I l l u m i n i s m
Paintings  of  Faith
by
Leszek Forczek

Washing of the Feet #1"
(Private Collection of Eloise Krivoshea,
Southern California)

Figural Series Commissioned by the Bishop of Santa Rosa

Collectible Prints
PAINTINGS OF FAITH

* Signed by the Artist
* Certificate of Authenticity
* Artist's Description

Framed  Giclee  - Washing of the Feet I
$249 includes custom museum matte
(Suitable for 16" x 20" frame)

Unframed:  $170 
(Includes Museum Matte)
Prices include tax.  Shipping and Handling will be added.



FIGURAL ORIGINALS
(22" x 28")

Released on September 11, 2003
Washing of the Feet IX
(22" x 28")

Washing of the Feet II
(Bishop's Collection - Doves)


SEE ESOTERIC/EXOTERIC CONSIDERATIONS ON THE WASHING OF THE FEET, BELOW

Washing of the Feet III
(Private Collection - formerly at the House of Prayer/
St. Rose Church, Santa Rosa, CA)

Darkness to Light   # 5
(Private Collection - Archdiocese of Northern California)

St. Joan of Arc

Sophia & the Redemption of  Light
Original Watercolor   20" x 25"
$ 1,950 (framed)

Michael & Raphael
(21" x 27" Giclee  $475; Framed $625)

Michael 2000 (& Balance)
(21" x 28")
$3,450 (Framed)

"Washing of the Feet" Series

Esoteric and Exoteric Considerations

Before discussing the topic of the "Washing of the Feet" as a theme for painting, I would like to make a couple of general comments about Illuminism. I am of the belief that the painting which is often associated with the Anthroposophic movement, inspired by Rudolf Steiner and developed by a number of painters  - in this case, most notably Liane Collot d'Herbois - is connected to an ancient stream continuing to this day of Light and Darkness. That stream of thinking intersects at some point with the whole tradition of Christian Ikon painting. Although stylistically, there is quite a difference and part of that certainly is because nearly a thousand years separates the two, still there is a definite connection. However, that is a topic that would be too large to address here.

Although the "foot washing" scene described in the Bible involves only one recipient...  In our imaginations it is possible to 'meditate' and envision how this event would be in each separate case, that is, with each disciple. The event described is ideal and universal - but it is more.

Prior to the Day of Foot Washing, there is another scene involving Martha and Mary in which Christ's feet are anointed with a rare and precious oil, then dried in the long hair of the woman disciple.  That is one polarity of sorts. Another polarity could be between the ancient day of Whitsun - the day of Holy Tongues. Of course, we must ask, "was all this real and literal? Is it fact?" I believe it was tranfactual, that is, its factual 'body' as transparent to deeper activity/reality.  Words took the form of deeds.

The concept of twelve disciples, of course, invites interpretation - symbolic, esoteric, etc., Two times twelve hours in a day; Twelve months (moons) of the year.... twelve houses of the Zodiac....twelve inches in a foot, and much more resonates to this number. Provided with the metaphor and magic of twelve-... and it is relatively simple to place the disciples numerically - or esoterically into relationship to the zodiac or birth orientation - star wisdom.  These 'fisherman' disciples fished for Christ. In fact, the word Christ is related to the word Fish and Pisces, the place in the zodiac as the feet of the firmament or universe.  The sun moved through each "house' in the cosmic year, defending the destiny of the particular epoch.

The seasons of the year vary according to Longitude. In pre-Christian times there was a great tradition of star wisdom (the stars once spoke to man). This more likely means that spiritual beings once spoke to man since mankind was still open to the spiritual world or clairvoyant.  The stars were grouped into constellations and the constellations were set in order. For example, Aquarius - the water man - was designated for that month in Spring when the annual rains fell over the deserts. All human activity, both inner and outer, depended upon this predictable event essential to the crops and herds which society depended upon. And so, throughout the year there was a practical relationship of the houses of the Zodiac with the living image of Nature.

The artist confronted with representation of the human figure, must resort to one of several levels: First of all, the mundane activities we are familiar with. Secondly, emotional states that arise and reveal themselves in body language or bodily expression.  Thirdly, then there is the symbolic gesture oft he body associated with some particular concept.  Lastly, there is the possibility that the inner (or etheric) body can be trained to be responsive to spiritual influences that arise in the cosmos, which find their expression through the human soul... In this sense there is a eurythmic truth relating color and the "drama" of the human figure in painting. 

In the paintings of the "Washing of the Feet" there was an attempt to explore each of the disciples in relationship to the cosmos/zodiac.  Yet this is just an attempt and should not be taken too literally, but left to the play of the imagination. I am often asked to be more specific. That is, "is this Saint Peter? or is that the disciple John?"  The paintings have both an exoteric and esoteric side. The foot washing is generally understood from its sociological side, as an act of selfless service and humility. It is generally understood that without this moral/ethical relationship, the survival of society is at risk. Additionally, Christianity promises that the one who serves in a loving way will be spiritually rewarded.

I would like to end by commenting on the Washing of the Feet I.   When I researched this project to find both text on this event and each disciple, and especially paintings on this topic, there were not many to be found. However, Leonardo da Vinci's famous work of "The Last Supper" provided much inspiration since each of the figures has a distinct gesture which is reminiscent of the euythmy gestures which encompass the WORD.  Christ is often referred to as the "Word."  Not only that, but Dr. Rudolf Steiner at times speaks of the etheric world as "the word."  So it is interesting when we consider "in the beginning was the Word and the Word was One with God and was a God. In Him was life and life was the light of Men I suppose that this same general principle would apply to any event which was witnessed by one, some or all of the disciples; and perhaps this could be extended to others such as Joseph of Armathea, Mary Magdalene, etc.

When looking at this picture, it is helpful to consider that the image of Christ is constant in color. That is, there is a weaving of a light magenta with a light green. All other positions change in color as they move around the centrality of Christ, Light of the World. In other words, think of it as darkness moving around the light, in front and behind.   John the beloved is often pictured as part of Christ. In one picture he is pouring water down the same water that is used for the foot washing. In another picture, he stands in the position of the cross and so on. The figures having their feet washed all are on a stool. One of the characteristic features is how the hands react. In this case of Peter (Simon) the arms are thrust back in a wing-like symbolic of the heart center being opened by the light of Christ's deed....that is the etheric body has been awakened to receive Christ in the heart. Above Christ, there is a circular, somewhat spiral weaving form which appeared in several pictures and for me was a kind of etheric heart.  The bodily position is rounded or oval, reminiscent of the womb and seed...gradually this position changes from disciple to disciple. The true value of these paintings is not in what I have to say about them (which may be helpful).  But in what conversation arises out of contemplation of the picture over a period of time. In this sense, the picture moves and reveals the Christ in us and each living being. 
- Leszek Forczek 2003