After spending a lot of time considering the notion of
shielding, and shields as physical and psychic protection armaments, I created
this piece using watercolor pencils on watercolor paper. I wanted to portray the fragility of our
physical self, portraying an abstracted version of the body with a specific
focus on its important internal organs, placing all of it behind a transparent
yet powerful shield. This painting is roughly 8 x 12 inches and was done about
five years ago. When I worked at the Art Institute during my lunch breaks I
would visit the collections, lingering over the armor section. The armor collection is compellingly striking
and it evokes awe and wonder. Feeling vulnerable physically, psychologically
and psychically, about five years ago I decided to learn to make different
types of armor, using the materials at hand.
I also made an intense study of armor and then created a large variety
of shields as works-on-paper that also coordinated with a heart series. My plan was to take up blacksmithing. I have written quite extensively about the
magickal connections between mysticism and magick with blacksmithing in Africa
and the Americas. Blacksmithing was especially important as a trade to early
African Americans. I have wanted to make
the jump from research and writing about blacksmithing to actually engaging in
this craft that held such importance to my ancestors. In a city with the depth of Chicago, thoughts
can become actions quite readily. After
thinking about blacksmithing for a while, I ran into an old friend from art
school that actually opened his own blacksmithing studio in the city. This weekend
I ran into another old friend who was wearing chainmail jewelry she had
recently created. These events are too
auspicious to be coincidence. They call
to me to return to shields as an area of artistic exploration. This is probably going to be the year that I
go from respecting and reflecting on actual armor to making some 3-d pieces at
the very least using silversmithing techniques. In Hoodoo and other spiritual
traditions metal plays a very important role, especially with talisman and
amulets and there seems to be some kinship to shamanism within some West
African cultures. Metal filings are
particularly potent and useful, as are coins when making power objects. Looking
at this rather personal painting is an inspiration to return to its theme of shields
and modes of shielding. Shields and
armor are areas that are rich metaphorically, visually and physically. Shields offer all sorts of spiritual benefits
as well, to the viewer and artist. Great! This is just what I needed; something
new to add to the ever-growing to-do list.
When I first became a blogger it was difficult to know if I had readers and visitors coming to my blog. I’d post and be met by the sounds of crickets. Then, I branched out into the world of the blogosphere, a world I didn't know really existed. From my ventures, I met a lot of interesting bloggers. I've started following and commenting on numerous blogs, for you see, prior to my outings, I too was out among the crickets. Lurking about but seldom saying anything. A fellow blogger I've met through my journeys around the blogosphere is Melissa Maygrove . She had the brilliant idea to have a Follow Fest , where we share about who we are, what we do and most importantly, how you can connect with us further. It is my intention through joining Follow Fest, that I’ll connect with many more readers and people interested enough in what I do to want to learn more by following. So, here goes my entry for the fest. Name: Stephanie Rose Bird Fiction or
As I browsed through your art posts, I love the way you think and express yourself in your art. I like your paintings and find the use of color and form very interesting! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous art and also for visiting my site.
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome Terrie! I enjoyed your site very much. I'm so glad you enjoy the art and writing here!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure how or where to leave a comment, but I am in awe of your art and the way you use your skills and your art to tell your stories, especially those that deal with Hoodoo. I'm very, very impressed with your art.
ReplyDeleteSorry it wasn't easier to figure out but so glad to hear from you. Thanks so very much! Stephanie
DeleteLove the shield &the meaning behind it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I enjoy your blog as well. It's fun watching your process. I've been looking at this shield more and it really resonates with where I am as an artist.
ReplyDeleteIt's always such a treat to visit your blog... your artwork and writing never cease to amaze me.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Thanks Pauline. I really like what is going on over at your blog as well!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of shields and love the patterns that are put on the outside of them... always fascinated with those images... love your interpretation and enjoyed my visit and reading your lovely words yet again...xx
ReplyDeleteYes, they are fascinating and powerful objects as well! Thanks Tracey.
ReplyDelete