3 comments about On the Strange Place of Religion in Contemporary Art.

1. Read this book with care! I recently took a class on religion in contemporary art. In the class, we used Elkins' book as duscussion fodder, and the general consensus was that the author's already rigidly formed ideas about the ideal placement of spirituality in contemporary art informed every story and it's explanation. Note the use of the word "spirituality" rather than "religion" in the above statement. Like most modern authors, Elkins confuses the definition of the two. This is a book about SPIRITUALITY in art, not religious influence or flavor. On the whole, the five stories contained within its pages are interesting illustrations of varying artists' methods and meanings, but in the last half of the book (where Elkins deconstructs each story from a decidedly skewed point of view) I found the explanations trite and tedious, and somewhat forced into the broader spectrum of art history. In short, read the book if you will, but read with care.



2. This book has an interesting title and an interesting cover, but that's basically where it ends. I am returning this book and I do not recommend that you buy it. The fact that Walmart also sells it should have been a give away.



3. James Elkins (Professor of Art History and Theory at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago), presents On The Strange Place Of Religion In Contemporary Art, an in-depth exploration of the complex dilemma of the modern artist concerning to what extent his art should reflect his faith. Even as art historians separate art from spirituality, the long history of art has been intertwined since long, long before the Renaissance. On The Strange Place Of Religion In Contemporary Art explores the dichotomy through the stories of five individuals, and turns over key terms and ideas scholars express when analyzing religious themes and motifs found in the art world. Highly recommended reading especially for art critics and art history students, seeking to better understand both their knowledge base and their descriptive vocabulary of the great works they view.

4 comments about Clown Ministry.

1. This small book has a lot of "PUNCH" for it's size! The transaction was smooth and quick. I will use a lot of the information to teach a class of students about the art and craft, as well as ministry from clowning for our King. I have several books by Floyd Shaffer and I really like this one a lot.



2. I was very pleased with the speed in which I received the above mentioned book and its condition.



3. This book is great if you are thinking of implementing a clown ministry at your church! Not only do they tell you 'how-to' but also 'why'. This book has information on all aspects of a clown ministry and there is a guide in the back for your own clown ministry training weekend. I highly recommend it to ministers and youth groups.



4. Unlike traditional clowning, the focus here is to build up the audience at no one's expense. Floyd and Penne whet the reader's appetite for more. This type of clowning lends itself well to a worship setting, and done with adequate training and rehearsal, it becomes a vital way for youth to give back to the church, while involving many more of the congregation's 5 senses in the act of worship. It is very possible to become a "fool for Christ" and an ambassador for the same through the applications found in this book. I particularly appreciated the many skits that were included, and found them to be scripturally sound. This resource was a wonderful starting point for our church, and I heartily recommend it.

1 comments about The Religious Art of Andy Warhol.

1. In The Religious Art Of Andy Warhol, art historian and curator Jane Dillenberger explores the sources and manifestations of the controversial pop-artist's spiritual side as revealed through his work. Especially his Skill paintings, the Warhol prints based on Renaissance religious artwork, his Cross paintings, and the large Warhol series based on "The Last Supper". Warhol grew up on a Slovakian ghetto of Pittsburgh and experienced the elaborate and colorful rituals of the Byzantine Catholic Church. These influences also included his devout mother with whom he lived some forty of his fifty-eight years. The Religious Art Of Andy Warhol is a "must" for all Warhol fans, as well as students of 20th century American art.

5 comments about The Ajanta Caves: Ancient Paintings of Buddhist India.

1. If you, like me, have never been to the Ajanta Caves and would like to get a feel for the treasures they hold this is the right book to get. The quality of the prints is great - the artistry is beautiful. Very delicate and sensual in most places and quite bewildering in others. At times I wished the captions offered even more insight on the individual scenes but then I remember that this is not what this book is about. It is a delight to simply sit there, browse through this book and imagine what life must have been like in those faraway days. This book takes you places. If you are into ancient India you will not be disappointed.



2. although many of the old frescos hardly survived,
   their essence and perennial beauty remains intact in the excellent reproductions, taken without any flashlights of this masterly book
   I consider this book the most impressive in my big collection of works on Oriental and Buddhist art,
   the expression of the faces, their compassion and their gestures are so delicate
   and well represented in this book



3. If you are planning a trip to India, you should consider visiting the caves at Ajanta. If you are planning to visit the caves, you should read this book before the trip. You will get a lot more out of the experience of the caves if you know the Jataka stories and understand the Buddhist iconography described in this book.

   Even if you have no plans to travel to Ajanta, the boook contains beautiful photograpghs which will make a nice addition to any collection of art books or, for that matter, to any coffee table.




4. The Ajanta caves can be considered among the wonders of the ancient world, both in terms of their artistic and their spiritual value, and this book captures the beauty and detail of the remarkable murals. If I were to make one criticism, it would be that it emphasizes the murals at the expense of largely neglecting the sculptures, which are magnificent in their own right. The book might better be titled, "Murals of the Ajanta Caves." I ordered it without seeing it first, and I was a little disappointed to see how few photographs were included of the sculptures. Nevertheless, the beautiful and clear photographs of the murals alone are worth the price of the book, and I'd certainly recommend it to anyone interested in the Ajanta caves, or in ancient Indian or Buddhist art.



5. This book offers the best color photographs of the Ajanta caves that I have seen. The text offers an excellent explication of the history and iconography of the images. Having been to the caves, I can honestly say that you see the paintings more clearly in this book than at the caves themselves. (This is due to crowded conditions and poor lighting at the caves.) This book is an important adjunct to any study of Buddhist art and inconography. If you're planning to travel to Ajanta, buy this book first.

No comments about Mime Ministry: An illustrated, easy-to-follow guidebook for organizing, programming and training a troupe of Christian mimes.

4 comments about The Secret Heresy of Hieronymus Bosch.

1. I read this book with real interest, and am very impressed by the author's arguments. As I see it, none of the other interpretations (Bosch as a Catholic; Bosch as an Adamite; Bosch as an Alchemist) ring true to the same extent. When Harris discusses the hidden Cathar (ie, Gnostic) meanings in Bosch's paintings she exposes hidden depths. We find convincing explanations for quirky images like saints surrounded by devils, monsters in the Garden of Eden, the strange unified landscapes of Hell and Earth in the Last Judgement scenes, and the peculiar gates and the circle of animals in the Garden of Earthly Delights, to name just a few. All Bosch's works are covered, and all fit into the overall world-view of the Cathars.

   Who would have guessed, for example, that Bosch's Seven Deadly Sins painting had so many hidden heretical symbols, or that his picture of life after death can also be seen on 15th century Bosnian tombstones? Who would have realized that Bosch's art contained so many Italian Renaissance features? All this is not what you'd expect, and it's the originality and excitement of discovery that makes this book so especially interesting.

   Traditional Bosch fanciers may not agree with Harris's new interpretaton of Bosch's paintings, but original ideas often take a long time to sink in. For me, this well produced book, with its many illustrations, its sympathy with the spiritual side of the Gnostic Cathar religion, and its wide ranging subject matter, is a real eye opener.




2. This book presents the intriguing theory that the fantastic Dutch painter Hieronymous Bosch was a member of a heretical sect called the Cathars, who believed that Satan created the Earth and trapped human souls in living matter (bodies). That is why, according to Harris, Bosch paints the Earth as a place inhabited by his famous and fanciful demons. The Cathars apparently believed that you must escape this hell on Earth to be reunited with the heavenly spirit.

   The problem with this theory is that there is not a shred of evidence to support it, and Harris herself apparently isn't able to present any. Very little is known about the life of this artist. Harris tries to convince us that her theory is correct by interpreting the paintings as Cathar symbols -- an argument that goes something like: "Here is another Cathar symbol; that confirms my theory. Bosch was a Cathar, etc." The trouble is that most of the "Cathar" symbols are more generally Christian symbols and have been agreed to as such by most other Bosch scholars. There is no need to regard them as heretical. Most of the "anti-religious" symbols in Bosch's paintings are explanable as criticism of a corrupt Catholic clergy just before the advent of Martin Luther. Widespread discontent was understandably in the air.

   An example of Harris's biased eye is her forced interpretation of Bosch's painting of "John the Baptist (JB) in the Wilderness", pages 155-156. The Cathars regarded JB as an agent of Satan who falsely set himself up as a divine messenger of God. To the Cathars JB was the Anti-Christ. If Bosch were the Cathar zealot that Harris portrays, one would expect to see demons and evil symbols covering this painting, both in the landscape and even on JB himself. After all, they are present in most of Bosch's paintings, even those of a less provocative topic to Cathars than JB. But I see nothing of the sort here. JB is portrayed benignly reclining on the earth and gently pointing to a lamb, the symbol of Christ, as if to say "Here lies the way". What Harris calls the "Tree of Death" is central to the painting and her argument, but it appears to be very much alive, bearing plentiful seeds or fruit which birds are finding delicious and hearty. This, she simply ignores. None of the satanic symbols that Harris herself describes in other paintings appear here. Where is the evil owl, the malignant crescent, the devilish toad, etc? Instead, there is a beautiful pastoral scene, with the gentle Saint lying in peaceful contemplation. There is no hint at all that JB is an agent of the Devil -- quite the contrary.

   Despite this major flaw, one can obliquely glean interesting insights from this book. The writing is clear and the examples are relevant to the text. Harris probes the symbolism in detail and analyzes several paintings with interest. But, interpreting them as Cathar political statements is simply incredible. I'm not saying that Harris is necessarily wrong, but that the argument just doesn't support her theory. I find her argument to be less than convincing.




3. At last a new angle on the strange paintings of Hieronymus Bosch. This is a well written and researched book, and seems to solve many mysteries in the artist's work.



4. This must be the answer to the mystery of Bosch's paintings. A fascinating book which keeps you hooked to the end. Full of new ideas.

5 comments about The Inspired Heart: An Artist's Journey of Transformation.

1. The Inspired Heart and In the Hands of Alchemy:The Art and Life of Jerry Wennstrom
   
   "One of the most magnificent things about Jerry is his profound and courageous innocence. He has created a friendship with a part of himself which is in love with the world, and his art displays that. Jerry is one of the few people I know who, in a very quiet way, has actually claimed his happiness in existence." - David Whyte author- The Heart Aroused and Crossing the Unknown Sea
   
   "In the Hands of Alchemy is a delightful film, an alchemical mixture in itself of inspiration, spirituality, art and the story of a remarkable human being." David Spangler, author of Blessings; Parent as Mystic, Mystic as Parent and Everyday Miracles.
   
   "When Jerry Wennstrom destroyed his art in 1979, he threw himself into the great unknown searching for a more authentic life. Walking the road of radical emptiness, the result was the emergence of a completely genuine voice, gentle, sensitive to the stirrings of the divine in everyday life, and creative beyond reasonable bounds. Wedding compassion and creativity, In the Hands of Alchemy is a rare celebration of life and the joy of spiritual surrender." Chris Bache, author, Dark Night, Early Dawn
   Jerry Wennstrom is one of a kind - and his point is that any of us can be that. We can, like him, walk straight into the heart of mystery and emerge more ourselves than we could ever imagine. His tells his story of being called to destroy his art, of struggling to hear any message but that one, of surrendering his will and allowing the soft something beyond will to guide him. It's all a fabulous tale worth hearing again and again like a great myth, and it's a deep, simple instruction for how to find ourselves in the middle of a life that seems real, but is often missing the central character. Jerry's amazing recent artwork, and his extraordinarily beautiful and talented wife Marilyn swirl around this story of a courageous soul, making it even more compelling. Best would be to know Jerry as I am privileged to do, second best is watching this film. -Vicki Robin - Co-author, Your Money or Your Life



2. "Few of us have emptied our cup as completely as Jerry Wennstrom did when he destroyed his art in 1979, and therefore few have experienced as deep a reawakening to the subtle stirrings of the divine in everyday life. It's hard for me to convey how deeply I respect what Jerry shares with us in his book /,The Inspired Heart, /in his art, and above all in his person. Here is a completely genuine voice of creative spirit." Chris Bache, author of "Dark Night, Early Dawn."



3. "The Inspired Heart; An Artist's Journey of Transformation" by Jerry Wennstrom is an unexpected gift and complete experience to read. There are many books written about the artist's spiritual/creative/intellectual journey. This book IS the journey! Selene



4. Artist Jerry Wennstrom shocked the New York art community in 1979 when he destroyed his paintings at the pinnacle of his illustrious career. Guided by an inner passion to connect directly to divine consciousness, Wennstrom gave away his possessions and began a journey based on complete surrender to life experience. THE INSPIRED HEART shares Wennstrom's personal journal of how he lived for years in a state of grace and faith, discovering divine intelligence and inspiration in a wide breadth of experiences. Wennstrom at various times fasted, experienced the sublime joys of sharing special moments with neighborhood children, and faced potential muggers with loving kindness... to receive loving kindness in return. THE INSPIRED HEART shows us how, "Enlightenment is not a grand finale that leaves us blissfully risen, Buddha-like, above the suffering of the world. It is a deep and unconditional surrender to what already exists and total trust in the larger inherent intelligence, which is willing to lead the way."

   I love the color pictures of Wennstrom's art in the middle of this book, and the way Wennstrom's autobiographical short stories weave themselves in dreamy fashion through the places and times of his fascinating life. THE INSPIRED HEART shares the raw and simple beauty of one man's pure heart as it shows us how miraculous, magnificent and rich our lives can be when we let go of everything and allow ourselves to be fully present in this moment, now.

   -- Cynthia Sue Larson
   author of "AURA ADVANTAGE: How the Colors in Your Aura Can Help You Attain What You Desire and Attract Success"




5. Autobiographically written by Jerry Wennstrom, The Inspired Heart: An Artist's Journey Of Transformation is the story of an artist's journey in search of truth. In 1979, New York artist Jerry Wennstrom destroyed his own paintings, gave away his money and possessions, and sought to purge his personal identity, and in the process, open himself to wonder. This remarkable artist's memoir is enhanced with black-and-white photographs and a 16-page inset section of full-color plates showcasing a series of magnificent interactive box art. The Inspired Heart is a unique and quite remarkable contribution to 20th Century Art History reading lists.

No comments about Art As a Way: A Return to the Spiritual Roots.

No comments about Splendors of Qur'an Calligraphy and Illumination.

4 comments about Sister Wendy's Book of Meditations.

1. Maybe that is Sister Wendy's biggest contribution. She turns art (and even Art with a capital A) from something "out there" into something that belongs to every viewer.
   
   Almost every two-page spread follows the same format: text left, image right. The meditations are loosely grouped as silence, peace, love, and joy - topics on which a contemplative nun can speak with certainty. Her discussion of love even includes the physcial (Klimt's Kiss and Rembrandt's Jewish Bride), as a transcendant act for both partners.
   
   Wendy often chooses from well-known artists, and often chooses little-known pieces. Her selections from Mondrian and Manet, especially, may surprise some readers, since they draw from generally unfamiliar parts of the artists' careers. Monet's Camille on her Deathbed is another surprise, stylistically familiar but remarkable in its content.
   
   She also chooses discussions that give a thinking reader room to roam, mentally. For example, her thoughts on Hokusai's Great Wave center on the storm-tossed seamen. Yes, nature will have its way with people, but the picture says more to me about the eternal constancy of Mount Fuji. There it stands, something grand and quiet, riding out whatever transitory troubles man and nature may experience. The moment may scream for attention, but something infinite keeps on whispering in the background.
   
   The reproductions of paintings are beautifully printed, though I might wish for a larger format. It's an easy book to pick up and thumb through, since every page is self-contained. The organization of the whole adds something to the collection of pages, as well. It's any easy book to enjoy.
   
   //wiredweird



2. I truly enjoyed the Book of Meditations so ordered several others. Meditations on Silence, Meditations on Love and Meditations on Joy. When they came they were the exact same things that were in the larger Book of Meditations. Had I known this I would not have spent and additional 7.00 per book for something I already possessed.

   Please let others know the smaller books are just parts of the larger book. Nothing new here....very dissappointing......




3. I recently read this terrific book from the wise Sister Wendy. After all, a woman who spends her life in contemplitive prayer should have much to share with us! The joy of this book, especially for art lovers, is that each devotion is based upon a beautiful painting or art work. While one reads the devotion, the eyes travel back and forth to the picture. I have been challenged by Sister Wendy's loving words, and use it in the mornings to include in daily devotions in worship. Perhaps the best section (perhaps because it's the first and it catches one unawares), is on silence. Living in such hectic times, it is refreshing to be encouraged to seek silence -- silence within one's self and silence with God so that he can speak to us and we can hear him - in that beautiful silence. Thank you, Sister Wendy, for a very lovely book.



4. I heard an interview with Sister Wendy on NPR's Fresh Air, and found it hard to believe a person could be so intrinsically good. I was skeptical, but curious too, since she had spent years in a Carmelite Order in which silence is the rule. Still, I remained skeptical until I looked over Sister Wendy's books in a bookstore--they were hard to find, and found that her Meditations had a great deal of wisdom in it--on silence, peace, love, and joy. Each meditation was based on a dozen or so works of art (Sister Wendy is best known her books and PBS programs on art appreciation), and all reflect the essence of Christianity--the Christianity that has become so rare in this era of the religious right. I am happy to recommend it to anyone; her words are consistent with all the great world religions. As with all of them, there are no easy answers, but there are many solid things to work on--for a long time, for most of us.