Lawren Harris and Theosophy – Part Two

Kathleen F. Hall – Canada

[Part 1 of this article traced the life and work of the major Canadian artist Lawren Harris from socially conscious urban cityscapes through lyrical landscapes to transcendent, mystical interpretations of the land. This part examines Theosophical influences that led Harris to abstraction in a process that mirrors his own evolution into spiritual realization.]

The influence of the spiritual writings and paintings of Kandinsky can also been seen in Harris’s work. Harris read Kandinsky’s Concerning the Spiritual in Art and understood Kandinsky’s references to Charles Leadbeater and Annie Besant’s book Thought-Forms, which Harris had read as well (Adamson). That book identifies colours with symbolic meanings based on states of consciousness that descend from spirit to matter: yellows, higher intelligence; blue, spirituality; and pale azure, union with the divine. Thought-Forms describes a radiating vibration that people emit when formulating a thought, with which colours combine to create a distinct form visible to clairvoyants. Adamson (p. 133) quotes from Thought-Forms to describe how these forms relate to art:

"In many respects, a work of art was a materialized thought-form of the artist, containing a spiritual significance and adhering to the three principles underlying all thought forms: 1. Quality of thought determines color. 2. Nature of thought determines form. 3. Definiteness of thought determines clearness of outline."

Lawren Harris and Theosophy – Part One

Kathleen F. Hall – Canada

“The power of beauty at work in man, as the artist has always known, is severe and exacting, and once invoked, will never leave him alone, until he brings his work and life into some semblance of harmony with its spirit” (Harris, “Theosophy and Art”).

Lawren Stewart Harris is well-known as a Canadian landscape painter and the founder of the Group of Seven. He was also a Theosophist whose art was highly influenced by his spirituality. Over the course of his career, Harris engaged in seeking spiritual knowledge, which in turn caused his work to evolve and change from an objective interpretation of the Canadian landscape to a non-objective representation of the spiritual.

Harris was born October 23, 1885 in Brantford, Ontario, but as a youth moved to Toronto. While a young college student attending University College, the University of Toronto, he was recognized for his artistic ability and was encouraged to study art in Europe. Consequently, in 1904 he attended art school in Berlin. In Europe, Harris had three important encounters that were to have a great influence on his life and art. One was an exhibit of nineteenth-century German art, including works by Caspar David Friedrich, whose vast open landscapes provoked a heightened spiritual sensibility. Another was meeting Paul Thiem, a poet, philosopher, Theosophist, and regionalist painter, who quite possibly introduced him to a Theosophical art exhibit in Munich at this time (Adamson). The third was the opportunity to go on hiking and sketching trips into the mountains. These three events marked a course for the direction that Harris’s life would follow thereafter.

A note from Joma Sipe in Portugal (October 2024)

joma sipe3

Joma Sipe

Following the previous series of panels, I started with Christ Energy and Light. In this note of mine for the readers of Theosophy Forward I will share the fourth artwork that I have completed this year. This panel is called SANGUINIS VAS CORDIS CHRISTUS (Vaso Sanguíneo do Coração de Cristo l Blood Vessel of the Heart of Christ). It is  a very large design, just like the first and second ones, measuring approx. 100x70cm, visible size and a golden frame with 120x90cm size, all done with gold-based ink pens and crystals. It was inspired by a Vision of a Blood Vessel of the Heart of Christ, and the meditation on the Turim Shourd. I have made the “insertion” of this work on the Shroud and a video is available of this process. Click HERE 

Sun-filled Summer Morning in Central Europe

Text and photos by Richard Dvořák

PE RD b

Richard, author and photographer

Experimenting with a macro lens (Canon RF 100mm f2.8 L Macro IS USM) and wide-screen formats, specifically 2.35:1 (21:9), has been a delightful exploration. In my professional work as a photographer, I rarely get the chance to use macro lenses, making each opportunity especially meaningful. The macro lens unveils intricate details and hidden worlds that captivate my imagination, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into often overlooked and fascinating microcosms. It also helps me feel connected to, or at least a part of, nature.

A note from Joma Sipe in Portugal (May 2024)

Joma at work

Joima at work 

Last year I created a custom piece that I have not shared yet, it is called “Message from the Land of Silence”. This is a panel made with the six pointed star, symbolizing inspiration and the dove representing the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, at the bottom the symbolism of the Triad, inserted in a form of three swirling circles.

Strolling along with Richard

Strolling along with Richard

Text and photos by Richard Dvořák

Strolling through the orchard meadows of South West Germany today, the sun's warmth truly made its presence felt for the first time this year. It was a walk through a landscape in transition. Witnessing the gentle unfurling of buds and the subtle shades of green reclaiming the trees, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the human journey—our own seasons of growth and renewal. As winter's cloak is gently lifted, the promise of spring brings a sense of rejuvenation, a welcome revitalization after the introspective cold. It's a time of looking forward to brighter days and the vibrant energy that life, once again, promises to offer.

Celebrating Visual Splendor and Spiritual Exploration

Text and photos by Richard Dvořák

Richard

Richard Dvořák, photographer, author and fellow seeker

Immersed in the enchanting landscapes of India, my ongoing journey goes beyond mere appreciation for its beauty. Participating in the School of the Wisdom - "Love and Death in Great Spiritual Traditions" at the Blavatsky Bungalow on the TS Campus in Adyar, that was guided by Ravi Ravindra, from January 16 to January 26, 2024, but I am also deeply involved volunteering at Tiruvannamalai.