The Art of Seeing 

 Vision and Ekphrasis

Thursday 28th September 2023

 7-8pm UK time via Zoom

£10

“Free-heartedness, and graciousness, and undisturbed trust, and requited love, and the sight of the peace of others,
and the ministry to their pain; – these and the blue sky above you, and the sweet waters and flowers of the earth beneath; and mysteries and presences, innumerable, of living things – these may yet be your riches.”

John Ruskin

 This session will be recorded.

 Ekphrasis is the oldest form of writing about Art. Derived from ancient Greece, it has been revived many times since, including during the renaissance and Victorian times, by artists, writers, poets, philosophers and theologians. John Ruskin was one such leading exponent of ekphrasis during the 1800s. Its purpose is to describe a work of art so vividly, poetically and descriptively, that the listener is able to envision the image, through their visionary imagination, as if it were physically present. While ekphrasis takes the form of the written and spoken word, it is lifted from being a mere commentary on art into a rich visual realm.  The listener – who listens deeply and intently – sees the world with renewed eyes. The natural world, from humans, animals, rocks and water, are each appreciated for their simplicity and complexity, their smallness and their greatness. The interconnectedness of all life and living things participating in something that we do not always see can be revealed again. 

These sessions take a threefold approach of theory, practice and reflection with just one work of art.  The work of art will not be revealed until the session, but do please bring open open eyes, ears and a pen and paper! Or, if you prefer to just listen and look, you can do that too.  These sessions are open to everyone whether you are a seasoned art lover or not. 

These sessions are £10 per person. Email me directly to book at info@maryattwood.com or you can use the PayPal button below.

 You can book a place for this Zoom session using the ‘Buy Now’ button below.