Astrid Fitzgerald

This work is mostly quotations organized into themes. Each chapter has a different theme and the quotes fit into the theme.

The thing that struck me with this book was the preface. Often, not always, but often, I skip the preface just to get straight to the text. In this case, I only glanced through the text and really studied the preface.

I liked the preface because some of the quotes (below) made me think and question what I am seeing:

"Art constantly seeks to redefine itself, to find new and original modes of expression. But have we sometimes sacrificed meaning and essence on the altar of the innovative, the outrageous, and the politically correct?" p.xii

This part of the passage makes me wonder about the symbolism that we don't understand anymore and whether it is valuable to know it still? For example, in years past, a portrait of a woman may have her holding a flower. Knowing the symbolism or meaning of that flower would give the viewer additional insight into the subject. As well, the items selected for still lives - e.g. the types of fruit - said something about the person who commissioned the work. Have we lost something by not knowing these meanings?

"We live in a postmodern era devoid of artistic standards. The movements of the last thirty years have successfully demystified art and the making of art. The role of art has not been clearly defined in recent times, and artists and students of art rarely gather to examine and discuss the call to creative work." p.xii

As you can probably tell from my blog, I am glad that the making of art has been demystified and that everyone can make art now. I do worry about what we have lost, however, if anything. I also wonder about what is lost from people not gathering to discuss their calling to creative work? Do we discuss that in our blogs? Is it different from discussing in person? I think I am called to creative work by family tradition and by the need to do something completely different than my day job. I also think that I am called to my work because I can see patterns in improvement and progress, which is not always clear, or acknowledged, in my day job work.

"The art of our time seems to be self-destructive, broadening the gap between audience and the creative output. The eye of the artist has turned to the exterior, to the biennials and the market place, seeing direction, and thus we have art that moves further and further away from our inner nature. As a result, we have art that is based on concept instead of idea and inspiration, art that ends up comment on itself or upon the absence of values." p.xiii

I find this part thought provoking as well. It makes me want to take another art history course and learn more about contemporary art. I know many contemporary works by their images (Wayne Thiebaud, for example) and not by meaning. A splatter piece of Jackson Pollack's resides in my mind, but I don't know the meaning behind it and whether it can be considered self-destructive. I do go to museums on a regular basis and often don't understand the contemporary works just by looking at them. My impression is that a lot of contemporary work requires study.

This passage also provokes questions. "is art moving away from artists' inner nature as more artists come on the scene and try to sell their work?" Does some external force (galleries, critics, Marketplaces like Etsy) encourage artists to move away from what they want to make towards what artists think they should make?… (más)

Finally, a novel that not only offers an exciting plot line, an endearing heroine, and human relationships that are believable and sympathetic but also introduces a continuous thread of spiritual teaching that informs and advances the plot - a teaching about love, compassion and healing. Through the author's deft writing we watch the characters grow and change within the light of Caroline's mystical experience. Anyone at any age will enjoy this story because it is essentially about who we are and the joy of discovering our true identity. At the same time the author captures the enthusiasm and idealism of youth, without which our world could not evolve. - Lyla Yastion, PhD, author of Pause Now: Handbook for a Spiritual Revolution.

From the back cover:
"Winter Break, on one level, is a classic coming-of-age story. The heroine undergoes a series of trials which form her character. But Fitzgerald sets the bar higher, moving from the ethical to the metaphysical. Her novel investigates a much-neglected facet of adolescence - an appetite for the spiritual and an openness to it. Fast-paced, suspenseful and inspiring, Winter Break is the perfect mix of entertainment and instruction." - Ann Arensberg, author of Incubus and Sister Wolf

"This book is written in such a way that each scene becomes memorable - the stunning descriptions of the snowy slopes of Switzerland, a love story sensitively told, and clear spiritual insights. Winter Break is a pleasure to read and a reminder that there is a way of living and being open to young people that is not only different from what is often practiced but is also life-enhancing and ultimately joyful." - Katharine Le Mée, PhD, author of Chant: The Origins, Form, Practice, and Healing Power of Gregorian Chant and The Benedictine Gift to Music

"Winter Break is a captivating, mystical tale that will appeal to readers of all ages. Fitzgerald deftly makes even the most sophisticated spiritual mysteries accessible to seekers of every level. But if what you're seeking is simply a great story, you've found it! A delight! Enjoy. - Deborah Medenbach, writer/yoga teacher
About the Author

ASTRID FITZGERALD is a fine artist, a writer, and a passionate student of the Perennial Wisdom Tradition and Advaita Philosophy who has applied its principles to her life and art for over forty years. She is the author of An Artist's Book of Inspiration: A Collection of Thoughts on Art, Artists and Creativity (Lindisfarne Books, 1996) and Being Consciousness Bliss: A Seeker's Guide (Lindisfarne Books, 2001). Fitzgerald's writing is based on a fusion of Western and Eastern thought and practice of self-development, self-inquiry and reflection.… (más)

This collection was gathered during one person's life of making art and studying the spiritual traditions of the East and West. It is filled with the best thoughts on art, artists, and the creative process, drawn from various traditions, times, and places. It is intended to serve as a guide and an inspiration for all those who want to be reminded of the sources of creativity amid the fractured confusion of the contemporary scene.
From the reports of mystics to the observations of scientists, these passages have been arranged in this volume to provide brief glimpses into the recesses of artistic being, into the tentative formations in consciousness, the first glimmers of imagination, the distinctive faculties of the creative mind, and the tensions of artistic expression in the workshop and the creative life.
Fitzgerald’s great contribution has been to gather into a meaningful collection the words of 1,500 years of genius as a resource and inspiration for all those who would break out of creative limitations and take a bold step into the future.… (más)

“This book is equal parts wisdom, beauty, and inspiration. Astrid Fitzgerald opens the insights of the ages for anyone to follow. Highly recommended.” - LARRY DOSSEY, MD, AUTHOR OF HEALING BEYOND THE BODY, REINVENTING MEDICINE, AND HEALING WORDS.

“Astrid Fitzgerald has skillfully drawn together the perennial wisdom of the ages, recognizable in all spiritual traditions, with a clear, insightful explanation of practices leading to its fulfillment in everyday experience. This is an intelligent, inspired, yet eminently practical approach to living a life centered in truth and hallmarked by freedom, beauty, and harmony.” - KATHARINE LE MEE, AUTHOR OF CHANT - THE ORIGINS, FORM, PRACTICE, AND HEALING POWER OF GREGORIAN CHANT… (más)