Sunday, August 22, 2010

Fertile Ground


This is another work in my series of "layered" mixed media pieces. They are difficult to photograph with the top layer being very reflective but I like being able to work in ink on top and still see the first drawing underneath. The "first layer" of this piece can be seen in a previous post.

I have described what my layering represents and the inspiration for the works in a previous post, but in a nutshell it's about exploring "what lies beneath" (obviously not being literal here) and what really makes a woman, a woman. If it's not our reproductive system ... not our hormones or our breasts, what is it? This piece is a bit more "fertile" than the others, except maybe "The Nest."

ink, pastel and charcoal on Fabriano paper and Duralar
Please click to enlarge






Pomegranates. I love them. In fact, come to think of it, I had pomegranate juice this morning. But, back on the subject, they have symbolism in Greek Mythology, Judaism, Christianity and Hinduism. In Hinduism they represent fertility and are also connected with Lord Ganesha, "the one fond of the many-seeded fruit."

Ganesha is the "remover of obstacles," and that speaks to me for this series and what inspired it.


Learning how to be kind to ourselves,

learning how to respect ourselves, is important.

The reason it's important is that, fundamentally,

when we look into our own hearts

and begin to discover what is confused and what is brilliant,

what is bitter and what is sweet,

it isn't just ourselves that we're discovering.

We're discovering the universe.


Pema Chödrön


10 comments:

Joyti said...

What beautiful images...
There's something about red fruit and religion, or so my religious studies professor thought. I think its 'cause red fruits are beautiful. And the pomegranate, in particular, has a sensual and tempting quality.

Paulo Duarte - Escultor said...

Olá! Belos trabalhos e este é muito interessante a ligação do elemento fruto “Romã”.
Belo conceito de trabalho.
Até sempre e continuação de bons momentos,

Turid said...

Beautiful.
The pomegranate is very meaningful to me, for many different reasons. It's such a symbolic fruit, so beautiful and complex.

Kerry O'Gorman said...

So gorgeous...so much to say about femaleness...I had my daughter very young and I don't think I really appreciated the whole maternal gig. Never did have a chance to have another but now that I'm older I think there's so much more to womanhood than that.Giving sage advice to younger women, giggling with old friends, understanding your elder women friends more. Nurturing comes from your character and not just because you birthed a child.

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Theresa said...

Love the layers. and I love pomegranates too. They are so magical for some reason to me.

Victoria said...

Beautiful...a fabulous piece! The spirit of this whole piece shines through powerfully..wonderful!

KathyA said...

I really love the intricate nature of your layered piece.

Cobalt Violet said...

Beautiful comments ... I am always grateful your sweet words! Thank you guys so much!

erin's art and gardens said...

oh lucinda, i just love this provocative piece of art...i love the layering and the added pops of pomegranates. forbidden fruit perhaps? she looks peaceful