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Gathering Strength
Mary A. Gravelle

In Process Photos, Click Here

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Title: Gathering Strength
Artist Mary A. Gravelle
Size/Medium
Tempera on Paper, 72" x 108"

About this Painting:

This painting took shape while attending the Painting From the Source training in 2000. It spanned two of our 10-day meetings.

Although, I painted this about five years ago, it still feels potent as well as vulnerable. I share it with you now because it's time has come. It is truly amazing what transpires in one's life over time. I didn't do a lot of writing on this painting. I seemed to favor taking in-process photos instead. 

The painting received its first image from my first feeble attempt at a self-portrait while taking my first Figure Drawing class. 

As I write, I realize that the painting process was my real life "in-process". As I painted, I grew and shed parts of me that were ready to go. And new parts arrived on the scene. 

I ask that you view the in-process photos reverently and respectfully. I don't know if you can tell what might have occurred emotionally during the painting process or not. Just in case, view it slowly and breathe as you take in each new stage of the painting.

Perhaps there are messages for you along the way. They might be different messages than I received because you are a different person. And there might be some of the same messages because we share the universal cosmos of human experience. Feel free to post your comments / messages received any time. Others may benefit from your experience.

Below is a passage that I found that I did write. It's funny that until I re-read it just now, I didn't realize how the painting took shape. The message of this passage fits totally with the in-process photos as well as my in-process life over the past five years. 

The character on top of her head is Lucy, a very funny dove! She just cracked me up when she flew up there and sat down.  See the in-process photos of where she originally showed up in the painting. The owl's name is Oscar. He's very silent and available in sharing his wisdom. The woman's name changed from Cornelius to Cora over the course of the painting. You can view their details by clicking on the image in page 3 of the Gallery.

 

Sunday, March 18, 2000

I drew a Goddess Stone: Eyes, Reflecting Inner Vision

Dolni Goddess

Eye Goddess: Syria, 5,000 years old, protecting smaller inner child Goddess. Her eyes reflect on the outside what she knows to be true on the inside, creating a divine union like that of Mother and Child.

Concentric semi circles flowing out in wavelike rhythm from center act as a mandala. It is illuminated by the Sun at Summer Solstice, a time of accelerated growth and fruition.

Meeting our Divine Source teaches us inner vision. 

The Eyes of the Goddess are associated with the Bird Goddess, in particular the owl. The wisdom of owl has survived to the present day in art, myth and folklore.

The Eyes of the Goddess predict a deep and heartfelt transformation in your perception of relationships. Whether its with yourself, family, lovers, friends, peers, or yourself. If your view of the world has been blinded by fear, distrust or scarcity, use your imagination to replace old, self-defeating and self-limiting illusions. Imagine seeing the world through the eyes of a child.

Carry the Eyes of the Goddess with you to know the way it can be. Let your Goddess Guides show you a world through the perspective of "fullness", reflecting and acting on a picture of wholeness and holiness. Learn by watching the trees grow. Listen to the wise woman within. She is your witness. You may have to take another path. The one you're contemplating may be attractive for all the wrong reasons. The unknown is frightening. Compulsive action is often mindless. Look into eyes of love. There is a reward waiting. It may slow you momentarily but will focus your intent and purposes. Like Artemis, do not release the arrow until sure of your target.

Gather images that evoke: clarity, trust, self-confidence, satisfaction, awe

Colors: Clear, sparkling blue, iridescent purple.

Fragrances: Peppermint, coffee, caraway

Spider Goddess (I looked up Spider Goddess because I had a huge problem with spiders in Sante Fe crawling into my bed and up my wall. It was quite frightening, I must say).

In the invisible magic that unites creative vision with action, you will find the efforts of Spider Woman at work.

Spider Goddess says its time to weave the sacred dimension of creativity back into your life. Shift gears and experience your own creative world, whether its art, music, lovemaking, writing, etc. She reminds you that sacred dimensions of being are not "out there". The sacred dwells within and waits for you.

Remember, you don't have to be an artist to be creative. Most likely your "art education" would interfere with the sacred and shamanic dimensions of creativity.

Qualities to emulate: creative, diligent, intuitive, persistent

Colors: Turquoise blue.

Summary

It's been almost five years and I seem to be back in the same place. Everything I have typed here seems right on target for where I am today. Hopefully, I have walked the spiral upwards and find myself in a higher dimension of the same place. Geesh, do we ever arrive?

THE END

This painting is not for sale.

Please let us know what your thoughts are on this painting or anything that I have written here. Post your comments.

Bio:

Mary A. Gravelle is an artist who uses the art making process to learn more about herself. As a result, her art is autobiographical in nature. Others can relate on a personal level with her art because of our universal human connections. Mary also has a panache for helping others discover more about themselves through the art making process. 

To contact Mary directly, phone 860-649-9701
Email: mary@wisdompainting.com 

Posted: January 16, 2005
Written by Mary A. Gravelle

© 2005 Mary A. Gravelle

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: 05/19/2007
© 2004 Mary A. Gravelle

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