Wednesday 3 August 2011

The Tree


"The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way.  Some see nature all ridicule and deformity, and by these I shall not regulate my proportions; and some scarce see nature at all.  But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.  As a man is, so he sees.  As the eye is formed, such are it's powers.  You certainly mistake, when you say that the visions of fancy are not to be found in this world.  To me this world is all one continued vision of fancy or imagination."

Written by William Blake to the Reverend Dr. Trusler who had commissioned a drawing.
The Reverend took an instant dislike to the finished drawing and wrote
"Your fancy seems to be in the other world, 
or the world of spirits, which accords not with my intentions".

The words of William Blake just say it all don't they.

I found this tale in a book I turn to for inspiration.
"Cathedrals of the Spirit" by T.C. McLuhan.


Those words have filled me with resolve to finish my oak.
.....I've been procrastinating.
And perhaps I'll call it
"The land of the Mighty Oak".

I proceed with new resolve to trust my eye and my imagination.

13 comments:

  1. Your amazing oak...Blake had it right.

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  2. Oh Penny, this oak cloth is amazing. Took my breath away.

    Jacky xox

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  3. Fantastic Blake quote! That book sounds interesting, and the oak cloth, well!

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  4. The Land of the Mighty Oak...is incredible as it is.

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  5. Oh my goodness that is a beautiful cloth. I thought it was an illustration when I first looked at it. What beautiful detail on the branches

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  6. Love the quote!
    I'm so glad you're inspired to complete that beautiful cloth. I spent quite some time last week tracing its progress through the archive posts - it will be lovely to see it finished.

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  7. Amazing... thank you. Just what I needed to see today.

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  8. Yes, do, please keep on at the Oak Cloth!

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  9. Oh my...my goodness. This sis the most beautiful tree I've seen. The details, the spirit the story of stitches...takes my breath away. Please post more as you continue on.

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  10. those roots and the underworld of this mighty imagined/fancied tree would be a wonderful place to be.

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  11. Looking forward to seeing it completed. I love trees.

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  12. i love how you have wrapped it
    with a cloak......this is love.

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  13. Oh my goodness, I have been reading the last few posts which I missed while traveling. I am blown away.
    Actually, I have goose bumps. You have inspired me.
    Your work and your life are so amazing. I am truly happy that I have found you and that I get to include you into my life. Thank you so much for sharing all of this beauty and thoughtfulness.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment, your thoughts are most welcome.