An Angel Brings Reassurance

"Angel Embrace"
Digital Photograph

I am finding such delight in discovering new creative friends via the Internet. As I visit their sites, I am blown away and inspired by what they share, whether in words or visions. I am in the process of setting up links for them all, knowing that connection feels so good. I must admit I am rather surprised at my enthusiastic response to being part of the Internet community. But the comments that come back to me are worth their weight in Gold! One recent acquaintance, Linda, an exquisite artist and writer, posted her beautiful watercolors and then people commented on what they "saw" in the creation. I was fascinated by one person's comments about seeing a skull, for example. The artist herself then shared her own vision of what the creation meant to her. I find this so inspiring as I can so relate to this. I am always intrigued by what the observer gets out of my creations. It makes me wonder and I am delighted by their personal visions and perceptions.
Pulling this back to me, I have always loved taking flowers (and skulls-I have a cattle? skull hanging in my studio) and my Georgia O'Keefe (past life connection?) side of me is probably evident in this orchid flower close-up I took. Now why did I bring up Georgia O'Keefe? Because I love abstraction and mystery and zooming in on images, a trait O'Keefe utilizes as well. Now mind you, some viewers of Georgia's work say sexual tones came through in her work and I've spent many an hour seeing if I could see what they see. And now, when people say my work has an O'Keefe feel to it, I am flattered, yet, have slight misgivings due to the Georgia controversy. I am glad I am aware of my feelings, but I don't want to let it stop or hamper me in my journey. Comparing my work to the work of other artists can be detrimental to my process. I really am unique in who I am and must remember that. Yet, artists of the past and those of the present whom I now embrace, are still a necessary part of me now. As I write these last few sentences, I feel reassured, knowing that my awareness of myself is vital. I do know, however, that as I tap into deeper aspects of me, the dark and the light, and everything in between, will emerge if I allow it. I have always been intrigued by abstraction, which, when I do close-ups, seems to reveal itself to me. In the orchid photo above, I find myself seeing an angel, reaching down to embrace someone (me?) on the Earthly realm. Being an artist can be a lonely venture, so knowing I am not alone, even if on a spiritual level, helps. Originally, it was just an orchid photo amongst an entire family of these beautiful flowers. But, now, as I sit with the flower here today, even the lighting too seems to add an otherworldly realm to the image. Am I discounting any sexual images that may emerge in the orchid? Perhaps at this point, I am. But right now, just feeling the spirituality in one of my creations helps my lighter side come out and I feel safer. I guess it comes down to balance. I have always felt the healing benefit of being creative, but I more recently find myself connecting with my soul. Really, creativity and spirituality go hand in hand. I think in my earlier life, I disconnected or lost pieces of my soul, so I feel I am welcoming it back through my art process. Does this make sense?
I didn't think I'd get so lost in my musings here today, but feel better writing these words as a result. I do feel reassured by my creative path, though, wherever it leads me, and I welcome the angel who witnessed my words today.