Video 1
Ithaca
The Solas Art emphasis is based on the process rather than the outcome. We underline the importance of the journey from the centre of the circle to the circumference. The work is more about what occurs ‘within’ during the process of creation and less about the finished product.
In a world where so much gets reduced to merely a means to an end and so much of our activity is goal orientated and outcome driven the mandala process acts as a counter balance; for us ‘The Journey is the Destination’!
In the busyness of doing and the modern day epidemic of achievement we have disconnected from the only place we really are. Our work is an attempt to realign with the present moment in a spirit of being for its own sake. With this surrender to the now comes a great opening or a type of expansion of the psyche resulting in more of ourselves becoming present. Literally there is more of us there to enjoy the ride!!!
This emphasis on the ‘journey’ is further enhanced by completely dismantling the mandala shortly after it is completed. This metaphor of impermanence is a powerful reminder that all things are always changing and is a central theme of our work. Letting go in this way truly liberates us from our attachments.
The poet C.P. Cavafy captures this sentiment of the journey being the destination in his beautiful poem Ithaca.
When you set out for distant Ithaca,
fervently wish your journey may be long, —
full of adventures and with much to learn.
Of the Laestrygones and the Cyclopes,
of the angry god Poseidon, have no fear:
these you shall not encounter, if your thought
remains at all times lofty, — if select
emotion touches you in body and spirit.
Not the Laestrygones, not the Cyclopes,
nor yet the fierce Poseidon, shall you meet,
unless you carry them within your soul, —
unless your soul should raise them to confront you.
Fervently wish your journey may be long.
May they be numerous — the summer mornings
when, pleased and joyous, you will be anchoring
in harbours you have never seen before.
Stay at the populous Phoenician marts,
and make provision of good merchandise;
coral and mother of pearl; and ebony
and amber; and voluptuous perfumes
of every kind, in lavish quantity.
Sojourn in many a city of the Nile,
and from the learned learn and learn amain.
At every stage bear Ithaca in mind.
The arrival there is your appointed lot.
But hurry not the voyage in the least:
’twere better if you travelled many years
and reached your island home in your old age,
being rich in riches gathered on the way,
and not expecting more from Ithaca.
Ithaca gave you the delightful voyage:
without her you would never have set out:
and she has nothing else to give you now.
And though you should find her wanting, Ithaca
will not surprise you; for you will arrive
wise and experienced, having long since perceived
the unapparent sense in Ithacas.
Translated by John Cavafy
(Poems by C. P. Cavafy. Translated, from the Greek, by J. C. Cavafy. Ikaros, 2003)
