Lawren Stewart Harris: Difference between revisions

From Theosophy Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
Line 11: Line 11:


<blockquote>
<blockquote>
Harris was keenly interestred in theosophy, a synthesis of religions tied to Eastern beliefs that deal with ethics, art and aesthetics, and moral codes. he believed that the human being is composed of layers of reality. A person's real being exisits in the realm of the spirit, which can be perceived by the awakened soul. The lay of the least value is the physical.
Harris deeply believed in theosophy, to such an extent that he wrote for [[The Canadian Theosophist (periodical)|''The Canadian Theosophist'']], read papers at conventions, and gave radio talks on the subject. He bothered his friends by zealously handing out or sending them literature about the society... In contrast with the religions in which Harris had been raised, theosophy subscribes to no creed or dogma. It therefore took him above ordinary laws, moral codes, and ethical systems &ndash;  and gave him greater freedom. Moreover, his passionately held belief had a surprisingly invigorating effect on his life and work: theosophy aims its lessons precisely at self-development. It helped Harris to change his life and to become an abstract artist, as he did in 1934. Once he discovered this new orientation, which meant a profound change in his art practice, theosophy helped him stay committed to creating the abstract paintings &ndash; which he described as "purer creative work" &ndash; that the painted for the remainder of his life.<ref>Joan Murray, ''Lawren Harris: An Introduction to His Life and Art''  (Toronto: Firefly Books, Ltd., 2003), 40-41.</ref>
<ref>Joan Murray, ''Lawren Harris: An Introduction to His Life and Art''  (Toronto: Firefly Books, Ltd., 2003), 40-41.</ref>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
== Additional resources ==
== Additional resources ==



Revision as of 16:41, 14 March 2023

UNDER CONSTRUCTION
UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Lawren Stewart Harris with Biomorphic Composition
Atma Buddhi Manas
Biometric Composition, 1938.
Biomorphic Composition, 1956.

Lawren Stewart Harris, (October 23, 1885 – January 29, 1970) was a Canadian painter, best known as a member the Group of Seven who pioneered a distinctly Canadian painting style in the early twentieth century. He was a member of the Toronto Lodge of the Theosophical Society in Canada.

Involvement with the Theosophical Society

Harris deeply believed in theosophy, to such an extent that he wrote for The Canadian Theosophist, read papers at conventions, and gave radio talks on the subject. He bothered his friends by zealously handing out or sending them literature about the society... In contrast with the religions in which Harris had been raised, theosophy subscribes to no creed or dogma. It therefore took him above ordinary laws, moral codes, and ethical systems – and gave him greater freedom. Moreover, his passionately held belief had a surprisingly invigorating effect on his life and work: theosophy aims its lessons precisely at self-development. It helped Harris to change his life and to become an abstract artist, as he did in 1934. Once he discovered this new orientation, which meant a profound change in his art practice, theosophy helped him stay committed to creating the abstract paintings – which he described as "purer creative work" – that the painted for the remainder of his life.[1]

Additional resources

Books

Murray, Joan. Lawren Harris: An Introduction to His Life and Art. Toronto: Firefly Books, Ltd., 2003.

Articles

Notes

  1. Joan Murray, Lawren Harris: An Introduction to His Life and Art (Toronto: Firefly Books, Ltd., 2003), 40-41.