Deborah J. Haynes Knihy

The title of this engaging work emphasizes that the author lives, works, and creates art in this place--a particular site in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The subtitle indicates that place is the arena for investigating engagement with the land and nature, art and creativity, and spiritual life. By exploring the significance of place in our fragmented world and by using her artistic practice as an example, the author hopes to offer readers new definitions of the interrelationship of religion and art. Haynes is the first to examine the intersection of these three themes, which may be variously defined. First, the land and nature provide the literal site for the book, and the language of ecology is woven throughout. In the face of contemporary global crises, Haynes believes that we have a moral imperative to address how we live and work in the physical environment. Second, visual art, creativity, and the creative process are discussed using historical and contemporary examples. Haynes is a philosopher of art and an artist, whose primary creative work involves carving marble and drawing. Using her stone sculptures to frame the book's chapters, she takes readers on a meandering journey into the history, philosophy, and practice of art. Third, the religious and spiritual life is highlighted with examples from both her practice of yoga and Buddhist meditation as well as from her work with hospice patients.

Focusing on the evolution of the artist's role throughout history, the book explores how artists have served as prophetic critics and visionaries in contemporary society. It delves into the responsibilities and influences of artists in shaping cultural narratives and addressing societal issues, emphasizing their importance in both historical and modern contexts.

Exploring the significance of Mikhail Bakhtin's theories, this work examines their impact on the visual arts. It delves into how Bakhtin’s concepts of dialogism and heteroglossia can enhance our understanding of artistic expression and interpretation. By bridging literary theory and visual culture, the book offers fresh insights into the interplay between language and imagery, encouraging a deeper appreciation of art as a dynamic and communicative medium.

Exploring the contemporary artist's journey, this book delves into the unique challenges faced in the twenty-first century, including the need for specific skills to navigate them. It addresses profound themes such as impermanence, suffering, and the essence of spiritual expression through art. Deborah J. Haynes combines practical insights with philosophical reflections, emphasizing virtues like generosity and compassion. Each chapter is enriched with personal anecdotes and visuals from her artistic endeavors, creating a deeply engaging narrative.

Rehabilitating some of Bakhtin's neglected ideas and reframing him as a philosopher of aesthetics, Bakhtin Reframed will be essential reading for the huge community of Bakhtin scholars as well as students and practitioners of visual culture.