At the Light Table 018

30,000 years ago, our ancestors were creating some fine work. Roger Lee didn't discussed any of this in art history class. Or he did and I wasn't paying attention.

At the Light Table 017

Uvic Continuing Studies' is hosting a series of sessions led by Genevieve von Petzinger entitled, "Becoming Human - The Origins of Art and Symbolic Behaviour." Ms. von Petzinger researches geometric signs at rock art sites across Europe and the world. Her work has been recognized by TED, who recently made her a TED fellow.

I first encountered von Petzinger's research in a New Scientist infographic.

One of the questions in the Continuing Studies' course outline is, "Where did this (creative) urge come from and how long ago did it start?" Having sat in a couple of sessions, it's obvious "when" is the way easier question to answer.

As von Petzinger describes "prehistoric humans," I wonder if we're really discussing ourselves. It's almost like asking, "Why did Rothko paint No.1 (Royal Red and Blue)?" or "Why would Ford put a blue oval on its vehicles?"