Twentieth-century art has usually been analysed in terms of intellectual aesthetic principles. But several important artists of this century were motivated less by aesthetic ideas than by spiritual values. Ann Davis considers the work of five of the most dynamic and innovative Canadian painters of the period: Bertram Brooker, Emily Carr, Lawren Harris, Jock Macdonald, and Fred Varley. She shows how these artists strove to work with mystical forms, those involved a transcendent, direct, selfless, unitive experience of God or ultimate reality.

None of these artists was motivated solely by mystical concerns, but each was deeply interested in such matters. In focusing on those works, writings, as well as painting, which do reflect their fascination with spiritual issues, we are able to see how these artists tried, in very individual ways, to delineate their visions of eternal life.

Anne Davies, PhD, has worked in most Canadian provinces, in American states, and overseas. She works with educators at every level—primary to post-secondary, as well as with parents. Anne is involved with schools and jurisdictions in multi-year projects, working closely with local educators. This allows her to help people find assessment-for-learning solutions that work in a specific context. Anne does sessions at home in the Comox Valley, and works with educators in various locations to provide workshops to meet local needs. She also works with professional development and instructional leaders. Anne has written and produced numerous multimedia resources and books, including Making Classroom Assessment Work and co-authoring the Knowing What Counts series. Her newest project is a multimedia resource titled The Facilitator's Guide to Classroom Assessment (K–12).

Ann Davis' profile page