Doorway to Athena

Following on from the theme of Roger Scruton's "Why Beauty Matters", Athena is the protectress of civilized life, of artesian activities, and of agriculture and was the favorite daughter of Zeus; the first of the three virgin Goddesses, also known as Maiden, Parthenos, and from this name was taken the name to the most important Temple dedicated to her, the Parthenon.

In poetry she is the incarnation of Wisdom, Reason and Purity. Athens is her city; the olive tree, created by her, is her tree; the owl, is the birth consecrated to her.

So I have created this sculpture to reflect Athena's beauty and powers by using the mystical and ethereal material of crystal.

Athena's veneration as the patron of Athens seems to have existed from the earliest times, and was so persistent that archaic myths about her were recast to adapt to cultural changes. In her role as a protector of the city of Athens many people throughout the Greek world worshiped Athena as Athena Polias.

The sculpture "Doorway to Athena" depicts Athena engraved within a doorway looking towards the sunlight cast through a doorway engraved on the opposite side of the crystal piece. When the sculpture is viewed from the other side the figure of Athena refracts creating an alchemy of her own image seen through many doorways symbolic of her many qualities as Goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, divine intelligence, architecture, law and justice, just warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill.

The "Doorway to Athena" sculpture will be exhibited in Johansfors, Sweden, from April 28 - July 28, 2012, as part of a special exhibition showcasing glass engraved works by members of the British Guild of Glass Engravers and Swedish glass engravers.

For more information:
http://johansforsgallery.com/index.html
http://www.gge.org.uk/

BEAUTY AND WHY IT MATTERS

I just came across Roger Scruton's BBC documentary on "Why Beauty Matters", its worth watching. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiajXQUppYY

"Beauty can be consoling, disturbing, sacred, profane," writes Roger Scruton. "It can be exhilarating, appealing, inspiring, chilling. It is never viewed with indifference: beauty demands to be noticed; it speaks to us directly like the voice of an intimate friend."

In a book that is itself beautifully written, renowned philosopher Roger Scruton explores this timeless concept, asking what makes an object--either in art, in nature, or the human form--beautiful. This compact volume is filled with insight and Scruton has something interesting and original to say on almost every page. Can there be dangerous beauties, corrupting beauties, and immoral beauties? Perhaps so. The prose of Flaubert, the imagery of Baudelaire, the harmonies of Wagner, Scruton points out, have all been accused of immorality, by those who believe that they paint wickedness in alluring colors. Is it right to say there is more beauty in a classical temple than a concrete office block, more beauty in a Rembrandt than in an Andy Warhol Campbell Soup Can? Can we even say, of certain works of art, that they are too beautiful: that they ravish when they should disturb. But while we may argue about what is or is not beautiful, Scruton insists that beauty is a real and universal value, one anchored in our rational nature, and that the sense of beauty has an indispensable part to play in shaping the human world.

Forthright and thought-provoking, and as accessible as it is stimulating, this fascinating meditation on beauty draws conclusions that some may find controversial, but, as Scruton shows, help us to find greater meaning in the beautiful objects that fill our lives.

Roger Scruton is research Professor at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences based in Arlington, Virginia. His previous academic affiliations have been Professor of Aesthetics at Birkbeck College, London, and subsequently Professor of Philosophy and University Professor at Boston University. His most recent books are On Hunting (1998), An Intelligent Person's Guide to Modern Culture (1998), Spinoza (1998), and England: an Elegy (2000).

I don't believe that humans have lost the capacity to recognize what beauty is, but I do believe the commercialization and sensationalism through advertising and media has gone along way to creating a negative impact on how we see beauty. Its a similar argument to how the media constantly reports bad news opposed to goods news, and how we as a species might see the world very differently albeit through rose tinted glasses - I would like to try it for a year and see the impact it could make globally.

Scruton's main argument focuses on how conceptual art and in his mind how bad architecture has dumbed down our ability as a species to see real beauty in the world. It is an argument charged with differing opinions and one HRH Prince Charles also brought to public attention over 10 years ago. Prince Charles does not suffer from being the "King with no clothes", and I tend to support his view of this when you look at the poor quality of buildings being constructed today. You only have to visit one of several cities in North America to see this, Toronto being the worst culprit with over 300 condominium projects currently on the books. (the most in the world) Hard to believe but some of these projects are already being slated as tear down projects within the next 10-15 years - disposable buildings?

There is light though and its starts with the Architects and Developers themselves. I know one Developer in Toronto personally who is committed to building architecturally to these "old world" standards of beauty and design, whilst providing every modern day feature one would hope to expect in a 21st century home. His vision and commitment surpasses his clients expectations, in that the sustainable qualities of his buildings are the only one's to currently attain the critical ISO 9001 registered certification which he himself imposed on his company mandate in providing quality homes with function and exceptional classic design. A recognition that "HOME" be it in a physical or mental state is where we find peace, harmony and beauty.

As an artist beauty is not only my home but also my religion, it is where I experience the most sublime feeling of joy during the creative process, and also where one's desire and hope comes from in the pursuit of however briefly touching this omnipotent quality we find in human existence.

EQUILIBRIUM - DAREarts Human Spirit Collection

Equilibrium - is a 45lb sculpture made of optical blue crystal engraved with a human figure seated in a fetal position, symbolizing the journey from our mother's womb to finding the balance required in living life.

Equilibrium is part of the 9-piece DAREarts Human Spirit Collection which I donated along with the help of my friend and art appreciator the late Judith Teller. The sculpture was unusual for me at the time, as when illuminated in a darkened space the optical blue crystal would literally glow an even deeper azure color. The collection of art pieces we all inter-linked communicating aspects of the human experience and journey, with ourselves, our past ancestors and the here and now.

For more information:
http://www.darearts.com/human_spirit_values.shtml

Ascension - Living in the Moment

In 1982 I emigrated to Toronto, Canada from Sutton Coldfield, England, and to celebrate my 30th Anniversary living in Canada, I am planning a retrospective exhibition of my crystal art for later in the year in Toronto. (exhibition details to follow)

Over the coming months I will be showcasing some of the varied art pieces I have created during that time, including silver and gold objet d'art and crystal art pieces. So much of my career was initially inspired from my early training with Ronald Pennell at the Birmingham Art and Design Institute in Birmingham, England. Ronald considered by many as one of Britain's finest designer artists, helped me see beauty with an artists eye and would like to think that over the past 30 years that I responded to his guidance through the work I have created. Thank you Ronald.

The sculpture on view is entitled "Ascension" the fourth sculpture in a series of five surrealistic pieces focused on issues relating to change and new beginnings. Subconsciously these five sculptures I created all included hand engraved images of staircases, windows, ladders, roads, pathways and doorways in some form or another, and it was only later when this was pointed out to me by a client that I realized each of these elements represented a form or mode of transition from one place to another.

When we are young we never think of being old, when we are parents we are often too busy or capable of living in the moment, and when we are old and may have attained some degree of wisdom it can all be too late.

The five artworks from this surrealistic series of "dreamscapes" were a cathartic journey for me at the time in understanding my past and looking towards the future. I had forgot how influential they were to me at the time, (I made them 20 years ago) but they remind me that kindness, generosity of spirit and trying to live in the moment are the greatest gifts we can give ourselves in life.

The Beauty of the Hummingbirds - Hand engraved works by Mark Raynes Roberts

Crystal Vases "In Flight" (top left) "Northern Dancer" (top right)
Crystal sculpture detail from "Nectar" (bottom image)

I have always been fascinated by the sheer beauty of hummingbirds and the incredible display and dance they put on when caught in flight. I saw my first Ruby-throated hummingbird on an island in Temagami, Northern Ontario in 1985, and remember vividly being surprised by the buzz of wings and the dexterity when feeding.

Over the years I have been commissioned many times to create art pieces for clients who appreciate this amazing little bird, and can understand why the hummingbird resonates with so many people who love cottage life by the lake. The hummingbird has always been a favorite theme of mine for the simple reason it can be hand engraved actual size which makes the sculpture, bowl or vase truly come alive.

Interestingly Ruby-throated hummingbirds are not dissimilar to the British Robin when it comes to being territorial, typically only coming into contact for the purpose of mating, and both males and females of any age aggressively defending feeding locations within their territory. The aggressiveness becomes most pronounced in late summer to early fall as they fatten up for migration. This is important because, as part of their migration, they must fly across the Gulf of Mexico - a feat which long confounded scientists, as a 500-mile, non-stop flight over water would seemingly require a caloric energy that far exceeds an adult hummingbird's body weight of 3 grams.

However, researchers discovered the tiny birds can nearly double their body mass in preparation for their Gulf crossing. The additional mass, stored as fat, provides enough energy for the birds to achieve this amazing flight. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is approximately 7–9 cm long with an 8–11 cm wingspan, and weighs about 3 g. Adults are metallic green above and greyish white below, with near-black wings. Their bill is long, straight and very slender. The male is smaller than the female, and has a slightly shorter beak.

The breeding habitat is throughout most of eastern North America and the Canadian prairies, in deciduous and pine forests and forest edges, orchards, and gardens. The female builds a nest in a protected location in a shrub or a tree, and is a migratory bird, spending most of the winter in southern Mexico, Central America as far south as South America, and the West Indies. It breeds throughout the eastern United States, east of the 100th meridian, and in Canada in eastern and mixed deciduous forest. They feed frequently while active during the day and when temperatures drop, particularly on cold nights and conserve energy by entering a hypothermic torpor.

Truly a wonder of nature.

Commission your own hand engraved and signed hummingbird art piece by the artist.
Crystal Vases from $1,500
Crystal Sculpture from $5,000
www.markraynesroberts.com

ARCTIC THAW - makes you think doesn't it?

"Arctic Thaw" was a crystal sculpture I created a number of years ago to convey the increasing loss of the frozen ice cap and the Polar Bears natural habitat. Sea-ice coverage across the Arctic Ocean has dwindled to its second-lowest level since satellite records started in 1979, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. The measurements for mid-September have yet to be collated but, according to scientists, the long-term trend points to an ice-free North Pole in summer within a decade. As Stuart McDill reports from the Arctic, the impact on the region's animal life will be devastating.

Here is a link which further outlines the issue of what will happen if we continue to ignore the importance of saving our environment. "Arctic Thaw" makes you think doesn't it? http://www.reuters.com/video/2011/09/14/arctic-sea-ice-melting-faster-than-predi?videoId=221529050

His Excellency The Right Honorable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada receives inaugural Pollution Probe Environmental and Sustainable Development Award 2011

The new Pollution Probe Environmental and Sustainable Development Award will be presented to His Excellency The Right

Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, at the "Catalysts of Innovation" gala ceremony at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, in Toronto on November 23, 2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btqJO61PW8U

Pollution Probe has commissioned the artist to create this new award, which will convey the vision and leadership qualities of the annual recipients, and the values of Pollution Probe as a leading Canadian environmental not‐for‐profit group dedicated to achieving positive, tangible environmental change through its research, education and advocacy programs. Pollution Probe has an active program focused on automobile fuel efficiency, freight movement, Public transit, electric vehicles and consumer behaviour.

The two-piece crystal sculpture entitled "Clarity of Vision" represents three cornerstone values of Pollution Probe, as a foundation of knowledge with an inclusive environment for cooperation and the focus to find innovative sustainable solutions.

“Mark has created a beautiful, iconic award that captures exactly what Pollution Probe is about. We are delighted that it will always be an integral part of the Pollution Probe Gala” commented Christopher Hilkene, Chair, 2011 Pollution Probe “Catalysts of Innovation” Gala.

“What impresses me is that Mark really understood our vision for the award and exceeded our expectations in reflecting that vision and our values in the crystal sculpture” said Bob Oliver, President and CEO and President, Pollution Probe.

The crystal sculpture sits upon a black custom base made from Aquatimber - 100 year old reclaimed timber from the bottom of Georgian Bay, and as the sculpture rotates engraved lines multiply creating their own alchemy within the crystal representative of the many environmental issues we face on the planet. The lines appear to touch the edge of the large polished dimple symbolic of the earth. As the sculpture rotates further the lines dissipate completely revealing an untouched smaller polished dimple symbolic of the clarity of vision required in successfully realizing the most sustainable "green" solution.

"It is an honor for me to create this new award for Pollution Probe, an organization which continually delivers sustainable solutions to environmental issues across Canada. I have tremendous respect for the work they do and wanted to create an award which truly conveyed their message. This two-piece sculpture allowed me to communicate this story by using the refractive properties of the optical crystal in an innovative way" commented Raynes Roberts.

Mark Raynes Roberts is also the creator of the Scotiabank EcoLiving Awards and is currently developing the GLASSLANDS Collection a proposed outdoor art collection focused on sustainability education.

To learn more about Pollution Probe please visit:http://www.pollutionprobe.org/