Network Update 
Anthroposophical Socie
ty in Canada
Thornhill Group
May 2014


Over the past several months, members of the Thornhill Group have been exploring the theme of SOCIAL ART -  through study, conversation, sculpture, painting and drama. How can we social artists contribute to a resilient and self-renewing community life? In this issue, we describe some of our glimmerings and small awakenings. (Click here to read a full article.)

 

Mark

 

SHADES OF INFLUENCE
From the Shades of Influence Exhibit, 27 Sept 2013.

In September 2013, Warren Cohen (sculptor), Regine Kurek (painter), and �te K�nig (priest) invited the community to an inspiring event. The three artists stepped forward as individuals, leaving their institutional roles in the background.  More than an art exhibit, it was a dynamic social experience which was accompanied by the influence of those who have died.   The art encounters were very stimulating, and showed us how to invite positive change in our ways of working together. 

SOCIAL ART and the Search for the Deep Self

Next on our journey, we spent 4 days with Deborah and Tom Ravetz.  We learned so much from them - and from each other!  (Click here to read a digest of comments from participants.)   Now, how shall we practice in our everyday life and work?  This comment from a participant describes a small - and very difficult - step that we each need to take:

 

...As long as we as individuals do not look at our own "hidden, ignored and denied" issues, we will not move forward as a community.  If we stay stuck in our old ways and don't dare to jump, we will not change anything. Only if we make ourselves vulnerable will we make progress. To face our own vulnerability is incredibly difficult for us, it requires such courage and strong will and not everyone is able to do take the important first step...

Our Mystery Drama -
Lecture and Drama Workshop with Barbara Renold
Scene from The Guardian of the Threshold

Next, we had Barbara Renold with us for 2 days in April.  (Barbara is the Director of the Mystery Drama Project in Spring Valley NY.) Barbara's key message is that this is OUR Mystery Drama.  We are challenged to set aside our comfortable feelings and enter into the unsettling dynamics of Steiner's characters. In the workshop, for instance, we learned how the simple statement, O human being, know thou thyself, unfolded (unraveled?) into 7 disjointed experiences.  There is no ladder or fixed curriculum for spiritual development.

 

It is significant and helpful that we were able to go through these experiences together.  We really need each others' insights and understanding.

CHRISTIAN HITSCH
ON CAMPUS!
 
Christian Hitsch, Goetheanum,sculptor and Architect, will be 
leading us in a number of exciting projects in July:
 
7-25 July: Come and watch a wonderful new sculpture emerge on  the 
Hesperus grounds.
 
14-18 July: Take the course at the Rudolf Steiner Centre -    Metamorphosis and the forms of the first Goetheanum. Details.
 
18-20 July: Explore Steiner's art  impulse as we
experience it today and look to carry it into the future.  Conference theme: 
Mercury Standing in Libra - The Founding Constellation of Rudolf Steinerʼs Art Impulse. Contact Regine Kurek [email protected]

♦ Following his Thornhill visit, Christian will be touring the West Coast. Contact Greg Scott for details.


CONTACT

Mark McAlister
Editor
416-892-3656 (work cell)
EMAIL
Toronto Branch Hosts DANIEL HAFNER

DANIEL HAFNER visits Toronto 27-30 July. As well as giving two lectures, Daniel will be offering a 2-day workshop on The Schooling of Thinking.
Quick Links

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Thornhill Group, and membership inquiries: EMAIL
Previous Issue
The new Hesperus Window 

Click here to see the previous Network Update of the Thornhill Group.
Motto of Social Ethics


It is only wholesome when
In the mirror of the Human Soul
the whole community takes shape
and in the community
lives the strength of individual soul

♦ by Rudolf Steiner

♦ Translated by James Gillen