The Blending Of Wisdoms
Medium: Oil on cradled wood panel
Size: 36" x 24" x 1.5"
Availability: Sold
Contact the artist about this artwork
Artist Comments
 |  |  |
I have been working on a series of owl paintings, but what really
started this series was all together something different.
While helping to clean the creek near our home I discovered
a mysterious treasure in the woods. On the edge of an abandoned
homeless camp, secluded under a tree, was a most magical,
simple, altar. Created out of rocks, a rose bud, rose petals and
leaves that were later added by Mother Nature and a soft breeze,
the alter was hauntingly beautiful.
It appeared to me that whoever built this was trying to create
beauty to soften pain and sorrow in their lives. The altar evoked
a deep sadness, and at the same time a sense of gratitude in
these beautiful natural objects. What was the story behind these
treasures picked from the forest floor carefully placed in devotion,
creating a personal yet universal alter? What were they surrendering?
I wanted this person to know that they were seen and heard.
That they mattered.
I had my phone with me so I took a photo of the alter knowing
that I would be haunted by this image until I found a way to
express and share it.
A little back story. My mom passed about 7 years ago.
I have always looked at animals and nature as my guides. So
soon after she passed, when I walked my dog I would ask
her to come to me as something. A crow, a magpie, a deer.
Something.
Nothing.
A lot of walks later I said ok mom todays the day. Bring me a sign,
say hello. At the very end of my walk as I was heading up the
driveway feeling defeated, I looked down to see a heart shaped rock.
And that was the start of hearts appearing everywhere!
I even found a 5 of hearts playing card on a walk (3 siblings,
myself and my mom - 5). She has gotten very creative
over the years.
Now back to the altar. I decided that I wanted to create a painting
placing the altar at the base of the tree in gratitude and reverence
for nature. I also wanted to add the owl for the wisdom and
knowledge that nature and wildlife has to share with us.
Blending the wisdoms of nature, animals, humans, and the
spirit within all things.
So I printed out the photo of the altar and started drawing
out my idea. As I was drawing I notice three of the rocks in
the alter were shaped like hearts.
And I realized the release of sorrow that I felt at that alter was my own.
A release of the grief for all that was lost in the year of hindsight.