PALIMPSEST

The impression made.

Visible traces of the original form over which new mark making can take place.

APOPHATIC

Beyond Words.

An ancient spiritual tradition that sees the Sacred Heart of Being as Indescribable and Inconceivable Beyond Words.

Most of us first encounter the Palimpsest when,

as very young children, we begin the journey towards learning to write.

We inscribe each letter with concentrated intent.

Our hand is still heavy and uncertain.

Our marks press deep into the paper, leaving a deep impression on the page behind.

This is a Palimpsest.

The Earth creates its own Palimpsest as well.

The surface of the Earth is the Palimpsest of all that bought it into being.

Over this Palimpsest a Canvas is laid, & the process of responding with marks ( drawing ) to what is felt beneath the canvas becomes possible.

This is often done on your hands and knees, looking down, in a position of supplication, and rightly so, for we are not the Author, the Artist.

It is Nature, it is the Earth that is the Artist, we are simply responding.

An Apophatic Palimpsest is an impression made beyond words, over which we make marks in response.

- Simon Buttonshaw