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Dreams and Maps of Memory

10/14/2019

10 Comments

 
"Dreams and Maps of Memory" - mixed media on cradled wood panel, 24" x 18" x 1".  Ready to hang.  Available here and at Artfinder.

This week's painting took a little side road into the peculiar.  It happens now and again when my heart is wide open and my inner critic and director are banished to the sidewalk.  Let's find out what she's whispering...

"The deepest place on Earth is not a physical place, but the stillness we enter at the bottom of our pain, at the bottom of our fear and worry."  MARK NEPO

I imagine you have been to this place, dear reader.  The place from which there is nowhere to go except to sit still and feel.   Something about fall - shortening days, dying blooms, chilly nights - acts like a high-speed elevator to this place, dredging up memories and ghosts of feelings; maps of where we once were.

In the stillness of this deep place, Nepo says, "too tired to deny that there's nowhere else to go" we find the spaciousness of joy.
Picture
Dreams and Maps of Memory
This place help us grow both softer and stronger, says Nepo.  Holding these opposing concepts in my two hands, I see the truth of it.  As in the painting, strength and softness can (and must) co-exist for us to be ourselves in the world.  Lifting the mask, unfiltered, knowing we are strong enough to be soft, and soft enough to feel the joy in everything.
10 Comments
Dotty Seiter link
10/14/2019 11:07:11 am

Jen, those little places where the light shines through in turquoise teases! those snail-on-wet-sand trails of drips! those freckled lips! the piercing poetry in your prose!

All reaching right inside me.

Thank you.

Reply
jen
10/14/2019 11:39:56 am

Dotty! Thank you...I hesitated to post this one. She is strong and unsettling at first glance. But the emotion! Another art trust fall. :)

Reply
Carl Stoveland
10/14/2019 11:38:37 am

Oh my goodness!! The colors, the drips that face and the plague mask lifted as if the last defense has been removed. I love this painting!

Reply
jen
10/14/2019 12:18:48 pm

Carl! Thank you! You so "get" this....last defense removed. I so appreciate your feedback!!!

Reply
Karl
10/14/2019 12:15:48 pm

Haunting. Thought provoking.

I am incredibly curious - and somewhat frightened - to know what she is thinking as she stares at me.

Bravo, Jen.

Reply
Jen
10/14/2019 12:22:25 pm

Karl! It is so lovely to hear from you. Thank you so much for your comments...and for being both curious and cautious....this one is for the bold-hearted contemplators. That's you!!! xo

Reply
Susan McClellan
10/14/2019 04:55:57 pm

Oh what a powerful piece...do love all the textures and the strength that emanates from it...it is one that you want to touch the softness of!
Congrats!
PS...Jen need to send me your address so I can send you a copy of the book i did illustrations in...keep up the fabulous work

Reply
jen
10/14/2019 04:59:40 pm

Susan! How lovely to "see" you! Thank you so much for your comments. :) The textures require patience (not my superpower) but I am learning...

I'll email you! Cannot WAIT!

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Carol Edan link
10/17/2019 02:44:29 am

These past weeks have been difficult for me. She has compassionate eyes telling me that I will have the strength to make the right decisions. Thanks!

Reply
jen
10/17/2019 11:01:49 am

oh Carol....sending you much love and big hugs! Strength and clarity are yours, dear friend! And thank you.

Reply



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  • Home
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