Rudolf Kortokraks would have turned 96 today. He was an influential artist of expressive realism. The photo shows him playing with his cousin, my grandmother Gabriele (also a realist painter).

Recently his daughters became aware of me. Anna sent me this photo and I already knew it from my grandmother. I colored it and removed scratches.

He was a student of Oskar Kokoschka and later taught at the Summer Academy in Salzburg, which was founded by Kokoschka. Rudolf Kortokraks was associated with the "School of Seeing," also initiated by Kokoschka. This is an approach to art education that emphasizes direct observation and the intuitive grasp of reality.

Here are some of the core principles:

1. Direct Perception: Central to the philosophy is the ability to see and capture the visual world. Students are encouraged to develop their skills in observing the world around them with fresh eyes and to authentically depict what they see.

2. Emotional Experience: Alongside visual perception, emotional experience plays a crucial role. Art should not only represent what is seen but also convey the artist's inner feelings and reactions.

3. Individual Expression: The "School of Seeing" promotes personal style and individual expression. There are no rigid rules or prescribed styles; artists are encouraged to find their own paths and realize their own visions.

4. Intensive Nature Studies: Nature and reality are key sources of inspiration. A deep engagement with nature and a careful study of forms, colors, and light are central to the practice.

5. Holistic Learning: Art is seen as an integral part of human life and thought. Interdisciplinary approaches and the interplay of art with other areas of life are encouraged.

The Peace Linden in Bommersheim 🌳🕊

My name also has a connection to peace, because Frederic is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful ruler" or "peaceful king." It's derived from the elements "frid," meaning "peace," and "ric," meaning "ruler" or "king." 🫅🕊

My surname "Hilpert" is of German origin as well. It is derived from the Middle High German personal name "Hildebert," which combines the elements "hild," meaning "battle," and "berht," meaning "bright" or "famous." So, "Hilpert" likely originated as a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Hildebert." However, there are other possible explanations for the origin of my surname.

🌳👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

Sacred Tree: In Germanic mythology, the linden tree was considered sacred and was often associated with Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. It was believed to possess protective and healing properties.

Community and Justice: The linden tree often stood in the center of villages and towns in Germanic regions, serving as a meeting place for gatherings, judicial proceedings, and social events. The idea was that the linden tree symbolized community, peace, and fairness.

Protection and Love: It was also thought to offer protection against evil spirits and to bring good luck. In folklore, linden trees were associated with love and fidelity, with many stories and songs linking the tree to romantic themes.

Healing Properties: The linden tree was renowned for its medicinal properties. Its flowers, leaves, and wood were used in various remedies to treat ailments such as colds, headaches, and anxiety, emphasizing its role in nurturing and healing.

Wishing you a happy new year! 🤗 May it be filled with new adventures, joy and fortune. ✨🎉🍀💖

I guess you could say Dakota is a bit of a mouse-etarian!🐁