The Altar

 Recently 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, the altar 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 altar? 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 altar knowing that I would be haunted by this image until I found a way to express and share it.

A little back story. I have always looked at animals and nature as my guides. Soon after my mom passed, as I walked my dog, I’d 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!

Back to the altar. I decided that I wanted to create a painting placing the altar on a tree trunk 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 altar were shaped like hearts. I realized the release of sorrow that I felt that day was my own. A release of the grief for all that was lost in the year of hindsight, and the feeling of gratitude for the wisdom gained. May the gifts of nature and animals bring us joy, insight and wisdom.