on Silent Auction with “buy now” prices, or the option to bid above the minimum bids (ends June 24 at 6pm). I trust that each painting will find its right home while I am compensated for both my work and talent. This feels like a win-win as I return to Canada on June 26th.
Elizabeth Banker
PRESS RELEASE – May 2014
SEE THE GERMAN PRESS RELEASE BY CLICKING HERE.
Julianna Richey
In celebration of its inaugural year, The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art opens its door to the public for INNER WORLDS, its year-end Graduate Exhibition. A must-see for any art enthusiast, the in-house exhibition commences with the Opening Ceremony at 6:30 pm on Saturday, June 14th and runs until June 28th 2014 at the Palais Palffy on Josefsplatz.
Martin Cash
For three trimesters, these emerging artists have explored Old Masters drawing and painting techniques through classical academic methods. Guided by an international faculty of well-known Visionary artists, they have explored three distinct traditions: The Humanist Style within the ‘Western’ Canon of Classical Greek & Renaissance Art, The Hieratic Style within the ‘Eastern’ Canon of Ancient, Islamic & Hindu-Buddhist Art, and the newly emerging Visionary Style, which carefully combines the best elements of the Humanist & Hieratic traditions. Coming from Australia, America, London, Paris and Vienna, members of the academy’s faculty will also be on hand to exhibit their works: Timea Tallian, David Heskin, Aloria Weaver, Daniel Mirante, Kuba Ambrose, Vera Atlantia, Amanda Sage, and Laurence Caruana. The result is a masterful collection of paintings where each work manifests the artist’s unique vision while also pursuing the Academy’s ideal of “AD SACRUM” ~ Toward the Sacred.
Hadley Seymore
Located in the Palais Palffy – home of The Phantasten Museum, Viva Art Gallery, and Professor Ernst Fuchs Studio – The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art opened its doors in September 2013. With English as its primary language of instruction, this international private school was founded by The Visionary Guild, a circle of recognized Visionary artists who had learned the “Mischtechnik” (an egg tempera and oil glazing technique) with Professor Ernst Fuchs – and who are now transmitting their knowledge of this special technique to a new generation of talented artists. The Academy offers a Three-year Programme, as well as Single Trimester studies, week-long Intensives and bi-weekly Life Drawing classes open to the public. Their classical curriculum focuses primarily on Historical Techniques of Painting and Approaches to the Figure, Colour and Composition within both Eastern and Western cultural traditions. By learning the sacred styles of different cultures, the students are able to create original compositions based on their own ideas, visions, and designs.
Kevin Campeau
As Guest Lecturers, local Viennese artists such as De Es, Michael Fuchs, Peter Gric and Otto Rapp have revealed a distinctly Austrian dimension to the students’ European experience of art-making in a cultural capital. Now in its seventh year, the academy’s special summer programme in Italy – The Visions in the Mischtechnik Seminar – has further enhanced the students’ classical knowledge of art and technique.
Rachel Lubek
Dominique Hurley
Florence Ménard
Managing Director
Email : [email protected]
Tel : ++ 43 (0) 660 377 98 71
A Day Fit for a Queen
/in My Travels, Vienna - Life and TourismThey say that like attracts like. I certainly believe that on an energetic / vibrational level too. I therefore set out yesterday for a day of feeling abundant, delighted, awed, free, inspired, joyful, and grateful in so many way. The sun was shining and it was pleasantly warm with a cooling breeze. What a perfect follow up to my previous post on switching channels.
Kreuzenstein Castle:
It only took an hour and ten minutes to get from my door to the village of Leobendorf. Public transportation here is amazing. I was there by 9am. The U6 subway is minutes away from my residence and once at its end station, Florisdorf, I took the S-bahn (fast train) #3 to Leobendorf. Total: 4.20€ ($6.25 Canadian). The highlight of that ride was seeing a field full of bright red poppy flowers.
Once in Loebendorf, it’s about a 45 minute walk to the castle – through the village and up a lovely forested path.
The castle was beautiful – got my imagination going as I took in the vibe and walked around it taking photos. I didn’t take the guided tour of the inside (never was much into museums and photos weren’t allowed anyway- part of my fun). Nor did I visit the adjoining birds of prey centre for their 11am show. The cheers from school kids and the occasional raptor swooping up from behind the wall added to the atmosphere though.
Instead, I had brought my tripod and had fun playing fashion model. I was wearing two of my favourite Kaliyana Artwear pieces, so thought I’d create some more submissions for their Facebook Travelogue. It’s challenging because they’ll eventually crop long horizontal images when castles would lend themselves better to verticals. All part of the creative challenge. I was lucky. There weren’t too many people. Just me and my camera having fun!
After a couple of hours, I was ready for lunch. What a feast! I would return to the castle just to eat at the Burgtaverne-Kreuzenstein again. The weather was perfect to eat outdoors, the staff were super friendly, their menu was a great read (they gave me an English version), and the food was the best I had had in Austria so far. I chose the monthly special (see photo) – a chicken stew on bread dumplings. I felt like a queen having a luxurious picnic overlooking her castle. As I sat there enjoying my meal surrounded in such beauty, I could feel my entire being basking in the vibrations I was meant to both emanate and attract.
After lunch, I headed back down the hill, taking twice as long as when I came up. Nature’s splendor had me stopping every few steps all the way back to the train. I was particularly taken by an iridescent being having its own lunch.
By 3pm, I had washed off the sunscreen in a cold shower and was lying on my bed with my legs up the wall – refreshing!
Watch What You Think:
By 5pm, I was ready to leave again for the evening portion of my luxurious day.
I took a convoluted route and walked another hour to downtown with music leading my steps. I had an interesting experience on my way there that was totally in line with what I’d been listening to on the Abraham-Hicks videos. I was on the shady side of the huge Mariahillferstrasse pedestrian mall with my hat dangling from my hand and my Kaliyana pants swaying in their uniquely beautiful way. As I passed a gorgeous white puppy of the sled-dog variety, I thought how tempting all that flowing material must be. A few seconds later, I felt a tug from behind and turned with a huge smile. That darling little puppy had read my thoughts and responded to the images I had put out there in the universe. The owners were shocked and so apologetic. They seemed puzzled by what had happened. I wasn’t. I only laughed at the clarity of the lesson and crouched down to spend a moment in love. Although I’ve never had a dog, most of my encounters with them are counted as the highest of blessings. Watch what you think people – the universe responds!
Sacher Torte:
Sacher Cake is a Vienna tradition – internationally recognized and still handmade to this day. It was invented in 1832 by a 16 year-old apprentice who had make a special desert for royal guests when his boss was ill. Needless to say, it was a hit. I decided that I had to partake in this tradition and headed to the Sacher Hotel for this famous chocolate & apricot jam treat. The hotel is a family-run 5-star hotel with a lot of history. You’ve got to be careful though – the most visible café at its base with its huge outdoor terrace, the Mozart Café does not serve the original recipe, which is a family secret. They did tell me theirs is better, but did not claim it was the original. After they failed to entice me to their establishment, they directed me around the corner to where I found the Sacher Café. It was only after I had enjoyed my delicious treat and read my second historically interesting menu of the day, however, that I realized that the much nicer Sacher Restaurant (which also serves the Sacher Torte, of course) is nextdoor to that (I took a photo to show). I considered going in for another piece, but let that go. I had had a taste of the Original Sacher Cake with unsweetened whipped cream and I’m glad to say it was much better than the piece I had had at the Schönbrunn Palace last year (a disappointing dry and tasteless experience). I had to give it one more chance before leaving Vienna, and I’m glad I did. I was only a bit baffled when I gave the waiter a 10 and asked for 6 (here that means charge me for 6 and give me 4 back). He said thank you and gave me back the exact change, not leaving me any coins for a tip. I tried to get his attention several times after that, without success, so left without leaving a tip (something tourist guides say is usual for cafés, but not something I like doing). As I was replaying the scene in my mind, it occurred to me that I may have asked “Sex please” instead of “Six please” as the pronunciation in German is so close. Perhaps that request had been tip enough.
La Traviata – Vienna Opera House’s Free Outdoor Screenings
The Opera House is right across the street from the Sacher Hotel, and so I didn’t have far to go. The crowds had already started gathering in the outdoor seating area to watch the live screening of that’s night opera (May-June and September). You can actually get standing room inside for 2.50€ or 3€ , but I imagine you get a better view and are more comfortable if you’re early enough to get a chair outdoors- as I was. By the 7pm start, however, hundreds were sitting on ground all around. I actually enjoyed La Traviata (not usually a big opera fan) and so glad I had read the story beforehand. It’s not one with a lot of action, props, or other cues and the German subtitles only helped me a tiny bit. The music, however, was beautiful and I was really in the mood for it. What a lovely evening.
At 9:30pm, I walked home through the huge crowds at the Museum Quartier enjoying the warm weather and ever-present festive atmosphere in downtown Vienna at night (something I don’t often experience since I’m usually in bed so early). I felt absolutely royal (without the responsibilities of any monarchy). My task today was to enjoy myself. And that, I did!
Enough! Switching Channels…
/in My Travels, Vienna - Life and Tourism(Keep scrolling down if you’re only into photos – over 75 in this post…)
By noon today, cabin fever had set in. Apart from walking to school, where I spent a couple of hours on Monday and Tuesday, I had been glued to my computer since last Thursday. I didn’t mind when it was cold and rainy. It’s what I wanted. I spent a few hours doing drawing lessons on YouTube, kept looking for a place to live in St. John’s, wrote blogs, and did some of my barter tasks for the Academy. Way too many of those hours, however, were spent watching movies. Grant it, I learned a lot from them – always do. Most of them were based on true stories and most of those were about the lives of artists. Although dramatic and depressing – as were the lives of most artists who are featured in movies – these films also inspired me in some ways. I especially liked the French film on Séraphine, a painter I had never heard from a town I lived in during a high school exchange. I really resonated with both her art and her simple love of nature and God. Like many others, however, she spent the last years of her life in an asylum.
In my search for more inspiring movies, though, I ended up on a website that reminded me of David Hawkin’s findings (on his map of Consciousness/Energy Grid): “Most movies will weaken people who watch them by bringing their energy levels down below the 200 level of consciousness.” (on a scale of 1000). I knew that. I can feel it. Still, when I get on a roll, it’s hard to stop. I may not do drugs or drink anything but water, really, but I certainly use movies for escapism. (I’ve been good on leaving the chips out of that equation lately though…)
Anyway, this morning, as I stood there for an hour covered in a thick dark stinky oil (part of my daily Ayurvedic skin treatment for eczema for 2-3 weeks) I decided to switch channels and watch inspirational videos by my favourite channeler, Esther Hicks channeling Abraham. Their material has inspired me for years. I was still on the computer, but it was a whole lot better for me. It’s not like I can sit down, do yoga, type, or much of anything with this coat of oil on…. and standing meditation for an hour would drive me mad. Instead, I watch, listen, and do a few basic stretches. At least I’ve switched channels and its main message was loud and clear: “Life is supposed to be fun” and everything you want is downstream, so stop paddling upstream. I can hear some of you now… but in context it all makes sense! By getting into a state of joy, abundance, gratitude – it will put me in the vibrational realm to attract more of the same. I’ve proven it to myself and others before, yet I constantly have to remind myself.
So instead or worrying about getting my life back in Canada figured out immediately or working on projects that didn’t inspire me today, I let the bright warm sunshine draw me out. It took a lot. One voice inside me kept saying “but it’s a workday!”(something that’s only true on my schedule if I decide it to be so. Plus, as an artist/photographer/writer – my work is anywhere and everywhere). I’m not a slacker by nature. I used to be a workaholic. I knew, however, that I had to do something to put me back in good state of body, mind, and spirit. So I looked up a great self-guided tour of Vienna website and started making a wishlist of place in and out of town. It was too late for one of my nature hikes, but I finally dragged myself out the door. Once out, I had an amazing afternoon. I walked around for 3.5 hours before life drawing class. I used my Google Maps on my iPhone for general directions, but wasn’t shy about wandering off course when something called me.
It was great. Here are some highlights:
I’m so glad I got myself out there. Tomorrow is the last sunny day in the forecast before I leave for Italy, so I’m either going on Vienna City Hike #7 or going to visit Top Day Trip #4 (having been to 1-3) – Kreuzenstein Castle, just half an hour out of town.
It really hit me when I talked to my parents on Skype yesterday and said “see you in 1 month and 6 days”… My time in Europe is running out! I’m in Vienna now! How can I not take more advantage of that?! Trying too hard to manufacture my return to “the real world” or losing myself in movies isn’t helping. I’m glad I switched channels.
Sacred Codes: Gnostic & Kabalistic Worldviews
/in Vienna Academy of Visionary ArtsAs life would have it, my schedule in the last week has not at all been what I had planned. I dare not judge, however. Like the bamboo tree, I have bent in the wind, curious at what it brings my way and knowing that all is simply what it is.
Vienna has become cold and rainy. I’m glad I got a 10 km walk in on Wednesday as any outdoor excursions since then have required the greatest of will on my part (due to both weather and focus). That day, I walked to the Belvedere Gardens and then through the adjoining Botanical Gardens where I read for a while before going to life drawing class.
Much of the week, I have been engrossed in “The Hidden Passion: A Novel of the Gnostic Christ Based on the Nag Hammadi Texts” by my school’s director, Laurence Caruana. I had seen it on the sales table of all our school events, but as is often the case when faced with too much visual stimulus (big shops, libraries, markets, museums, etc.), I get overwhelmed and ignore the details.
Gnostic Worldview:
Thursday of last week, however, before leaving for the Czech Republic, I attended a Sacred Codes lecture presented at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art. Laurence was presenting the Gnostic Worldview. After that, I just had to read his book, and so he lent me a copy.
When I was full-time at the academy, I attended Laurence’s regular Sacred Codes lectures on how both Humanist (Classical Greek, Renaissance, etc.) and Hieratic (Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist) worldviews had affected art throughout the ages. I had already been familiar with some of the founding principles behind those worldviews, but had never thought about their effects on art. I had therefore found them quite interesting.
This lecture, however, appealed to a much deeper curiosity. Having been raised Catholic with a lifelong connection to Jesus, through my early religious years and continuing through my more universal spirituality, I was intrigued by this different version of his well-known story. Although I knew the term ‘agnostic’ (a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God…; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God”.- Apple Dictionary), I had never heard of the term ‘Gnostic‘ or ‘Gnosticism‘ before: “a collection of ancient religions that taught that people should shun the material world created by the demiurge and embrace the spiritual world”. I also didn’t know (or didn’t remember hearing) that a series of Gnostic texts had been found in the desert in 1945 and later translated by a group from the United Nations (completed in 1970) – these are called the Nag Hammadi Texts. Even so, I must have been familiar with some of their beliefs because books/movies like “The Matrix” and “The Da Vinci Code” were based in part on these texts.
Of course I was familiar with the books and Gospels of the Bible. The Nag Hammadi Library, however, includes Gospels from others in Jesus’s circle, including Thomas and Mary Magdalene – as well as dozens of other books and codices. Fascinating!
As Laurence explained, the condition of these texts and the nature of translation makes it difficult to decipher all the information they contained. Some pages had been ravaged by time, for example, with literal holes in the text. Still, huge volumes were produced from these official translations. According to Laurence, although some of the passages therein are very poetic in nature, others are simply difficult to read or understand for the layman. With his Philosophy degree in Hermeneutics (the study of Biblical Interpretation), he tackled the task over several years and amassed a huge list of sayings from these texts in preparation for the writing of “The Hidden Passion” – this list he calls the Gnostic Q is available online. Unlike in the time of the Bible, however, he had to contend with the copyright laws protecting the translations of these ancient texts, and so the sayings he uses in his novel are paraphrased.
Laurence positions his novel in the middle, between the dry academic interpretations / translations and the many esoteric novels that are “loosely based on the Nag Hammadi Texts”. Of course, being a novel, he also exercised creative license. He doesn’t hide that, though. His afterword describes his creative choices, adding even more value to the experience.
You can also purchase the novel directly from Laurence’s website.
While reading this novel, I understood that the painting I had created in the visionary art workshop in Bali was that of Mary Magdalene. Because of the blue veil, I had thought my subconscious had brought to the surface a representation of the Virgin Mary, but that never felt right. Instead of “In-Sight”, therefore, I’m renaming this painting “The Magdalene”. That feels right. So does the accompanying crane – symbol of loyalty and longevity, with a divinatory meaning of “drawing your eyes to the heavens, lifting your spirits, and inspiring you to trust in the universe.”
The Magdalene
Here’s an interesting video I found on YouTube on the role of Mary Magdalene according to these new texts.
Kabbalistic Worldview:
On Friday evening, with a new version of Heaven, Earth, and everything in between still running through my brain, I got dressed from head to toe for the rain and walked to school for yet another Sacred Codes presentation. This time, Emma Watkinson, another member of the Visionary Guild, presented on the Kabbala.
I would have benefited from reading a brief introduction of the Kabbala on Wikipedia before attending the lecture. Emma dove right in at super speed without my having a basic understanding of the word itself. The name rang a bell, but that’s about all. I’m glad I interrupted her to find out that the Kabbala is an ancient worldview based in Judaism but adapted by various esoteric and occult schools of thought. It is not a religious denomination by itself. It does, however, present yet another version of the universe and our journey towards Oneness.
Emma chose to present the various levels of this universe through artworks she felt represented them. It was a great way to journey up and down the tree. Equally interesting was her description of how the various major arcana cards of the tarot deck related to the various transition states between the various levels / worlds. Having used tarot cards for decades, this was of particular interest.
A few of the Academy teachers are scholars of the Kabbala and I can now see how this is reflected in their artwork. From what Emma showed us, it seems that Ernst Fuchs was also influenced by it – whether consciously or unconsciously. Emma told us that when asked, he would tell her that some of the symbology she referred to came to him in dreams. Having come from a Jewish background before converting during the war, she believed that the Kabbala’s influence on his work would make sense.
Worldviews and Beliefs:
Our exploration of the various worldviews at the Academy has done more than increase my understanding of the earth’s populations and of visionary art throughout time. It has expanded my own spiritual journey. It would be hard to describe what my specific beliefs are. It’s simply something in and of me that requires no explanation or defense. My spirituality has been shaped by all I have lived and learned, so that I may live to the best of my ability while on this earth. It’s something I feel and something that guides me. I am very comfortable with that even if I couldn’t spell it all out for you. While some things ring true to me, and others don’t, I am aware that I may not know the real Truth until I transition back into spirit state – a belief that itself has been shaped by what I have learned along my journey. So be it.
Bye Bye Drawing Psycho-Baggage
/in Vienna Academy of Visionary ArtsEureka! After 6 months of full time studies at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art and a month’s art/travel experience in Bali, I’m thrilled to report that I’m actually enjoying our live drawing sessions. I can honestly say that I’m no longer feeling any emotional baggage around drawing. I’m not saying I’m a master drawer – far from it! But I’m having fun and accepting the results of the practice. Each task is simply an exploration – of myself, of the materials, of the model, of the exercise in drawing. Now that’s a far cry from what drawing had been my whole life, so it’s definitely noteworthy. Yay!
In the past 2 weeks, I’ve attended four 2-hour sessions. You can’t really recognize my style from one to the next, but you can recognize that I’m drawing human beings. Yay again!
On my first day back from Bali, our model didn’t show up, and so I suggested we each take turns modeling (thus the clothes). It was great and helped us appreciate a model’s work much more so. We only held our poses for a short time.
Instead of sitting down with a small drawing pad and pencils like I used to do after a long day’s work, I’ve been standing at an easel with vine charcoal and large-scaled paper. The results are much freer.
This was the most fun – I went in straight away with a marker and tried zentangling again. Loved that! Loved it very much!
Come Walk Downtown With Me – Brno & Vienna
/in My Travels, Vienna - Life and TourismI wandered the downtown streets past familiar sites – from my last few visits and twenty some years before.
Thousands were lined up in Liberty Square for what I understood to be free skin-cancer diagnostics and sunscreen samples by Daylong. They took groups of 20 at a time in a big tent – not sure what they did, and although I was curious, I didn’t have time to wait.
The farmer’s market was relocated in a park just outside the downtown core due to construction in the Market Square.
For the first time this year, I ended up walking past the two big theaters. I remember going to operas and ballets there in the 90s for about 50 cents. Bus loads from Vienna used to come up for that. I wonder how much they are these days.
Although I felt very comfortable walking around Brno, I much preferred my time outside the city in the smaller towns – always have.
After another bus ride, movie, and glances at the moving scenery, I arrived in Vienna at 1:20pm, basically 2 hours before the start of class. I knew that if I went home to drop off my suitcase, there would be a risk that I wouldn’t make it out again. So instead, I walked around downtown Vienna for another 2 hours. It was fun playing tourist with the throngs of other people doing the same. Here are more pictures – enjoy your walk along. I’m glad you’re here.
I feel so very blessed to have this time and this space in which to live my life.
Moravian Karst – Czech Caves on a Rainy Day
/in My TravelsAfter a perfect day cycling on Saturday, we woke up to very cold and very wet weather on Sunday. The forecast was right. I’m so glad we changed our plans around, even if a few couldn’t make the new cycling schedule. No one would have made it on Sunday.
Instead, after a leisurely morning in the Karasek living room, we dressed up for the cold and rain and headed out to a nearby protected nature area called the Moravian Karst.
The area includes 5 caves open to the public (in addition to other caves that aren’t publicized, such as the one I visited with Milan and Adam described in a previous post). This time, Antonin, Soña, Honza and I went to the Punkva cave. With umbrellas in hand, we opted out of taking the little train ride up to the caves from the parking lot in order to enjoy the fresh air instead. After buying tickets for ourselves and 2 of our cameras (I brought my good one this time, but even at 6400 ISO, I was shooting below recommended handheld speeds. This year, I’m really learning what a difference a fast lens would make), we walked the 2km uphill alongside rivers, forests, and little cave holes.
Our guided tour included a walk through the dry part of the caves, where we learned about stalagmites (from the bottom up), stalactites (top to bottom) and stalagnates (when the two meet as one). We saw plenty of lilve/active ones and many dead ones too (where water no longer drips). Many formations had names. For example, here are the Two Owls, Angel, Curtain, and Romeo & Juliette – the ill-fated lovers that will never connect.
And so many more – named and unnamed.
After walking though the Dry Sector, we visited the Macocha Abys (named after the legend of the evil stepmother who threw her stepson down into the abyss. He was saved by an overhanging tree and reported the crime to the villagers, who then threw the stepmother down instead.) This is “one of the most important single geological features in the Czech Republic, …a gorge 138 m deep, which was formed when the ceiling of an underground cave chamber collapsed”. There are flowers that grow here that are usually only seen in high altitudes.
Some of the natural corridors have also collapsed over the years and so parts the tour were conducted through dynamited pathways. These were pointed out to us. Tours are also now conducted in part, on metal sidewalks whereas we used to walk on the cave floors a few decades ago.
The last part of the tour is the water cruise on an underground section of the Punkva River – a 440m long cruise that stops partway so we can visit Masaryk’s Dome. It’s supposed to be the most richly decorated rooms of the Moravian Karst. Unfortunately, by the time I photographed some of the elements near the entrance and joined the group, the lights got turned off for us to return to the boat. This happened a few times, but I still hadn’t learned my lesson. They turn the lights off immediately after leaving to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the caves (and to speed up visitors, I’m sure of it!).
By the end of the tour, I thought that I had perhaps visited this cave in the 90s, but wasn’t sure. I always say that my life has been so blessed with travel, people, and experiences, that I simply can’t hold it all in my limited memory-storage area. I’ve been saying that since I was 10 years old! I know I’ve been to several of these caves before, but couldn’t tell you for sure which ones. It’s like watching movies – if it’s been more than 1-2 years, they surprise me every time. Considering the number of movies I’ve seen in my life, this is not surprising…
After another 2km walk back to our car, we drove to Milan’s in Rájec. I had forgotten my Brita-filter water bottle there the night before and so we got to have another visit: always nice and tasty too. We then stopped at a supermarket to pick up the fixings for dinner (roasted veggies – including celery root – delicious! – cheeses, tuna, etc.) and to refill the milk bottles. This is cool! A local farmer reloads the machine daily with non-pasteurized milk. Antonin says he only discovered the real taste of milk once he started buying here. For 15 crowns, or 82 cents Canadian, you can fill up 1 liter of fresh milk. Soña makes yoghurt out of it sometimes. (As an aside, she tried using a bit of Activia to start the culture, but it didn’t work at all. Their friend who studies such things at the university here found that Activia was one of the worst – false marketing). Anyhow, you can also buy glass or plastic refill bottles on site when that part of the machine isn’t broken. Even if I don’t digest dairy much anymore, I thought this was all very cool! It’s a modern version of the milk truck that still existed 40 years ago in Canada. We used to leave bottles on the porch and new ones would magically appear when we woke up the next morning.
It may have been a rainy day, but it was a great day indeed. We even watched a movie – one that Antonin and Iva had repeatedly quoted and laughed about during the weekend. It’s a French movie with Gerard Depardieu called RRRrrr!! set in caveman days. We couldn’t find the original French version (with or without Czech subtitles) , so watched it in Czech. Humour is hard in a foreign language… and comedies rarely lead me to laugh – a lifelong plight. Alas, this one was no different, and since Iva had to study, there wasn’t enough laughter in the room for it to be contagious. No matter – good food, good friends, comfortable couch – it was all good!