Secret Knowledge

I have just spent three days reading and enjoying David Hockney's 'Secret Knowledge' (2006 expanded edition, isbn 0-500-28638-8). In a year of reading wonderful books, this has sprinted forward at the end and is my book of the year! If you have even a passing interest in painting, art, film, European history, the visual world, science, a gripping yarn, mysteries, magic, secrecy, friendship or the knowing that comes from the heart of practice- whether that be looking, drawing, movement or another rich human endeavor, then order this book from your library and tuck in. What a wonderful book. This morning I made an amazing, painterly, living projection using a shaving mirror and a darkened room! If you want to know what on earth I am talking about, get the book! More info, film clips, article and photos here. I shall be happy to provide a good bottle of wine and share a lovely evening of discussion with anyone who knows me who finishes it and has thoughts about it. Over the next few weeks I will reflect on this in the light of Iain McGilchrist's work, and in relation to my visual and T'ai Chi trainings, which I find inform each other beneficially more and more as I get older. Happy New Year!