This week GEORGE KOKIS, master clay sculptor, mythologist extraordinaire, and I am sure a King from days of yore, made his journey to the other side. George was one of the most important teachers/mentors that life has brought me. When I was a new Alexander teacher, I had the good fortune of teaching each summer for 10 years at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. I met some of my greatest, lifelong friends at Penland, and two of my most important guides and teachers. Paulus Berensohn and GEORGE KOKIS. George invited me to take part in his workshop, “THE ODYSSEY IN CLAY.” He brought me back into the eternal world of Greek Mythology that I had loved as a child. George showed me how putting various elements together in the room, along with an art process, produced an alchemy of spirit, growth, and access to the muse. His work was an enormous incentive for me to teach in Greece and to create my own classes fusing myth, dance, Alexander/somatic awareness, spoken word, and environment. Participants in my Greece workshops have experienced a part of George’s legacy - he inspired and encouraged me, and so many others, so much! George was deeply devoted to his family, students, the creative spirit, to joy of living. George, I shall do many Greek Folk Dances for you! You are there every time I face my fears about bringing all these elements together. You taught me so much about calling the Goddesses and Gods into my life. My love and condolences to your beloved wife Cindy and the family. Paulus and George, I hope you are visiting together now. FLY FREE GEORGE. WE LOVE YOU.
