The Journal of Genius

This has been one of the most enlightening courses I have ever attended. Not only have I had the opportunity to work with several extremely talented individuals in interpreting Blake; but we have also managed to discuss politics, sex, religion, visions, and existentialism with great ease. No where, no other place, no other classroom has done this much with Blake (except perhaps in London). We have read the major texts, with still much left to explore. We have personally invested our efforts and assimilated our abilities to creating a product engraving that expresses the Blakean Art; with still more to fashion. We have analyzed the illuminated plates of our readings; with still much left to conquer. I consider this just the beginning.

A major theme that I chose to explore was the peaceful state of sleep—and how images of dreamlike state can differentiate between texts. I especially became fascinated with the topics of Innocence & Experience. One might say I have lost my innocence through reading Blake, yet The bard has played his flute, and now I am left, riding on his back, for my wings are heavy with knowledge. Through the use of technology and hands-on artistry, I was able to explore the many facets of Blake’s influence. His works go beyond art & imagination, beyond logic & reason, past religion & mythology, and envelope political history and revolution. Blake is the poet of genius. In his following, I leave my own, small—unflattering journal of genius. The purpose of this journal, to me, is to guide me in my voyage towards understanding, and better comprehension of the Blakean Principle.

A special thank you to our highly esteemed professor, Debbie Lee, Ph.D.