A Book of Remembrance: Elements of Art Considered in the Light of the Whole
Lisa DeLong, PhD (2007)
Lisa is a painter. She describes her study as representing an effort to restore the elements of art to their rightful place. This is a process of remembrance. She writes, “The word “remember” originates in the Greek “to bring to memory again”. In the nineteenth century, the word “remember” also came to be understood as “to re-member” or “to re-assemble parts” (as opposed to dismember). The purpose of this thesis is not to explain why or how the dismemberment of art has occurred, but simply to consider the parts in relation to the Whole and thus to re-member them.”
As she notes it is a natural consequence of mortality that things falter, die, and decay, but there also is a cycle of perennial renewal and restoration. Contrasting the current situation with the past she remembers that, “In former times, it was common for artisans to view skill and dedication in their chosen craft as an outward expression of inner devotion. It was believed that human creative acts were echoes of primordial Creation. Today, as a student of art I wish to make beautiful things with my own physical labour and as a worshipful extension of my faith, and thus to participate in this perennial tradition.”
The paintings that were presented in conjunction with her thesis were an illustration of the principles outlined in her written work. Lisa is making a practical contribution to the process of re-membering. As Project Manager for The School’s Outreach programme she guides students, teachers and community members in courses developed by the Outreach team to introduce the practice and meaning of the traditional arts and to facilitate their renewal, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
