My book, Art & Sacred Sites: Connecting with Spirit of Place

My book, Art and Sacred Sites: Connecting with Spirit of Place will be launched in May. It's very exciting to see this labor of love come to fruition! The book is about  my  pilgrimages to sacred sites -  a sharing of my experiences, inspirations, and the creative process.  "As my travels became spiritual journeys, each one bore a new wave of creativity in the studio." 

pages from the chapter on Las Labradas, Mexico.

From My introduction:

"For many years, I’ve taken my inspiration from archetypal symbols and sacred sites around the world, continually drawing from a universal visual language. I’ve followed in the footsteps of these early cultures by drawing from nature’s purest forms, such as the spiral, the circle and the crescent, whose cyclical shapes suggest renewal and regeneration. I am honored to have had the opportunity to walk these ancient lands imbued with the spirit of our ancestors. I feel that these same symbols, whether inscribed on ancient stones or painted on my 21^st Century canvas, can connect us as humans, connect us to nature and give hope and inspiration to future generations. As I begin a work of art inspired by this imagery, scratching the surface of the plate or layering colors of paint, I feel connected to those who have come before me."  

Sunrise at Stonehenge

  My life as an artist thus far has been an incredible journey made all the richer by pilgrimages to these sacred sites and the deep spiritual connections I’ve experienced. I feel blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to walk the perimeter of Uluru in Australia, enter the sacred chamber of Newgrange in Ireland, visit the Temple of Knossos in Crete (before the tour buses arrived!) and, especially, to live so close to one of my favorite places, Las Labradas, near my home in Mazatlán, Mexico.

Entry Stone to Newgrange, Ireland

"In her work, and in this book, Glen Rogers invites us to accompany her on a pilgrimage to these ancient sites marked by human creativity.  With Glen we encounter the immense numinosity of these powerful places; we experience with her their ability to stir us deeply, to inspire and transform, to quicken the creative spirit." From the Foreward by Diane Jonte-Pace, Ph.D.,
Professor of Religious Studies
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Santa Clara University   

 

Cave Paintings, North Queensland, Australia

        Sharing is something that we’re compelled to do. It’s in our nature, part of what defines us as human beings, and indeed, glorifies us as individuals.

       It’s in this spirit that Glen has given us this book, sharing the sacred places, symbols and connections she has discovered in her many years of traveling and creating art. As she has opened her heart, it seems the natural world has responded, sharing its ancient secrets and wisdom which she now passes on to us within the pages of this book.

      With this book, Glen demonstrates how she has transformed her spiritual journey into art, gently stepping into the role of teacher as she shares the inspiration she’s received. I, for one, am thrilled and grateful for this gift; I trust you will be, too.

Janet Blaser, Publisher M! Magazine

 
The book was created in collaboration with book designer, Margery Cantor, with beautiful spreads in full color of my work, photographs of the sites that inspired me and personal observations written especially for each chapter. Limited edition, hard-cover, 90 pages, 11" x 13".

To reserve your copy:  email me at glen@glenrogersart.com

A Visit to Ayers Rock/ Uluru, Australia

On my recent visit to Australia, which was primarily to take the Presence in Nature exhibition, I also wanted to visit Uluru (Ayers Rock). It's in the Northern Territory, middle of the country - a long way from anywhere - a major tourist attraction, a World Heritage site, but most importantly to me - a sacred site of the Aboriginal people. So while Trevor went to visit his cousin, I went on my own to Uluru.

I skipped staying in Alice Springs - mainly because it is a 6 hour bus ride to Uluru. Instead I stayed at one of the hotels just 20 minutes away. I was lucky because during high season - February/March, there are as many as 4000 visitors a day to the site! The weather was good - in the 80's during the day. The aboriginal people request that you not climb the Rock - since it is their sacred land. So, ofcourse, I honored that.

Instead I did the base walk, and unbelievably - I passed only 3 people the entire hike. I found plenty of spots where I could sit and take in the spirit of place. The rock formations and colors were amazing - and I was especially drawn to the cave drawings.

On a more pedestrian note, I liked the rusted iron signage that told about the myths of the Anangu people - when you stepped close, it triggered sounds, chanting and singing. I saw some wonderful aboriginal paintings and wood carvings at Uluru, Adelaide, and Sydney.

Well worth the journey, I am filled with inspiration and honor for this sacred site!