Tony Galuidi (Member no: 2580)

The Old Stones

Why were they created? When and why did they eventually abandon them? The most intriguing question, however, is why we are still drawn to them

MEGALITHS

The United Kingdom houses a rich collection of prehistoric standing stones and ancient stone monuments. Many academics have attempted to explain why our Neolithic and Bronze age ancestors built these structures but the bottom line is that we just don’t know. Some claim they were built to study the celestial movements of the planets and others that they had ritualistic significance. Perhaps they were built as social gathering places or even for the worship of whatever gods appealed to those early inhabitants of the north of England.

In a time when we understand just about every scientific aspect of our civilised existence the true purpose of these ancient stones eludes us. I think we like that. We like the mystery and are comforted by the knowledge that we don’t have all the answers.

We’re also fascinated by the questions that are summoned by these archaic stones. Why were they created? When and why did they eventually abandon them? The most intriguing question, however, is why we are still drawn to them. Anybody who has studied or even visited any of these megalithic sites will have felt the power and ‘pull’ of the stones. What is that? Gravity? Wishful thinking? Romantic imaginings? Scientific awe?

Or maybe it’s something else. Something that we don’t fully understand which reaches out and connects us to our more primal selves. A yearning for the sublime, the ache of history or the longing for a more mysterious, less mundane existence.

Certainly, there are more questions than answers and isn’t that a good thing?

All of my paintings are acrylic on canvas. Most are quite large and two of them are over 6 feet tall. In my work I attempt to portray the atmospheric and emotional elements that these fabulous megaliths stir in me. More of my work can be seen on my website. www.tonygaluidiart.com. I donate all of the proceeds from my art to good causes

Tony Galuidi