At last, I have finished my essay explaining why William Blake is important to me. I wrote it for my grandson after I sent him my college papers on Blake, but it is just as much written for me. I wanted to articulate for myself what Blake means to me but I sure didn’t intend or expect to spend five months doing it! It’s been well worth it. I got so much out of it, including a great deal of pleasure, as I spent hours pouring over Blake’s art.
Blake’s painting, above, of the Angel of Revelation, shows Blake seated between the angel’s feet, recording his vision of the apocalypse.
If you like, you can read the essay, and even if you’re not interested in Blake, you may enjoy seeing the pictures. why-blake-is-important-to-me_0001.pdf
Before I can go back to stitching, however, I’m going to read granddaughter Michelle’s 163-page manuscript of a novel. She’s 18, a freshman in college, and this is her third novel. But while I’m doing that, I may also show you some previous needleart in a day or so.
hi…post the essay…and if you would like a really long fascinating read look at thefourzoas.com…read the story he wrote… and be happy
david
This is a beautifully written and insightful paper. I recommend it not just to those with an interest in Blake but to those who would like to read about JoWynn’s personal journey to such spiritual insight and to those who are interested in the relationship between Western and Eastern spiritual traditions.
Hi JoWynn, I finally sat down to read your wonderful essay. What draws me the most is that it is your spiritual autobiography. What a wonderful gift for your grandson to have.
I think many of us have had experiences which mirror yours in different ways. I was raised Catholic, and raised my children Catholic. Throughout my experiences in the church, I was always a critic and a skeptic, conscious of the many inconsistencies and injustices in the institution, problems that I found more and more intolerable until I finally left the church.
I trace my own spiritual transformation to a 12-step program I did beginning in the 90s. I also found some Buddhist tenants helped me to refine my belief system, though I don’t call myself a Buddhist and consider my artistic practice to be my meditation.
I think Blake illustrates the usefulness of art as a conduit for spiritual self-discovery. His work certainly inspired it in you and your essay has been an opportunity for me to reflect on my own evolving beliefs and practices.
Thanks for sharing your writing. I tried to send you an email but for some reason Verizon is blocking my messages, though I can receive them from you.