Friday, June 22, 2007

Almost Half Done

As I promised yesterday here is the photo of my June piece.
I thought I would interpret a little of the symbolism that I have added in.
My pages are going to be 6 1/2 x 7 when they are finished.
The center piece is a turtle shell, it is me in the shell I have made to protect myself. I then have also added the extra barrier around me, symbolized by the triangle and dagger beads. Once I did that though it reminded me of a sunflower, and I thought how appropriate because through this project I want to be able to bloom.
Then in each of the four directions are the colors that signify such in the native american tradition. I used these because that is how I got started in beading. By first going to an exhibit with my grandmother and then buying a book about indian beadwork. These beads also twine around each other in the way a caduceus would, symbolizing my healing as an artist. I have not decided yet what to use as the staff in the center of each.
Then all around is what I call the void. The dark blue beads that have stars and planets (pearls) interspersed. I read somewhere that the void, that place of nothingness, is where all creativity starts. My wish for this project is that it will help me to learn how to tap into that place.

10 comments:

Veleta (Sammy) said...

this is beautiful! I look forward to seeing each months of your pages!

Lillian said...

Hi Brenda,

Thanks for explaining all the meaning behind your piece. It's amazing what you've done so far! I lived in St. Louis Park and miss my 2 favorite bead stores in Edina and Minneapolis :o) Lillian in WA

Artifax said...

I love the meaning behind each element. Looks wonderful so far!

Amy a.k.a. dragonryder4 said...

I love your bead work , I am very new to beading and you inspire me very much. I love what you are doing with your journal page :)
Amy M. a.k.a. dragonryder4
www.rattiemom.blogspot.com

Brenda said...

Thank you all so much for the gracious words you write. I really am having fun doing this project, and in the process learning about myself.

s said...

I am fascinated with why your doing your piece. I find it amazing how many of us are doing this for growth as artist, or healing or both.
I look forward to seeing this finished and seeing more of your BJP,
Sunni

Vicki said...

This piece is gorgeous! The sky is so rich. Thanks for sharing the meanings, this is a powerful piece! I know it is healing. The vertical and horizontal elements also remind me of DNA. When we heal, we heal down to that deep level.

Vicki said...

PS - You might want to check out the Indian (India) goddess Aditi. She is the goddess of the void.

a2susan said...

I hope you find the healing and validation as an artist that you are seeking. I look at your work and have no doubt that you are an artist of immense talent and feeling.

Lois2037 said...

This is so beautiful and so deep, on a lot of levels. I, too, am reminded of DNA, as well as the caduceus. Many people fear the void, and I hadn't thought of it as the well spring of creativity, but it really is, isn't it? You're taking us on an amazing journey.