Wisdom Art: Inspirational Images
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Mary
A. Gravelle
Shooting
for the Gold
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Title: Shooting
for the Gold
Artist:
Mary
A. Gravelle
Medium: Oil on Canvas, 48"
Triangle
Background on this Painting:
This painting was created during the Fall of 2003. I became intrigued by the shape of the triangle and have been in hot pursuit of its truth for me.
About this Painting:
With the apex pointing upward, the triangle is a common symbol of fire and masculine virility. The equilateral triangle is often used as a sign of god or harmony.
I decided that this male triangle would be constructed out of a hard surface, Masonite, which was glued and nailed onto a 2" x 4" poplar frame backing. This hard surface would represent the strength and stability of male energy.
I chose a turquoise stone background for the male triangle because of its symbolism as Aztec Fire God and in gemstone lore it is the stone of courage, success, royal protection and the astrological sign of Sagittarius. All of these attributes are where I am right now - A Sagittarian who is mustering courage to begin a new life of success and requiring royal protection for my journey.
Male symbols are phalluses and I decided to take advantage of the peak of the top triangle point and form an arrow (also a sign of Sagittarius). Then, I added the circles (balls) for humor. The oranges and reds symbolize the fire element of yang masculinity.
Just as the female triangle required female skill sets in constructing her; likewise, constructing male triangle required the use of male tools and skill sets. Instead of fabric, thread, and needle, male triangle commanded lumber, nails, hammers, saws, and sanders.
Like the female triangle painting, the male triangle painting had its bevy of physical and emotional challenges in the process. When I was moving it out of the way, its easel collapsed, the masonite fell off the frame, and it fell flat on its face. It had to be re-glued. I had already painted the faux turquoise stone finish and worried that it would flatten the nice texture I had created. It did. As I fixed the male's edges, it had more emotional issues to be revealed and healed.
While female triangle's memories remained nebulous, male triangle brought to the forefront one specific incident to be remembered, forgiven, and forgotten. Hopefully this will be forever healed.
Seeking Truth of the Triangle
Subject and Meaning of this Project:
What happens inside, around, and outside the triangle? What is the mystery and intrigue of this shape all about for me right now? What would happen to me if I were able to hang out inside the triangular shape? What would be my experience? Would the Triangle transform me somehow? Would it cure my ills? Would it protect me? Would it transport me to another life? Would my experience follow that of the historical Bermuda Triangle?
My wonderment of this shape has begun a quest of seeking the truth of the triangle. For this mid-term, project, I looked for universal symbolism as well as mythology of the triangle to bestow me with its personal meaning. In seeking, I discovered a few truths of the triangle.
Conclusion: The Truth of the Triangle
This was a roll-up-your-sleeves project for me - emotionally and physically. Triangle's message for me - healing is happening. The sharp edges of the triangle corners are piercing deeply into my crusty old issues and they are crumbling and disappearing. The triangle has me in its center thrashing me about from corner to corner knocking out everything I no longer need for my journey. The center inside the triangle is mystery and chaos. The triangle shape is solid and strong. Areas outside of the triangle provide safekeeping for its inhabitants by piercing away evil and whatever is bad for its occupant.
I reread the chapter on the triangle in the artist, Wassily Kandinsky's book, The Spiritual in Art, last night (April 21) and now have complete cognition after painting my triangles and writing this paper. His idea on the triangle is that of spiritual growth of man and especially that of the artist's ability to portray the great visions to the masses -- "In every segment of the triangle are the artists." He divides the triangle into segments horizontally and believes that we progress spiritually upwards toward the apex. He states, "The whole triangle is moving slowly, almost invisibly forwards and upwards. Where the apex is today is where the second segment is tomorrow."
I feel eternally grateful this morning (April 22) as I reread and edit this paper. It is as if the Triangle has been in service to me and I have ridden it like a wild horse. I have felt Kandinsky's sense of riding up the triangle's segments, rising to my own spiritual greatness.
Artist Statement:
My art work is autobiographical in nature. Expressing through myself as the channel, my highest hope is that my art reaches the human spirit within the viewer. Using my inner reserves of life experience as inspiration, my art might emotionally tug at a place deep within others who may witness my art. Each one of us share the Human Journey, alone and yet not alone. May you feel the emotion of my art and be moved to new thought, new healing, and a new view of the world.
Contact Mary at:
Phone: 860-649-9701
Email: mary@wisdompainting.com
Posted: October 25, 2004
Written by Mary A. Gravelle
© Mary A. Gravelle 2004
THE END
Viewer: What do you see in the painting? How has the writing inspired you? Can you relate to anything here?
Please post your comments and share a little of yourself with us today. Thanks.
THE END.
Posted: 12/23/2007
© 2004 Mary A. Gravelle
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