I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn't say any other way.... things I had no words for - Georgia O'Keefe
Using stencils, home made modelling paste and transfer techniques, I built up the layers. Referencing 'Layers of time'.
In this studio this week, I have been testing and comparing design choices. Trying to keep the results as similar as possible, so I can choose the best shape to take forward. It has been a slow process working on these from week to week and having to let them dry between sessions. It has been good for me though, to have time to consider each stage thoroughly and reflect on how things are going, in between sessions. It has also given me the opportunity to research the meaning of these shapes and that's something I'll share with you in this blog.
Then, laid down the first (watered down) acrylic paints to create tints of the hues evident in the original photograph.
The circle appeals to me because of it's association with planets, magic circles, wholeness, community and completion. Circles are perfectly balanced and are associated with eternity, commitment and love, we see this with engagement, wedding and eternity rings. Circles can roll and therefore, suggest movement, rythmn and wheels.
They are also linked with the wheel of the year and the wheel of life.
Next, I added 'paynes grey' watered down acrylic ink
I expecting Paynes grey to look more grey, not the blue that is evident! However, I think this is quite lovely and was pleased with the result. I will see how it drys and if that affects the colour. Then I'll decide whether to stick with this or change it to the black and white effect that I originally intended.
I also drew over the transfered image with ink and I enjoyed doing that (it brought back many happy memories of the stone circle for me). I'm pleased with the central pictures.
With second layers added
On the left is the oval, associated with the egg, ovum, the goddess Ostara and the female hormone estrogen. This shape is symbolic of new life and feminine energy.
Like all of these geometric shapes that I have used, is two dimensional, with a recognisable boundary. Geometric shapes suggest order and balance.
On the right is a rectangle, in a portrait format. This is symbolic of stability, organisation and safety. It is traditional and with sharp, right angle squares at it's corners it suggests liveliness and youth, it is not as solid as the landscape format or the square. It's a shape frequently used for books and formal documents. In fact, my artwork reminds me of a book cover.
Straight lines are considered to represent masculine energy, curves are symbolic of female energy. I have noticed when dowsing at stone circles that the pendulum turns clockwise over one stone and then anti-clockwise at the next all the way around the circle. This has led me to believe that both male and female energies are alternated and balanced within these circles.
I like the way the rectanglar shaped canvas contrasts with the circular image of the stone circle and the gently rounded mountains within.
The oval reminds me of a looking glass or locket, or even a scrying mirror with magical connotations.
I love the tonality of this, the contrasts add to the depth and work really well. I expected the traditional landscape format to make this boring, but I don't find it boring. I find it harmonious and peaceful. The unpredictability of working with acrylic ink adds spontaniety to this piece. I like the way that makes each piece original and different.
Returning to the purpose of this experiment, the shapes.... I discovered that greater care has to be taken when using an oval shape. The stone circle above is uneven and I think it spoils the piece overall. However this is something I could correct next time now that I've become aware of this problem.
and the winner is?
At present the circle is my favourite, but I think it's too soon to judge really. Its been interesting researching the meaning of shapes from both an artistic and spiritual point of view. It seems geometric shapes have a universal meaning and this is part of their appeal. I like the idea that with shapes we are all speaking the same language.
Sources
Chwalkowski, Farrin. Symbols in Arts, Religion and Culture: The Soul of Nature. Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars. 2016.
Fontana, David. The Secret Language of Symbols: a Visual Key to Symbols and Their Meanings. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. 2003.
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