The wisdom of not knowing. Drawing by Mike Heseltine.

The wisdom of not knowing

I understand the wisdom of not knowing as the ability to see things without labels, judgements or pre conceived ideas. We begin to see the world like a child and transcend conceptualisation. A clarity of thought and perception replaces the distraction of previously learnt interpretation and labelling. Picasso said "It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” and Jesus said " ...unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven". I think both quotes are not suggesting we regress to a childlike state, but rediscover seeing the world without conceptualisation. If we can look beyond the labels and judgements, we see the world as it really is. In the drawing, the labyrinth leads us to the centre, where there is nothing. My interpretation is that having 'Nothing', especially no thoughts, is the key which opens the door to wisdom. When we return through the labyrinth, we can see the world 'without knowing'. - When we leave the labyrinth, as per the drawing, having found nothing and accepting there is no magic discovery or information to solve all the problems in our lives, then I think that is liberating. If we can be comfortable with 'not knowing' then this opens the door to imagination, creativity and wonder. I believe that all the great discoveries, great art and literature is founded and driven by an initial acceptance of 'not knowing'. Perhaps 'not knowing' is the answer?

Limited Edition signed print.
£85 including p&p (Frame and mount not included).
Hand signed and numbered prints limited to a total run of 500.
Archival Giclee print on acid free 220g/m2 high quality watercolour paper.

Archival Giclee prints are produced using very high quality inks producing a high level of quality and longevity. The above image is an example of the type of framing we use but please note the frame and mount is not included in the price. The actual size of the image (including a margin to show the signature and number) is 20.5cm x 29cm.

We recommend you frame your print with a deep mount of approximately 10-15cm and a simple wooden frame. This makes the overall frame size approximately 45cm x 55cm.

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