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April 22, 2005
motherhood's journey
30" x 40" acrylic on canvas
Here is the latest of my "thin places" series. It is similar to my "dancing in thin places" in tone and color, but the theme is the seasons of motherhood. As in the previous paintings, the portals are the doorways to the unseen nature of god and the moments between night and day. The squares in all of these pieces represent the constant changes that exist in reality.
Dancing in a field of wheat in various stages of growth is my woman. Her red dress spins in the tall grain and reveals the beginning of motherhood, the sensuality of womanhood. I thought that grain in its green and gold(planting and harvest) was a beautiful symbol for conception, provision and nurture. She holds in her arms, "birth" the nurturing stage, while also raising her hands to the sky as an offering is her prayer for her child's spirit. My Fibonacci spiral represents the holiness and beauty in her offering. The open bowl is the "letting go" of her child. This is particularly poinant for me with my only son being seventeen and stepping across the threshold to manhood. I was shocked by the moment and shed tears while painting the bowl and spiral. Although I felt this in a linear way, my journey being locked in a timeline, I think that the nurture and letting go are also simultaneous.
Thanks to my good friend jen lemen to suggest that I paint the madonna. We were driving back from that spontaneous trip to new york when she planted the notion in my head. Obviously what emerged was not the iconic madonna and child, but something on a more personal level. The painting that resulted was an expression of where I am at in this moment in time as a mother both spiritually and phisically. Thanks jen for your suggestion and your example of motherhood which also inspired me.
jen, this is for you.
Posted by blairanderson at April 22, 2005 12:02 PM
Comments
Once again a beautiful thought provoking piece.
I know it was not your intention, but when I saw the wheat the way you painted it, it reminded me of all the people around us we need to support us, our children and to lift up additional prayers. People who rejoice with us and who stand tall in supporting the prayers when we ourselves cannot.
Posted by: anita at April 25, 2005 01:43 PM
breathless and stunning.
Posted by: anj at April 29, 2005 12:55 PM
blair, this is so breathtaking. i can't wait to see it in person.
thank you.
Posted by: Jen Lemen at May 3, 2005 03:35 PM
a wonderful piece. thanks. can you post size, medium, etc., as well?
found the link from jen
Posted by: paul soupiset at May 3, 2005 06:54 PM
i echo jen, this is your best yet blair - stunningly beautiful and so moving. thank you for sharing it with us!
Posted by: bobbie at May 3, 2005 07:11 PM
just found you via jen, went to your jan painting first... but would echo those words here...beautiful, inspiring...so sensual and alive!
Posted by: susie albert miller at May 3, 2005 11:38 PM
thanks so much! it is so great to know that y'all get it. And all of your comments encourage me to my core. Thank you!
Posted by: Blair at May 4, 2005 07:29 AM
amazing. so beautiful. thank you. it was exactly what i needed tonight.
Posted by: sarah at May 4, 2005 08:00 PM