The spiritual and mythical lore of women have, through history been erased, plundered, burnt and forced into a non-important resource. I believe, all of these stories share an instinctual archetype and there is always an element of innate danger in anything mysterious, wild and uncontrollable. The mystery of the feminine is being reclaimed and etched into our psyche again.
I love exploring the spirituality of the forgotten feminine, be it in dreams, myths, or truths hidden in mysterious legends. It is one of the things that my art allows me to explore…the mysterious!
There is a Navajo legend of the Changing Woman. According to this legend, Changing Woman comes closest to representing Earth and the natural order of the Universe. She represents the cycle of the Seasons, Birth (Spring), Maturing (Summer), Growing old (Fall) and Dying (Winter), only to be reborn again in the Spring. Changing Woman is mysterious and meant to be explored and shared.
(To find out more on this Native American legend, visit: http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/Changing_Woman-Navajo.html).
(Image: “Changing Woman/ShapeShifter”- Mixed Media)
There is a sense of the mysterious, everywhere, our challenge is to bask in it, share it fearlessly and allow it to shape us, not conquer it until it is only dust that slips through our fingertips.
How do you define mysterious? Does it excite you or make you tread carefully? I look forward to reading your answers and comments.
Our humanness is a mystery. Peace to you and yours.
Curious Art said
Intriguing legend & lovely interpretation!
Also, I just saw your last post & I'm so sorry about your mother. I wish you comfort & peace in these dark hours.
Linda Hensley said
The changing seasons has always fascinated me. I'm glad to know that it's associated with female energy. You're right, we do need to reclaim feminity in all its faces. Love your colors. I'm really drawn to the moon and blue sky, but also to the woman. Seems like a piece to meditate on. I hope you're feeling a bit better this week.
Elizabeth Stanton said
I'm looking forward to reading more about the legend. So many of the native American stories are so beautiful and ring so true. Your painting and your post about the mysterious are perfect complements–and I am particularly drawn to the colors and the sweep of your composition. Beautifully mysterious.
Nessa said
WOW!!!!! How beautiful is this paintiing. You must have been painting forever girl! It's wonderful!!! Great work.
I love it! Oh don't be jealous of the macs. It's double the work too he he he he he! Love you!
Sharon Wagner said
That piece does have a dream like and mysterious quality. Good job.
artisjokken said
"Our humanness is a mystery." Very true.
Everything could be a mystery what is unknown. We often call all strange or difficult to explain things a mystery. We humans love mysterious but on the other side we like to reveal these mysteries. Some people are than disappointed for others it is liberation and at the same time reward for their effort.
So everyone should make a decision for himself prior revelation….
Thanks for your visit !
Lisa Wright said
I love reading stuff about this – the wild woman and that mysteriousness surrounding her. Great illustration.
elenacaravela said
Intriguing piece. Peace to you and yours as well
ruth said
Lovely. And thank you so much for the very nice comment you left on my blog. I hope my well is almost full.
Loren said
Indigene…beautiful post. I love what you say about your work and capturing the spiritual feminine. I find the creative process in itself a mystery…I never tire of experiencing the emotional energy in artwork. Beautiful painting, thank you!
illustratedbyamanda said
What a fascinating legend! And a really beautiful, moving piece of artwork – thank you for sharing 🙂 (Thank you, also, for your kind comments on my Illustration Friday post – much appreciated!).
I've also just read down your posts to discover that you recently lost your mother – I can only imagine how difficult such loss is to negotiate, but hope you feel strengthened by the love of the people around you (and across the internet ether!) in the days, weeks, and months ahead. xx
Penelope P. Neal said
Lovely painting and interpretation of mysterious. I'm with you! I think it's the mysterious that keeps us going. It's the wonder of what's next, the wonder of why—good and bad, it's the wonder of miracles, and the wonder behind the mysterious that make us growing. Lovely post! And sending you lots of mysterious energy (the good loving kind).