I have to start out with a caveat. I am absolutely going to contradict myself today. It "the secret lies within you" then why seek inspiration outside of yourself?
One of the most wonderful healing aspects about art - in any form - is that, through metaphor, we are able to excavate deeper into our souls, hold incongruous elements in balance, and express that which cannot be expressed through linear conversation. I am constantly looking for objects that mimic a feeling, attitude or experience that I am trying to capture. Today I was using the idea of a secret (inspired by a post over at Dirty Footprints Studio.)
I thought about layers, covering and uncovering, and some roses I had painted last week.
( Check out how I used them as a metaphor for life choices.)
Then while painting, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how the petals of the rose created great space for journaling the little mantra I had found... Truly a visual meditation! I love when I make those discoveries!
Keeping the words and the image simple allowed me space to contemplate while I painted. Here are some of my thoughts:
- I am the secret. I don't need to give myself away to everyone. I can keep parts of myself hidden.
- I don't need to constantly seek validation from outside. Deep down, I know what I'm supposed to do and who I am supposed to be.
- Keep seeking. Keep exploring. It's a process to get to the core.
Now when I look back at what I have created - all of those thoughts come to me at once, without having to read each single word as I would if I had written it out like a traditional journal. The power of metaphor!
What metaphors come to you today?
♥
i love this post, very intriguing & inspirational thoughts.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and so creative!!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Corey and thanks so much for sharing ~ will have to try something like this ~ inspiring 'jumping off' point ~ Have a 'wonder filled' week ~ and come by my blog ~ thanks ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful combination of imagery and text... the layers are wonderful. I enjoyed the "secrets" you've shared - very important reminders :)
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Kristin
What a stunning piece! The message is wonderful as well, both in your piece and in your post.
ReplyDeleteLife breathed a sweet, gentle sigh of tender Encouragement. Its name is Cori Lynn Berg.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful ...
I like it that you wrote your journaling on thew folds of the rose. Patsy from
ReplyDeleteHeARTworks
It's gorgeous. I love the symbolism of the journaling spiraling ever inward.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to go see a bird (with grasping wings reaching for something) painting which came up on LinkedIn, but it disappeared before I could click :-(
I hope it will show up again.
Beautiful, this makes such an amazing art journal page because it allows you to reveal a little bit about yourself and the image reveals your inner self. I love it!
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