When Inspiration Retreats….
I’ve been experiencing so many identity shifts as of late; the primary result is I’m Un-Inspired art-wise… no desirable track I’m ready to jump into daily. Despite my ego being challenged by this, I am resolved to stay with the Truth of it. Rather that push through (oh such a western & former ‘Me’ approach), I am deepening my intuitive directives, and following what little creative impulses I am experiencing. This ranges from cooking/preparing new recipes based on seasonal produce, to shifting exercise routines that better reflect my body’s needs. I’ve also been fine-tuning my spaces; I’ve added above counter lights in my kitchen, cleared up the sunroom, and reorganized my art studio, creating several ‘stations’ for different activities, and, just added an altar into this sacred creative space. These feel like preparations for a new template and focus in the future… but at this point, I can’t say at all what that means. This flies in the face of all that I’ve been taught, and practiced, but fits with my lifetime choices of embracing the Extra-Ordinary Life my soul desires.
In order to keep some connection within my art making realm, I recently returned to complete some mandalas. I’ve created a variety of these symmetrical visual meditative tools off and on since about 2012; they are always a reboot. No agenda, simply to Be in a meditative state, and create. Here I will share 4 of these pieces; small and humble, but when used as and in meditation, powerful.
Title: Red Heart Path Size: 10” x 10” Encaustic & Mixed Media Price: $135
Flowers always beckon a closer look; no wonder they are symbolic beacons in so many spiritual traditions. The lotus as ubiquitous flower, symbolizes consciousness evolution; its life cycle from mucky depths to a soft, beautiful blossom, imitates the spiritual journey of transformation. From suffering, adversity and worldly distraction, we progress towards inner peace and freedom through awareness- based practices, including meditation. This piece is such a reminder, and simultaneously, a meditation tool. Most meditation practices suggest to softly gaze to the center point of a symmetrical image. The colors of red/blood, and its complement, green, are aligned with heart energy; their frequencies penetrate into softening the heart, engaging this enlightenment process. The red glass heart shape at the center of the Bodhi tree leaf, reinforces the focal intention.
Title: Blue Heart Path Size: 10” x 10” Encaustic & Mixed Media Price: $135
The Blue Heart Path aligns to the throat chakra (involving speech & listening) through the blue color frequency. When centered in the heart with peace, (note the glass ‘heart’ within the central Bodhi leaf), listening becomes an art, and ‘right speech’ ensues. Compassionate words, tone and exquisitely timed delivery, unite to form sacred dialogue; this can heal deeply. Meditation with this visual tool, and chanting consequential words/tones, allows for the renewal of creativity inspired by the divine, the knowing and expression of deeper Truth.
Title: Inner Vision; Size: 10” x 10” Encaustic & Mixed Media Price: $135
A dark, 8-petaled lotus flower, hosting smaller flower images within its petals, and 2 more lotus flower shapes within, mimic the complex layering of experience as we go into the deeper phases of a spiritual path. Transformation never ends. The overall image references an iris/eye; blue veins feed into/from the watery background landscape. Perception is vital in shaping our experience of reality. When we are calm at the center, like the steadfast jewel present in this artwork, we understand that we co-create our personal reality. True envisioning engages the 3rd eye, brow chakra, where higher visions arise. Life becomes a multi-dimensional experience; meditation upon this image has the power to enhance our ability to co-create with the universe.
Title: Outer Vision Size: 10” x 10” Encaustic & Mixed Media Price: $135
When firm within the foundation of the heart-centered perspective of life happening ‘for’ us and not ‘to’ us, we are each centered at the steering wheel of our unique life. Simultaneously, we learn life will require us to pivot on occasion, so embrace ‘a go with the flow’ approach, primed by the heart. As a meditation tool, this artwork invokes the inner eye to look deeply into the outer circumstances, and divine the next best step. Any awareness practice that allows us to drop into the heart and physical body intelligences, assists life-affirming choices. Like the blue veins within the backdrop, information feeds back into the lotus flower layers merging to a center point. That is where all possibilities exist.
Upon completion, the substance of these art pieces appears quite obvious. A continued practice of heart, throat and inner-vision healing, centering and expansion, facilitating a balance of inner vision and outer creation. Although often resisted by the ego’s limited comprehension, practicing stillness amidst the chaos, allows for the unfolding of life from a deep and soulful source-point. Patience and resolve during these unsteady times, is vital. I abide in a vision of forbearance for all of us, and an emergence into the light with Joy.
I’m keen to know how your life is asking you to shift and change.
Are you dropping habits and engaging in new ways of being?
Where are your creative energies engaged, if they are?
What are you resisting? What are you allowing? Who are you becoming?
How are you negotiating such tender turmoil?
Thank you for reading and conversing… I love to hear from you. Comment below or email me directly at debbiemathewart@gmail.com.