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Saturday, December 4, 2010

Nightmares and Dreamscapes


Wishbone 12 X 18 mixed media on cardboard for Inspiration Avenue, Creative Therapy, Three Muses, and Theme Thursday.

I'd forgotten how much I love collage. I've been so busy painting big abstract pieces that I'd forgotten how I love to tell a story by layering memories and dreams and then hiding them with paint. This little picture tells the story of childhood with all its magic and fears. If you look closely at the background, you might be able to see the angels and butterflies and flowers surrounding the child. And, if you look even closer, you might also be able to see the sea monster and the spiders lurking in the shadows. Can you tell what her wings are made of? That's right: bones. The pelvic girdle, in fact. This image came from an old anatomy textbook I found at a flea market. I also used a piece of lace, a ballet program, roses from vintage Valentines, pages from a book of fairy tales, and an old first grade reader. Childhood is like this; it's fantasies and nightmares, imaginary playmates and the monster under the bed. Childhood is equal parts wonder and terror.

In the undercoat of shadows and symbols, this child has found a sanctuary. Here in the dark dreamscape of her world, she and her companions have found comfort in each other, suggesting that, for all of us, in the midst of threats and uncertainty, there is redemption and hope.

20 comments:

Victoria said...

Beautiful and inspiring..wonderfully creative...thanks for sharing such magic!
Victoria~

Janet Ghio said...

I love hearing about all the things you used for underlayers!

K said...

beautiful! love the colors!

Sandy said...

Hi Kathy,

Wow I´m impressed. This is absolutely unique and inspiring. Wonderfulplay with the colors. Awesome. Love it.

Have a lovely sunday my dear friend.

WrightStuff said...

Your piece had me remembering the scary stories from childhood - the giant bird that took Rupert to his nest, the wolves lurking in the woods and wicked stepmothers... and then, the soft toys, the cuddles and love and above all the power of the imagination. Wonderful!

pat said...

beautiful entry and description! that's what it's all about!

Taluula said...

I am in awe. This is beautiful and so rich in secrets.

Marit said...

Love to see a collage by your hands again! Yes, I see the underneath glimpses of fear and wonder... your piece is wonderful!

ghostkitten said...

your colors are so vivid and rich. and i love how the little bunnies create this refreshing negative space and spots of light. lovely. glad to have discovered your work from inspiration avenue.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful piece. The abstract color with the defined images and then the layers with the details. I am just begining an artist journey and love to find others with such depth. I like your profile discription too, I can't agree more.

Burcak said...

Fantastic :)

gatheringwonder said...

this is wonderful - great piece

Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director said...

what lovely meaning behind this piece..I think maybe you need to dabble in collage a bit more.

Marie Theron said...

Such a potent message. You are very creative and I gave you a link on my new blog: http://frenchbelles.blogspot.com

Kat W said...

Fantastic beautiful collage and an inspirational post!

Kat :-)

Cmichaudart said...

I enjoyed my visit here, serendipity! I, too, bounce around with experimentation and I, like you, am a writer. Please visit my venture into blogging, kicking and screaming, but challenged and encouraged. Or come to the web home: www.cindymichaud.com. I'll be back! count me as a new follower!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

This is a gorgeous piece. I love collage and this is one super beautiful example. The colors are so vibrant, and the subject really fits the theme of this challenge. I love every bit of it.

rachel awes said...

kathy, this is
STUNNING.
it's been lovely
to visit.

Bill said...

Wonderful piece. I absolutely love the colors!

Susan Roux said...

I like your color choices here. It's eye-catching and interesting. I can feel her dreaming...

Merry Christmas.