Bare Foot

Artists Statement

Art, some argue the fine points of form verses function...but I believe the form is the function. Creation is our most divine gift. The act of creating is a most sacred process practiced throughout all time and all cultures.

Sometimes the form has a "practical function" in that it was created to be usable/useful in some way, an "asthetic function" in that it is meant for the senses in some way, a "cathartic function" in that it provides a therapuetic experience for the creator and/or observer/user, or simply an "entertainment function" in that it was created because it was fun or play.

But almost anyone who allows themselves to create something, anything, speaks of the spiritual nature of the process either literally or figuratively and say similar things like: at times it almost doesn't even seem to come from them, that they felt a sudden inspiration, that they suddenly saw a metaphor and had a shift in consciousness, that it is a form of meditation, that it is cathartic, or that it helps them or others in some way.

Often people tell me that they have no creative talent and I reply that it is their divine birthright. There is no law that states all creations must be fine art. They just need to be created, that is all that is required.

I chose this thesis to show that in the right light, every creation is art, and creating is a powerful way to connect to the divine within. Creation feeds the soul and this is my invitation to you: go make art, go create something that has meaning to you, paint, draw, write, sing, sew, play an instrument, use found objects in nature, cut and paste, sculpt, garden, cook, build a sandcastle, just go make something and have fun. Use momentos, symbols and images that have meaning to you.

The only rule is that you don't judge the "quality" of your creation, it may not be your perfect vision, but it is yours, and if you enjoy the process of your creation and you continue to practice it, eventually you will become more skilled at manifesting your visions.

My artwork takes many forms and it is a spiritual practice. Often my creations have a personal momento or token incorporated with them or is of spiritual and symbolical significance which enhances their sacredness to me.

I do not proclaim to be a great artist, a fine artist, nor am I necessarily striving to be, though I certainly hope my work speaks to others in a positive way, regardless of their imperfection. My creations are my souls expression of all that I am. I hope they touch you, but most importantly I hope they will ease the intimidation and inspire you to to create something of your own.

And for those of you that are already creating and know yourselves to be artists, I would love your comments.

I chose a weblog for the presentation of my work so that everyone who was kind enough to visit my site could comment on any given piece, and are able to email a link that goes directly to any piece to any email address, if you are inspired to share or return. Thus, it becomes our creation together, and my final thesis piece.

Please offer your comments, questions or any feedback about the site or any individual entry.
Tips are in the above entry.

Thank you so very much for spending some time here, it is a great honor for me.

Bright Blessings to you and yours.

Namaste,

jeannette

Overview: Common Symbols in Water Color & Pencil (WCP)

Much of my work contains recurring symbols. The origins and meanings of the symbols are described below, rather than repeated in each presentaion. The information presented here is gathered from personal experience, coursework and studies and is additionally quoted from various sources within my bibliography.

Wings/Butterflies:
Throughout my life I have always felt an affinity with butterflies, their gentle floating and amazing coloring, the transformation from caterpillar, the rich variety of symbolism, metaphor and mythology, continue to fascinate and inspire me.

“The butterfly is one of the oldest images of transformation. No one who, as a child, has waited for a caterpillar to turn into a butterfly can forget the moment when the earth bound caterpillar becomes the beautiful winged creature that flies away. Some 8000 years ago, the caterpillar and the butterfly suggested that there were two aspects to a single life form: one was ‘born’ out of the other. Thus it became one of the oldest images to suggest the regeneration of life from an outworn form and, analogously, the survival of the soul after the death of the body.” (The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe – Marija Gimbutas – page 186)

“Psyche was the Greek word for both soul and butterfly, dating from the belief that human souls became butterflies while searching for a new reincarnation. The mythical romance of the maiden Psyche, beloved by the god Eros, was really an allegory of the soul’s union with the body and of their subsequent separation. The Celts also believed in fly-souls and butterfly-souls which, like bird-souls, flew about seeking a new mother. It was thought that women became pregnant by swallowing such creatures. In Irish myth, Etain took the form of a butterfly for seven years, then entered the drinking cup of Etar (Etarre), who swallowed her, and so brought her to rebirth. In her second incarnation, Etain married Eochy, the High King of Ireland. It is still said in Cornwall that the spirits of the dead take the form of white butterflies. It is also said in Mexico and Siberia. Butterflies were soul symbols in the Far East as well as Western Europe. The Chinese considered a jade butterfly the essential emblem of love, suggesting a wedding of souls. The most appropriate gift for a bridegroom to give his bride in China was a jade butterfly.” (The Woman’s Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects – Barbara G. Walker – page 415)

“…Early Greeks believed human souls could occupy flying insects while passing from one life to the next. The belief was not forgotten. At Carcassonne in 1329, an amorous Carmelite monk was accused of witchcraft for hiding love charms in women’s houses. It was charged that he also called up Satan and sacrificed a butterfly to him, in symbolic offering of the soul.” (The Woman’s Dictionary of Myths and Secrets – Barbara G. Walker – page 826)

The butterfly continues to be a metaphor for transformation, reincarnation and romance, globally in modern culture references:

“Butterfly – Rebirth in higher form; transmutation of energy. The beauty that comes from trusting the process of growth through all its ups and downs, emerging triumphant in new awareness.” (The Dream Book – Betty Bethards – page 79)
“Social success, romantic success, and/or domestic happiness is forecast by a dream of these gaily colored creatures.” (The Dreamers Dictionary - Lady Stearn Robinson & Tom Corbett – page 72)

“Butterfly – The soul; immortality. As changing from the mundane caterpillar, through the state of dissolution, to the celestial winged creature, it is rebirth, resurrection. Also, like the double headed axe, a symbol of the Great Goddess. Celtic: The soul; fire. Chinese: Immortality; abundant leisure; joy. The butterfly with the chrysanthemum portrays beauty in old age; with the plum, it is longevity. Christian: Resurrection; its stages of development are life, death and resurrection. Sometimes shown in the hand of the Christ Child. Greek: Immortality; the soul; the psyche; also Psyche in Greek art. Japanese: A vain woman; a geisha; a fickle lover. A pair of butterflies is conjugal happiness; a white butterfly is a spirit of the dead. Maori: The soul.” (An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Traditional Symbols – J.C. Cooper – page 27-28)

These modern associations get their foundations in the above referenced cultures and eras, however, less known in mainstream society is that throughout history, in ancient cultures, the butterfly can now be recognized as being associated with the Great Goddess and the cultures that worshipped her, as is evident through the arts and crafts uncovered:

“On a Late Minoan vase from Mochlos, the Deity as half-woman/half-butterfly is depicted with a stemlike columnar body, upraised arms, and butterfly wings…on a Late Minoan pithos from Pseira, the central butterfly has widespread wings sectioned by bands of parallel lines…floral motifs and bull heads with butterflies like flowers between the horns…the symbolic context is further enhanced by bands of butterflies, circles, spirals, concentric circles, and double spiral flowers…” (The Language of the Goddess – Marija Gimbutas – pages: 23)

“Scenes of regeneration and hymns to rising life are portrayed on Late Minoan sarcophagi…features panels of sacred horns with rising butterflies, shells, and buds…it is a declaration of the triumph of life, in which plants, animals, and sea life participate.”

“The butterfly was one of the many insectomorphic manifestations of the Goddess in whose hands was the magical transformation from death to life.” (The Language of the Goddess – Marija Gimbutas – pages: 23)

“The emblem of the Great Goddess in its origin has nothing to do with the axe; it antedates the appearance of metal axes by several thousand years. In the second millenium BC, because of their increasing importance axes were made in imitation of a butterfly (therefore double bladed). When finally the butterfly became the double-axe, the image of the goddess as a butterfly continued to be engraved on double-axes. Moreover, on painted Minoan vases there is frequently an anthropomorphic image of the goddess having wings in the shape of a double-axe, an echo of the goddess’ epiphany in the shape of a butterfly.” (The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe – Marija Gimbutas – page 187)


Spirals:
Spirals have been found on every continent in ancient sites. We have recently discovered that our universe is formed in a spiral, our DNA in spiral strands, indeed it is likely our bodies form in a spiral from the imbilical cord. It would seem that instictivly we feel and want to illustrate a connection with this.

"A highly complex symbol which has been used since paleolithic times and appears in pre-dynastic Egypt, Crete, Mycenae, Mesopotamia, India, China, Japan, pre-Columbian America, Europe, Scandinavia, and Britain; it also appears in Oceana, but not in Hawaii. It variously represents both solar and lunar powers,; the air; the waters; rolling thunder and lightening; it is also a vortex; the great creative force; emanation...a manifestation of energy in nature." (An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Tradtional Symbols, page 156)

Additionally it is believed that the spiral symbol inspired the creation of labyrinths.

Nature:
Nature is the inspiriation of our culture, our ancient ancestors viewed the cycle of nature, earth, the seasons, the moon, stars, and sun and learned to survive and create a foundation based on these observations. Today, many of our cultures are removed from nature and only glimpse its beauty and sacredness occassionally. Throughout time, people have been called to reproduce what they see and to try to understand their place on the world by relating to the environment around them.

Sun, Moon and Stars are common natural symbols in my work. The sun has many metaphors attached to it, but is most often referred to as a metaphor for the masculine and the moon as feminine.

WCP - Tree

Watercolor, Apprx size: 8.5 x 11 - Prints for sale $15.00 each

Artists Notes:
I would love to be sitting in this tree, feeling the warmth of the sun and the slight chill of the breeze on my face and watching the butterflies soaring beneath me. I find that I sketch trees often, and examine them frequently when out in nature. I love them, they are often majestic, strong and beautiful. This is not based on an actual tree, just my imagination of a tree in the sun, on a breezy day.

WCP - Two Sides

Watercolor - Approximately 8.5x11 - Prints for Sale $15.00 each


Artists Notes:
In truth, there are many sides to me, but in this painting I represent the ancient and the feminine. One side is a curvy young woman with long flowing hair, natural, sexy, beautiful. The other, the wise serious woman with wild ethereal hair, magical, spiritual and sacred. Nested inside watery wings, it had an Atlantean feeling to me. Maiden and Crone, Peasant and Priestess, Physical and Spiritual.

WCP - Conception

Watercolor - Approximately 8.5x11 - Prints for sale $15.00 each


Artists Notes:
I awoke one morning and truly felt reborn. Overnight, I had experienced a transformation. I painted this in only a few moments, sketching first in watercolor pencil and then painting in watercolor. Watercolor as the medium felt wholly appropriate as the painting feels very womb-like to me, and also representative in color and form of the sea. The moon, an egg, or bubble floating gently within something larger and more powerful, yet still protected. The joining and spiraling inside, representing the coming together of self, the birth of an idea, the beginning of new life.

WCP - Wings

Watercolor - Approximately 8.5x11 - prints for sale $15.00 each


Artists Notes:
I believe that most little girls (and probably boys too) dream of having their own wings. I often imagined that mine were deeply colorful, sheer, shiny and very beautiful. The soul seems restricted in this physical form and weighed down, wings remind me to lighten up, to think of angels and faeries. One of my favorite mediations involves imaging yourself to be flying over a beautiful hillside and I like to imagine that these wings carry me. See Butterfly notes above in Common Symbols post.

WCP - Spiral Sunset

Watercolor - Approximately 8.5x11 - prints for sale $15.00 each

Artists Notes:
Watercolor is great for sunsets! You can melt all of the colors just like the sky. It doesn't matter if you are a terrific painter or a beginner, paint because its fun, paint because its good for your soul! I like the spiral sun here, it lends itself to the idea of the sun disappearing at sunset, and blending into all the colors of the sky. See the Spiral notes in the Common Symbols post above.

SDCP - Lavender

Lavender, Watercolor pencils, appx 8.5 x 6 - Prints For Sale - $15.00 each

Artists Notes:
I use a lot of essential oils and lavender is my favorite. I like to always have at least one live lavendar plant in my garden, this sketch is from one of my garden plants. Lavender is a great plant to grow, easy to maintain, it needs little to thrive, it smells heavenly, and it has many remedial properties. This is actually the first spring plant I purchased and planted when I moved to the Central Coast last year, and I wanted to capture its simple beautiful essence.

WCP - Sacred Circle

Pencil, appx 6x4 - prints for sale - $15.00 each

Artists Notes:
Group Prayer is practiced in many cultures and religious groups. Bringing people together in prayer, seems to give the prayer more power. It is believed that in ancient and especially matrifocal cultures, the woman came together in circle to pray for thier people. I sketched this while in a class, as we were discussing group prayer. It makes me think of sisters coming together for a common cause in community. Circle has been a metaphor for eternity and unity throughout time. Many various rituals are practiced in different cultures when coming together in circle, for example in Celtic and Native American traditions the Four Directions (N.E.S.W. and their elemental associations - Air, Fire, Water & Earth) are called upon to protect and bless the gathering.

Overview: Inspiration for Poetry Prose & Creative Writing (PPCW)

My mother stayed home with me until I was 5, and taught me to write my name by 3. I don't know when I really began writing regularly, but I do recall an incident in 1st grade where the teacher told me that because I had chosen the same subject matter as my last story, it wasn't very creative. I didn't stop writing, but I immediately became terrified to share it with others. It is still a big challenge for me to put myself out there in the form of my chosen mediums, especially the written word, it is the most personal and thus the most dear.

I wrote poetry, prose, stories, song lyrics, journal entries, ad nauseum throughout my life. Mostly to keep myself sane. For the past 6 years, I have written very little until quite recently, and now I can hardly stop! The written work presented here is from 6 - 8 years ago, and it is sometimes painful to read my own thoughts from what feels like a long time ago now that time has placed distance between both the events and the emotions. That can be true of painting, drawing, sculpture and other artistic expressions also, but is often unmistakable in written work.

The written, the urge to somehow record and therefore also process that which we experience. We know from discoveries of the ancient that recording in written or symbolic form has been practiced by humans throughout time. Discoveries of the writings of Enheduanna, the Sumerian poet and High Priestess illustrate that we have used the written word throughout our existance.
Cave paintings, Egyptian art and writing, Minoan art and writing all illustrate the ancient desire to mark down the world around us.




Reference: Phaestos Disc, Minoan Crete Tablet - Image located on WWW

PPCW - Common as the Common Woman

Within, around and throughout

pieces of myself, my story.

I have worked for Helen

And it could be said about me:

“Her grief expresses itself in fits of fury over details.”

Only we call it the “bitchy button.”

Like Ella, I have learned

unconsciously to “fend off the pass

that passes for affection.”

I’ve been the Nadine of my family, “holding things together.”

And in Carol, I am reminded

that living any lie is torture and telling the truth terrifying.

As a single woman, there is for me a sad truth in:

“She goes as far as a woman can go without protection from men.”

I am the reddest wine

Liquid flesh

One who, like Annie

Stays in motion.

Margaret is the me I am fighting

The woman counting calories,

wishing for and hating the pictures on the pages.

Mourning the abortion of my dreams of children with him.

Feeling blue about the edges.

Looking to the moon

I worry my life is broken bubbles

Seen flashing frozen in a slow strobe.

And Vera is a very special gift for me

The words I want to express almost elusive.

The complicated relationship I have to and with the

“bastard boss ‘I’…never let myself hate”

The work I do without pay.

Born with a mark in the middle of my forehead, my third eye

A spirit message meant for me this morning?

“For all the world we didn’t know we held in common.”

(Items in quotations are direct quotes from and the poem itself is inspired by the Common Woman Poems – Judy Grahn)

Inspiration & Artists Notes:

Upon much thought and reflection, I concluded that for me, the theme I most recognized throughout the work examined, is Identity. Judy Grahn's work: She Who, The Common Woman Poems, Queen of Wands, Queen of Swords, all have many layers, but identity is a strong common theme. Who the characters are: to themselves, in relation to or in the perceived opinion of society, to the author, to the reader, to the other characters, and how for some there are different roles for different places, are the essence of these writings. I found myself identifying with many aspects.

The Common Woman Poems had the most profound impact on me. I could relate to some part of each piece and suspect that most women could. Throughout my quest to survive a devastating loss, I began to define my own identity consciously, over the past few years. Perhaps that is why, the theme of identity was so apparent to me.

PPCW - Magic: Belief before “sight”

Fairies…Always dancing

at the edge of my sight

in the misty spotlight

of the sunbeams

Elves…Little men in funny shoes

and green getups,

bearing gifts

or perhaps mischief

Angels…winged, radiant, semi-translucent

guardians

and messengers sent

Witches… wise women who know

of herbs, nature, ritual,

belief, intention, magic,

and show.

Colorful characters

Mystical, spiritual, sacred

Universally found same or similar somethings

Simply says one thing

Artists Notes:
I have always been fascinated with the mystical and with the idea of faith and thought creating our experiences in life. It is interesting to realize that common ideas about magic and magical creatures have so many similarities across cutures and throughout time. We rely on our senses so heavily for information about truth and facts, but spirituality forces us to rely only on faith. Occasionally when our senses play tricks on us, we can imagine a myriad of mythical explanations. This poem attempts to capture those imaginings.

PPCW - She Who Shines in the Sun & Glows in the Moon

SHE

She WHO?

She

She who is me

SHE

She whose green eyes blaze from within

She Who sees indigo visions

She whose symbol is sacred: spiral, sun, moon phases, directions

She Who dances in passionate rhythms as though the spirits caress her every movement

She Who sings from her soul

She Who has been loved, has given love, has lost love and kept love, missed love, kept love away, loved deeply, she who is love

She Who speaks

She Who has, keeps and tells great stories

She Who creates

She who seeks wisdom

She Who observes, records, remembers, relates

She whose high tides often bring big floods

She who expresses and emotes

She who

She Who is Capricorn Sun, Pisces Moon, Virgo Rising

She WHO?

She Who is and brings light

Who am I?

Whom do I choose to be?

Whom would I choose to be if I considered it my choice?

She Who What?

I am creating she who I would choose to be

She who learns

She who radiates peace, light, and joy

She who lives fully and well

She who has desirable voices and places for them to be heard.

She who gives because she can

She who is blessed with meaningful kinship’s

She who gives and receives love

She who gives and receives wise council

She whose smile brightens a room and touches a heart

She whose eyes see soul to soul

She who is blessed with abundance

She who contributes

She who listens and hears

She who heals and is healed

She who is courageous

She who has fun and is fun

She whose mind, body, & soul are in harmony

She who creates

She who is connected

She who is magical

She who is sacred and divine

She who is me

(Inspired by the She Who poems - Judy Grahn)

Inspiration & Artists Notes:

Upon much thought and reflection, I concluded that for me, the theme I most recognized throughout the work examined, is Identity. Judy Grahn's work: She Who, The Common Woman Poems, Queen of Wands, Queen of Swords, all have many layers, but identity is a strong common theme. Who the characters are: to themselves, in relation to or in the perceived opinion of society, to the author, to the reader, to the other characters, and how for some there are different roles for different places, are the essence of these writings. I found myself identifying with many aspects.

The Common Woman Poems had the most profound impact on me. I could relate to some part of each piece and suspect that most women could. Throughout my quest to survive a devastating loss, I began to define my own identity consciously, over the past few years. Perhaps that is why, the theme of identity was so apparent to me.

PPCW - Bare Feet Walking

Bare Feet Walking
Skin and Earth
meet, bond and mingle
then seperate, to reconnect again

It is as though I am
splintering apart from the inside out
shedding the outer
the inner breathing in, rising up, expanding

Artists Notes:
I read once that one practice of meditation is to walk and focus soley on the act of walking, to really think about what each step feels like. My mind is always so busy that I have never been very successful at practicing this meditation for very long.

PPCW - "Observations of Seeing"

I trace it with my eyes
the aqua color changes
sometimes a deep green-blue
others almost translucent

soft threads of blond and brown
frame the smooth broad forehead
the wrinkles begin underneath the eyes
and spread out past the corners
just touching the long dark lashes
and lead down past the smile
up around soft pink lips

the skin looks smooth and soft
and my heart expands so
that I cannot breathe

sleeping that face is so young and peaceful
the lashes rest lightly above tanned cheeks
and the eyes move rapidly underneath as the dreams
run themselves through the mind and
your lips move slightly as though trying to speak what is seen

the ears, my favorite part
cold always, slightly red at the tips
and white at the curve

hundreds, maybe thousands of tiny blond hairs line
those cute little ears and
underneath the jaw, and at the hairline

red sleepy eyes make the blue brighter
the hair stands straight up in places
and too flat in others
the face stretches and grimaces with the body
while the eyes radiate love, strength and wisdom,
as they blink in light, colors & shapes

dark course hairs trying to grow into a beards
at the chin and what would be sideburns
so dark in contrast to the soft yellow gold just above

when confused or concentrating
the chin comes forward
and the bottom lip hides the top
sometimes the eyes close
or work with the wrinkles to form questions

and finally when playing guitar
serene and peaceful
the eyes flutter between shut and open
the head moves with the strokes
of the hand and the rhythm of the strings

the whole body dances to make the instrument sing
the face becomes more and more confident
as the song moves on
and then breaks out into a happy smile
at its end

Inspiration & Artists Notes:
This was written for the class "Art As A Sacred Process" and the assignment was "observations of seeing". The idea was to really look at something and to write about seeing it. I chose a person and was inspired to write it in prose. It is truly amazing how much love you allow yourself to feel when you open your senses to really experience something. I highly recommend choosing an object of nature or a person and letting yourself really look. Then sit quietly later and recall it by writing it down.

PPCW - From the broken to the breaker (a series)

I
When:
you reach out to me; I desperately want to reach back
Oh, but I have seen that action eliminate any chance of reconciliation
Reached
only to realize I have clasped hands with the cruel and ugly stranger you have become

Sometimes:
I fear that if I am not aloof, you will not try
I fear that I do want you back
I fear I don’t want you back
I fear that it is impossible to be together again
I fear there will be no one else
I fear there will be someone else
Both of those...for both of us.
I fear you are never going to be who you were and that I don’t like who you may be
I fear I will never get over you
I fear I am already over you
I FEAR YOU ARE ALREADY OVER ME

Often:
I fear a lifetime of loving you, without you, ever again, loving me in return
I fear that I may appear, terrible, small, sad, and pathetic to others, to you, to myself
I decide I will hold my own hands, not reaching or grasping
eliminating the need to let go…

Again…
Still…
This time

II

You’re there
I don’t know how or why
Rage against my traitorous heart
How could it still love you?

Kokopeli plays in my spotlight
I saw the Dorsa’s
Rita & Barney got married
I can’t sleep before 2am

The more joy
The more pain
This steep part of the journey
Leads to things I cannot yet see

Words haunt me:
Husband
Why
Alone
I can only speculate

It’s a devastating game…wondering
Only more questions
More tears
More fears
Wasted days turned into years

Why did my love disappear?

III.

Can you hear me? Its 5:30am your time.
Wake up because I’m talking to you!
I hate your fucking guts sometimes
I think you weak, irresponsible and ignorant
I hate that you left it all behind

Here in my space…to see, feel, touch and remember.

I hate you for putting my loving words to music
Words which were a gift from my soul
That you spit back at me

I hate myself for still loving you
For hoping, you’ll come back
And I’ll get that fantasy fairy tale we dreamed of

I hate God for putting us through this
I hate your mother for not intervening
I hate that which changed you so drastically
I hate myself for something you cannot name
And I cannot absorb as solely yours

I hate everyone who has found love and happiness with a partner
I hate people who are having babies or already have families
I hate airports, planes, pilots and flight attendants
I hate everyone you smile at
Everyone who looks into your eyes
Everyone you are kind to
Everyone who gets to share any part of your life

I hate that you feel like my husband

I hate the parts of you I could not stand when I was last with you
I hate how much the thought of that email is making me anxious

I hate you because I miss you
I hate you because I am alone and cannot seem to be with anyone else

I HATE YOU FOR LEAVING ME

I hate you for making me feel broken, small, stupid, insecure and afraid.
I hate you for not coming back to me crawling on your knees

I gave you my heart, mind, body and soul

IT’S DONE

There is no taking that back

I cannot simply stop feeling...

I hate you
I hate you
I hate you

IV.

Though it apparently never entirely goes away
It visits much less frequently

You are someone else's husband now
and I am still no one's wife

Some days that isn't anything close to a bad thing
Others, amazingly painful

I am big enough to wish you the best
I know everything happens as it should

You visited me in a dream not long ago
I asked you what you were doing there
You looked so surprised by the question
I actually laughed

When I woke up
It seemed you finally let me go
after all of these years
and your new vows

I still miss you sometimes
I will love you always

Goodbye.

Artists Notes:
So...breakups suck, they just do. However, they also offer an opprtunity to look within, to pause and re-group, to ask the deep questions and to re-define everything. This series was written around 1996, over a period of time, while I was going through different stages of the grieving process. I included these because some of the most sacred creations are those made in pain and our feelings and creation are two of the ways we can commune and tap into the divine. Creating something while grieving is so powerful, it is unbelievably cathartic to write or paint, to create anything really, and get all those feelings out into something, anything. Creating things while feeling anything strongly most often produces meaningful results, and sacred artwork is creation with meaning. My poetry, prose and creative writing are sacred to me, because they are my words, thoughts and feelings, naked, out there, crafted with all that I am, in that moment.

PPCW - Sitting on the shore

To hear the children laugh
To hear the seagulls cry
To watch the tide crash in
And hear its softest sigh

To watch the white foam thicken
And then to fade away
To see it erode the mightiest rocks
Day after day, after day



To see the sun rise
To see the fog roll in
To see the sun set
And see it rise again

To hear the ocean breathing
To see the Pelicans soar and fall
This is what life's all about
The wonder of it all.

Artists Notes:
I find the beach to be the most spiritual place on earth. It brings me the deepest peace just to be near it and I try to be as often as possible. Standing at the waters edge, watching the waves, I can see the divine in everything, can at once feel both connecred to everything, and then also so small in the large scheme of life. To me, this poem captures my experience and thoughts of being on the shore. I often recite this poem in my head when I go for my weekly beach walk.

PPCW - SLO Life

The mountains lie like long dead dinasours
Lollygaging through the pine trees and blades of grass
Pushing away the shafts of light
Singing through the misty clouds

Guardian Angels dance in the flecks of my eyes
Spinning crystals and diamonds
Which now reside in my heart
Reminders of an emotion I am no longer capable of

I fly into the mouth of the river
Ignoring islands and pillows
Speaking, tongue silent
My tools, the letters of words

Soaring above the landscape
Attempting to name the beauty
Watching, listening, feeling
Connected, a part of all that is.

Artists Notes:
I am blessed to live in a magical place, that is beautiful and mysterious. It constantly inspires me to create in an attempt to articulate all that I see. It connects me to the spiritual and the divine in a tangible and consistant way. This poem captures a moment of a particular day but also captures what is here everyday, that which assists in grounding me and bringing me serenity.

Magic Mirror - full shot

see comments below - in close up

Sea Castle Ruins

Clay: hardslab and hand-formed, rust glaze, appx 20x25 - Private Collection - Not For Sale

Artists Notes:
This is my first inspired creation beyond writing. This piece built itself, I simply added clay. I saw in my minds eye, as it began to take shape, a castle ruins of a sacred temple growing out of the sea, ancient and glorious. It felt to me that I had been here before, that it existed in reality at some point of time. I could actually feel the sensations of climbing the stairs, dancing under the stars, watching the ocean below from the sitting alcove.

Years later while reading the Mysts of Avalon it occured to me that I could easily imagine this ruins there on the ancient mystical isle, full of Priestesses and ritual celebrations.

Magic Mirror - close up

Mirror, cardcoard backing, glue, sand, seashells, stones -appx: 4' x 2' - private collection - not for sale

Artist Notes:
Mirrors have always held a magical quality, who could forget the wicked stepmother in Snow White primping and asking, "mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" I always wanted my own magic mirror, not to be the fairest, but to help me see that which I could not always see in reality and also to help me make manifest those things that I wish for. Often I collect rocks and shells, especially when the day has been particularly sweet and memorable, and this mirror is made up of many of those. I often write in glass safe pens, a current wish that I would like to bring to fruition. I don't honestly know if its magic, but I can honestly say that most of what I have written on this mirror has in fact come true. :O)

Singing Goddess

size: 3" (appx) material: sculpy - private collection not for sale

Inspiration:
This sculpture was inspired by a drawing of a figure I had seen and fell in love with in Marija Gimbutas’ book The Language of the Goddess. “Figure M, M signs also appear on figurines, particularly below the breasts, source of milk and nurture. This masked figurine also has M’s on her back and she wears a V-shaped necklace. Notice the butterflies, symbols of regeneration, beneath the M’s. - Italian Neolithic circa 5300 BC.[1] The symbols of M and butterfly indicate that this is likely a specific Goddess, with the characteristics of an important spiritual woman, a life-giver, a healer and a priestess. I discovered later, this figure can be traced back to the 6 millennium BC, and may be one of the earliest depictions of the butterfly.[2] This figurine called to me, I wanted to hold her in my own hands, so I decided to try to re-create her based on the photographs and notes from the books. To me, she looks like an ancient woman singing or chanting, communing with spirit. She is so simple, yet elegant and beautiful. I can only imagine what the original figurines creator must have felt as she was created, and guess at the reasons she was made. For me, the answer is simple, I feel an incredible sense of peace whenever I look at her, it makes me feel sacred, ancient, connected to all women throughout time. Picture her standing on a hill, on a full moon, basking in the light, standing in a circle of women that surround a bon-fire, singing with all of her soul.

[1] The Language of the Goddess, Marija Gimbutas - Figure 36, page 23 (Passo di Corvo, c5300 B.C.)
[2] The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe – Marija Gimbutas – page 186

Collage: Family

Artists Notes:
In times of grief we search for comfort and answers. Family and friends often provide the bulk of this. I am blessed by many people who love and care about me. I wanted to create a collage of the special people in my life, during a difficult time in my life. Now I have this wonderful collection that I can see and be comforted by the faces of my loved ones whenever I want.

Mask

Mask: Plaster of Paris, Decoration: various ribbon, crown of gold ribbon over metal wire with gold star, black paint - Private Collection - Not For Sale


Artists Notes:
Masks are so intriguing and take endless forms. There is almost always something powerful about them and many people find them a bit frightening. As this is a mask of my own face, created on a peaceful and joyful day, it brings me serenity when I look at it.

I made this while on a weekend spirituality retreat. We teamed up into two and took turns laying strips of Plaster of Paris over each others faces to create masks. All of it was an intense process, its hard to lie still while someone lays wet heavy strips of goo over your face. When it was my turn to lay the strips, I focused so intently on trying to make them smooth and nice. What is most interesting for me about the final product, is that we had the choice to decorate them any way we wanted, and a lot of people decorated and adorned theirs, some even so much that the face could no longer be seen. As I thought about this as a metaphor for self, I took from it that I was pleased with the simple version of myself, and that felt very nice.

Rivers Treasure

size: 5x13 Material: wood unknown; stones of: quartze crystal & moonstone - Private Collection - Not For Sale

Artists Notes:
I found this tree root on a river bank while camping out for an annual reggae festival in Northern California. It has a beautiful motion to it from floating in the river and it called to be decorated. It is displayed in my house, on my hearth, and it has recieved much comment. Some people see a face, some see it as a metaphorical flame, but it seems that very few people do not have some reaction or comment. I like the contrast between the natural fluid motion and the fixed stones. It brings me thoughts of a great weekend, spent dancing and communing with friends both under the sun and under the moon and stars.

Red for the Heart

(appx) size: 9"x.5" Material: branch: wood unknown; red ink atop unknown natural made lines; embroidery yarn: red, green & yellow; knitting yarn: red; quartz crystal; metal ring, seagull feathers - Private Collection - Not For Sale

Inspiration: ~Native American Talking Stick~
"A Talking Stick is a tool used to let people speak their feelings in a group, or it can be used to talk and listen to the 'Spirit Ancestors of the Spirit World'...A Talking Stick gives (the holder) the floor to speak. All people must 'hear you out', as well as the Spirits..." This piece was based on the ancient idea of a sacred object to aid and focus communication. Usually the object is used in two ways; in a group situation it signifies a person’s turn to speak, in an individual situation it is used to communicate with the spirit world. My creation is more specifically grounded in Native American tradition, but similar representations have existed in many cultures throughout the world and throughout time. In the Native American traditions, the object is most often a stick or small branch of a tree. An offering or prayer is said to the tree it is taken from, or the ground where it was found. The stick is then decorated with objects that are sacred to the person or the group. Many different items have been used, but it is common to see feathers, stones, paint, beads, woven fabric, animal carvings, bones, symbols and other markings. Often, a shaman then blesses the object, or a ritual is done to purify the object and infuse it with spiritual powers. [1] Sometimes the object is also described as giving the speaker special powers, such as the ability to communicate effectively, or persuasively.
~Native American Talking Stick~
Artists Notes: I chose Red as the primary color for this piece for its associations with love/heart, power, strength and joy with intention of infusing my Talking Stick with those attributes. The red and white beads on the red leather strap, were originally a necklace made for me by a former student and full of sentimental value. The woven embroidery yarn was originally a friendship bracelet also made for me by a former student and woven in a tribal looking pattern. Also included is a small silver disc that represents the moon, a traditional symbol of feminine spiritual energy. The crystal, the yarn, the feather…. Materials: branch, type unknown; dyed leather strap & plastic beads; quartz crystal, dyed knitting yarn, dyed embroidery yarn, silver painted disc metal/plastic; ink; feather, glue.

[1] Rainbow Medicine – A Visionary Guide to Native American Shamanism, Wolf Moondance - pages 61-64 and other bits of lore acquired without documentation along my journey.

Azul Pas (blue peace)

(appx) size: 9"x.5" Material: branch: wood unknown; blue ink atop unknown natural made lines; glass beads on metal wire; glass "stone"; metal 'peace' ring, bluejay feathers - Private Collection - Not For Sale

Inspiration: ~Native American Talking Stick~
"A Talking Stick is a tool used to let people speak their feelings in a group, or it can be used to talk and listen to the 'Spirit Ancestors of the Spirit World'...A Talking Stick gives (the holder) the floor to speak. All people must 'hear you out', as well as the Spirits..."

This piece was based on the ancient idea of a sacred object to aid and focus communication. Usually the object is used in two ways; in a group situation it signifies a person’s turn to speak, in an individual situation it is used to communicate with the spirit world.

My creation is more specifically grounded in Native American tradition, but similar representations have existed in many cultures throughout the world and throughout time. In Native American traditions, the object is most often a stick or small branch of a tree. An offering or prayer is said to the tree it is taken from, or the ground where it was found. The stick is then decorated with objects that are sacred to the person or the group. Many different items have been used, but it is common to see feathers, stones, paint, beads, woven fabric, animal carvings, bones, symbols and other markings. Often, a shaman then blesses the object, or a ritual is done to purify the object and infuse it with spiritual powers. [1] Sometimes the object is also described as giving the speaker special powers, such as the ability to communicate effectively, or persuasively.

Artists Notes:
I made this while living in a cabin in the Santa Cruz mountains, every morning the bluejays would wake me with their piercing calls and inevitably their feathers would land on my porch. I found the branch while hiking in one of my favorite secluded spots. I love finding fallen branches that have been on the ground long enough to gather what I call "worm lines", and this branch was simply lovely and calling to be adorned. The stone, I found years ago on the street and kept it because of the color. I created this while meditating on images and thoughts of peace throughout the world at home, and now use it whenever I feel called to pray for peace.

The important thing about making your own sacred and ceremonial art is that it is simply a way for you to be in touch with your creativity and to tap into that part of yourself that is spiritual and divine. What you create doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to have a meaning to you, and when you use these tools in mediataion and prayer, they can assist you to focus and to feel connected to your own faith and the divine that is present within. For some it also helps to ground and remind of a spiritual connection to all the people that have come before, will come after, and are here now that also find prayer and meditation.

[1] Rainbow Medicine – A Visionary Guide to Native American Shamanism, Wolf Moondance - pages 61-64 and other bits of lore acquired without documentation along my journey.

Bibliography & Acknowledgements

The following works have inspired me, provided knowledge, and serve as a foundation for my artwork:

The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects, Barbara G. Walker, Harper San Fancisco, 1988
The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths & Secrets, Barbara G. Walker, Harper San Francisco, 1983
Womens Rituals a Sourcebook Barbara G. Walker, Harper Collins, 1990

The Dreamer's Dictionary, Lady Stearn Robinson & Tom Corbett, Warner Books, 1974
The Dream Book, Betty Bethards, Element, 1983/1995

Moon Magic - Journal, Zera Starchild & Timotek, Doorway Publications,

An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Tradtional Symbols, J.C. Cooper, Thames and Hudson, 1978/1995

The Fifth Sacred Thing, Starhawk , Bantam, 1994
The Spiral Dance, Starhawk, Harper & Row, 1999
Truth Or Dare, Starhawk, Harper San Francisco, 1989

How You Do Anything is How You Do Everything, Cheri Huber, Center for Zen Mediatation,

Keys to Open the Gate, Kimberley Snow, Conari Press, 1994

At the Root of This Longing, Carol Lee Flinders, Harper San Francisco, 1999

Accept This Gift, Frances Vaughn & Roger Walsh, Putnum,

The Celestine Prophecy, James Redfield, Warner, 1995
The Tenth Insight, James Redfield, Warner, 1998

Conversations with God - Book 1, Neale Donald Walsh, Putnum 1996
Conversations with God - Book 2, Neale Donald Walsh, Hampton Roads, 1997
Conversations with God - Book 3, Neale Donald Walsh, Hampton Roads, 1998

Mary Daly, Gyn/ecology, Beacon Press, 1990

Blood Bread & Roses, Judy Grahn, Beacon Press, 1994
The Common Woman Poems, Judy Grahn
She Who, Judy Grahn
The Queen of Swords, Judy Grahn, Judy Says, Beacon Press, 1987

The Sacred Hoop, Paula Gunn Allen, Beacon Press, 1992

The Language of the Goddess, Marija Gimbutas, Thames & Hudson, 2001
The Civilization of the Goddess, Marija Gimbutas, Harper San Francisco, 1991
The Gods & Goddesses of Old Europe, Marija Gimbutas, University of California Press, 1992

Succulent Wild Woman, Sark
Inspiration Sandwich, Sark
Living Juicy, Sark

The Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols, Miranda Bruce-Midford, Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 1996

The Atlas of Sacred Places, James Harper

Spirit Healing Native American Magic & Medicine, Mary Dean Atwood, Sterling Publishing, 1991
Rainbow Medicine, Wolf Moondance, Sterling Publishing, 1994

Llewellyn's Magical Almanacs 1993-2004, Scott Cunningham & Ray Buckland
Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham, Llewellen, 1984

The Way of the Wizard, Deepak Chopra, Harmony, 1995

Daughters of Copper Woman, Anne Cameron, Harbour, 1981

Wishcraft Barbara Sher w/ Annie Gotlieb, Balantine, 1979

Carnival of the Spirit, Luisah Teish, Jambalya Spirit/Best Sellers Ink, 1994
Jambalaya, Luisah Teish, Harper San Francisco, 1988

How to Survive a Broken Heart, Melba Colgrove, Ph.D., Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D., & Peter Mc Williams

The Mysts of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Del Ray/Ballantine 1982

The Teachings of:
Rose Wagnum Francis
Ani Mander
Judy Grahn
Luisah Teish
Starhawk
Elinor Gadon
Joan Marler
Vicki Noble
Dianne Jenett
Z Budapest
Leilani Birely
Wendy Norrins


All of my fellow cohorts, who taught me much - thank you!

A special thanks to my primary co-horts:
Abagail Sutkus
Kelly Rose
Leilani Birely
Maura Torkildson
Sarah Blogg - spinning :)
Molly Hall
Ann Lehr
Hillary Payton
Denise Potenza
Mary Beth Moser
Deborah Grenn-Scott
Ken Swaim

Endless thanks to my family and friends, for their support, influence and patience. I love you all so very much!

This work is lovingly dedicated to all who walked before me, all those who walk with me now, and all those who will walk after me, blessed be.