33. “Our crisis is an aesthetic crisis” – on art, education and ecology // JAN VAN BOECKEL

What could art making and aesthetics mean to us in these difficult times? Can we justify going off to paint or to spend time in nature when there is so much destruction going on in the world? Aesthetics is about opening up our senses to the world - but do we even want to stay sensitive when there is so much pain? How do we deal with that paradox? Today’s episode is with artist and educator Jan van Boeckel. Jan’s work brings together art, education and ecology. He has been Professor in Art & Sustainability at Hanze University in the Netherlands and is now a Senior Research Associate there. He is also an avid painter, and hosts wild painting courses throughout Europe. LINKS TO THINGS WE TALKED ABOUTJan’s websiteJan’s Wild painting coursesActive Facebook group on arts-based environmental education“Call of the mountain” – a film on Arne Næss and deep ecologyEveryone is an artist - Joseph BeuysEnabling constraintsJames Hillman: Our crisis is an aesthetic crisisGregory Bateson writes about “the pattern that connects” in Mind and NatureDavid Abram (who talks about Eros)Robert Jay Lifton and psychic numbingRenée Lertzman’s book Environmental MelancholiaBayo Akomolafe: the times are urgent, let’s slow down.F. Scott Fitzgerald : Superior intelligence is the ability to embrace two completely contrary ideas, and still retain the ability to functionBill Wahpepah of the American Indian MovementSHARE AND SUBSCRIBE🎙️ The FoT Substack is now live! Become a free or paid subscriber and receive newsletters direct to your inbox.🎧 All episodes and more at ⁠forestofthought.substack.com⁠.💜 Support us on ⁠Patreon⁠ or Substack.⁠🎵 Our theme music is by Christian Holtsteen. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forestofthought.substack.com/subscribe