|
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

Post your comments to our website: click
here.
Read what other's say, click here.
Email Mary: mary@wisdompainting.com
Inspiring Images Art Gallery, click
here.
Global Art Project 2002 CT Artists
Art Gallery, click here.
Home
|