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A Guide to Storytelling Contemplation

A Guide to Storytelling Contemplation

Agia | A Prayer for Earth

Thea van Schalkwyk Agia A Prayer for Earth Triptych

Triptych | Mixed media on canvas |120 x 180 cm – left panel 120 x 40 cm, centre panel 120 x 100 cm, right panel 120 x 40 cm

You are invited to view the above artwork image.

What do you see? Yes, chaos – not a pretty picture! This is our beloved Earth.

Agia – A Prayer for Earth decries the heartbreaking state of our precious planet – our only home.

This is the result of humankind’s neglect and selfishness, climate change, geo-societal crises and senseless geo-political power plays – to name only a few.

Agia is Greek for ‘altar’. Altarpieces in churches, cathedrals and museums inspired this piece.

This vernacular plea or prayer invites you to engage in visual meditation, spiritual thought, honest introspection and contemplation.

Let your visual meditation begin. I am only guiding your eye and thoughts.

 

In your visual mind, consider:

Chaos
Climate Change
Armageddon
Wildfires
Flooding
Drought
Earthquakes
Famine
Food Security
Migration
Unemployment
Mental Health
Melting Icebergs
Super El Niño

Pollution
Senseless Violence, Wars and Conflict
Senseless Geo-political power play
Humankind’s Selfishness
Diminishing Wildlife
Diminishing Oceanic Life
Deforestation
Diminishing Birds
Lesser Bees
Warming Oceans
Diminishing Fresh Water

Earth’s Oxygen

Economic Hardship
Deep Fake News
Misinformation
Hacking
Abuse
Doom-scrolling
Anxiety
Inept Leadership Incompetence
Hopelessness
AI
Poor Judgment
Waste
Struggles

Think about other impacting elements.

Now consider:

Mindset
Lifestyle
Humility
Gratitude
Welfare
Happy Community
Awareness
Understanding
Competent Leaders
Hope
Peace
Future

Earth’s Oxygen

Conservation
Protection
Love
Sustainable Forestation
Thriving Natural World
Food Security
Learning
Innovation
Vision
Co-exist

Survive

Job Creation
Entrepreneurship
Collective Thinking
Critical Thinking
Action
Clarity
Footprint
Empowerment
Effort
Prosperity
New Trajectory
Solutions

Take a deep breath. Perhaps consider your footprint?

Thea van Schalkwyk Agia A Prayer for Earth Triptych

Detail of Agia | A Prayer for Earth

Artwork price: ZAR 25 000.00

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Can art changes Live

Much has been written about related thoughts and variances. Much has been debated. Yet we find that after numerous articles we have read, documentaries viewed, perceptions we have contemplated,  and informal conversations we have encouraged, it has all been too philosophical. These still do not offer practical, real-life outcomes and significant value. How can art also become a critical necessity – such as food, clothing and shelter? On a metaphorical and overarching practical level, it can also provide this. We wish to share some of our research, impressions, and experience. We offer some hopeful need-meeting solutions. 

25 pages, A4

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A happy community 

Wouldn’t you love to reach out to your community? Let’s empower you and their talents! 

Encourage creativity to develop and improve your and their quality of life. Many communities face cultural and social challenges daily. Many disciplines within the arts may be involved in an uplifting initiative. Examples include visual arts, crafts, dance, theatre, film, and music. You could also establish cohesion between cultural creativity and business.

Professionals

Turn your office space into your own live composition.

Many of us work from home or hybrid. Your office space has its own personality and can impact your focus and productivity. Unclutter the chaos with a touch of creativity. You will add critical value to your working environment – specifically to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. You will smell the coffee again!

Aspiring writers

You have a story – a story that must be heard.

You will learn skills in how to use text, pictures, and formatting to create a unique story – your story! You will experience a process that could potentially help you earn an income. This assignment will give you self-confidence, joy, and fulfilment as the ultimate self-realisation. Find a quiet space to sit. Ponder on that story. Let’s begin!

Aspiring photographers 

 

Wouldn’t you love to do a project with your family?

You will have an interactive project to enhance family cohesion by doing collective problem-solving. This is more fun than watching TV and spending time on your phones and laptops. Rather spend time working together on a photography project of your home and garden environment or when you are on holiday. 

Nature lovers

Wouldn’t you love to do a creative activity while on a well-deserved breakaway?  

You will have an individual or group project by using photography and drawing. It will enhance your awareness of and bonding with our natural environment. This can add value to real-time communication and cohesion if done in a group. This will be a unique way to create special memories of your experience and something to chat about around the fire.  

Senior citizens

Wouldn’t you love to take part in a fun group activity?

Let’s do interactive projects in storytelling. Lead the younger generations with all your experience for ideas to, for example, make the environment safer. We could also take a field trip and visit an art exhibition. The aim is to counteract loneliness and dementia. It also affirms your importance and valuable place in your community.

Relatable  Relevant  Reliable