Today's post has been inspired by a visit to Pearle's blog of REDPEARL (as she left a comment on my last bloggy) and a conversation l had last Friday with my mum and Aunty... They all got me a thinking about the therapeutic value of art... I guess all we artists (and we are ALL artists! So 'Suzi Blu' reminds me) have come, one way or another, to understand the value of self expression through art and it was never more 'real' in my life as when on Christmas 2005 l was diagnosed with breast cancer... The above pic is a mandala l created during the following journey l had with chemo... This was my first 'play' with pastels/mixed media (Click for a closer view) and typically l did not start with a circle (!!) but this pic did go on to provide much emotional (and so physical) healing... l could never have imagined at the time, that this kind of self expression would go on to have the powerful effect that it did in my life... It was created in the setting of a class and my teacher at the time told me to place it on the wall of my bedroom and as l went on to spend many a thoughtful day 'laid up' there in recuperation, it was indeed the perfect place for contemplation... To me (and it still continues to evolve and 'speak' to me) it was a conversation with myself about the illness l had and it's value or 'place' in my life... It talks about my 'face-to-face' with death and my decision to see the journey as a rebirth... It talks of my pain and when this particular pain 'began' in my life... It talks of the 'Autumn' of my life and of my faith and what l choose to 'believe' in... It talks of the 'tools' l might use and the help l might receive and it talks of the journey that l am still upon 'into' the feminine... I went on to discover many prophetic images in this piece of art, that at the time l was (consciously at least) completely unaware of ... Such insight, such revelation, such beauty and MaGiC is aRt... no?
6 comments:
this piece is amazing~ you are a strong warrior woman!
funny you mentioned b12. i just had blood taken again & they're also testing for b12~
That is one of the most honest pieces of Art I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing it, and your words, and the beauty of your journey. You are deeply appreciated--deeply loved.
Peace & Love.
I have had similar experiences with art too many times to doubt it. Often art-making is a kind of wake dreaming.
There is amazing symbolism in that piece. Profound. I can understand how you could have stared at it for days.
Thanks girls *HUGS* 'n *HUGS*
This is a beautiful post, Vicki. As well as a beautiful piece of art. I admire your acceptance of the path that was laid out for you and your willingness to follow the journey and be open to learn along the way.
I am such a newbie in the art world. I'm reading a book called "Finding Your Visual Voice: A Painter's Guide to Developing an Artistic Style" The first chapter or two encourages you to explore realistic vs. expressive art. I am much more drawn to internal inspiration rather than external. I love art work that uses symbolism and has meaning for the artist and that can reach out to touch the hearts and spirits of viewers, as you have done in your mandala painting.
I'm very happy to have met you Miss Nolly Posh!
Vicky, wow, so beautiful. Your words and your art.
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