Angelic Choirs
My Teacher of Spiritual Art!
Let me introduce you to Hildegard, who has been my primary teacher in spiritual art and greatly influenced my work.
A History
Hildegard of Bingen was an Abbess of a Benedictine Abbey, she was born in 1098 and died after a long rich life in 1179. Besides her role as an Abbess, she became a famous composer and author, writing books on medicine, science, and theology. She lived in the Rhineland Valley and became one of the greatest theologians and illustrators of the early Christian Church.
You might wonder how she can be my spiritual art teacher since Hildegard died about 830 years ago! In spiritual Jewish teachings..the belief is Moses teaches today, as does Abraham, and many others. They are alive today in their writings….they are with us today giving us wisdom and guidance! And so is Hildegard of Bingen, for those that have eyes to see and ears to hear.
At the age of 42, Hildegard began to have visions and they were illustrated in 34 ” illuminations “. She created a new presentation of images…a new iconography…..new symbolic forms and pictures.
Many of the people during the time of Hildegards life were uneducated. Iconography was used by the Church as a tool for teaching spiritual stories and principles. The artists drew ” word pictures”, and used colors, images, and symbols to educate the people. Art, stories, music and dance became the language of the ” folk education”.
” Iconic ” art speaks to us… speaking the ” language of the soul “…..and awakens something deep within. Mystical art takes that which is seen with spiritual eyes and creates it into a piece of art that can be seen with the natural eye.
How Creation Came About
Posted on this blog are two of Hildegard’s illuminations. These are great examples to study. What do they speak? I would love to know your thoughts. Please write your thoughts….click on the “comment” at the top right of thsi blog and a box will appear.