Muse

Muse:graphite on paper

A sort of self portrait of my inner-self. The primary figure is the "un-masked" me with thoughts and passions fueling an intense but often times painful fire. The muse herself is held within heart cavity of the primary figure. The energy is not only positioned to be coming from her heart but also the heart of the primary figure showing the connectedness of love and inspiration. The face in the tree is a literal self portrait of my "skin-mask". To either side of the neck of the primary figure is symbolism for life and death, two inevitable forces that govern all living things in our world. To the right (as one faces the piece) I have illustrated a bleeding wrist dripping onto the inverted profile of a mime/clown. The wrist is a symbol for many things but in this piece it primarily represents the self-inflicted flow of life force in all of it's bitter and beautiful glory. The mime illustrates the ability to communicate beyond words. I have inverted his colours to show the duality of comedy and tragedy. He also represents the mask performer, one perceived on the outside as one thing while holding other truths on the inside... a plight that sharpens the blade for the flow of life force (so to speak)
In the upper left we have crows who hold infinite meaning to me (anyone who knows me can vouch!) ... they are often referred to as messengers from other realms, the point of contact between the divine and the mortal. (if you are interested in learning more about crows or any animals i would recommend the book "Animal Speak" a great metaphysical guide to the meanings and symbolism behind many animal totems).
On the upper right, butterflies emerge from the head-flames. Butterflies of course are a universal symbol for the re-birth process, which we all must survive many times in our lives if we hope to succeed.
Finally in the top center we have God. The all-knowing everything that makes up, lives within, and encompasses all creation. Surrounded by triple infinity bands and encircled by the great spiral of existence the higher understanding observes all things and offers wisdom and understanding to those willing to search.


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