shine within - 10" x 10" x 1" - acrylic/mixed media on wood panel
{from the Mantras & Meditations series - available for purchase in my etsy shop}
The snow falls, the world is silent; yet there are voices that speak if we will only quiet ourselves and listen...
Sojourns in the Parallel World
We live our lives of human passions,
cruelties, dreams, concepts,
crimes and the exercise of virtue
in and beside a world devoid
of our preoccupations, free
from apprehension--though affected,
certainly, by our actions. A world
parallel to our own though overlapping.
We call it "Nature"; only reluctantly
admitting ourselves to be "Nature" too.
Whenever we lose track of our own obsessions,
our self-concerns, because we drift for a minute,
an hour even, of pure (almost pure)
response to that insouciant life:
cloud, bird, fox, the flow of light, the dancing
pilgrimage of water, vast stillness
of spellbound ephemerae on a lit windowpane,
animal voices, mineral hum, wind
conversing with rain, ocean with rock, stuttering
of fire to coal--then something tethered
in us, hobbled like a donkey on its patch
of gnawed grass and thistles, breaks free.
No one discovers
just where we've been, when we're caught up again
into our own sphere (where we must
return, indeed, to evolve our destinies)
--but we have changed, a little.
- Denise Levertrov (1923 - 1997)
The painting above is one of a series called Mantras & Meditations. I will be offering that series, along with other smaller paintings and prints of larger works for sale when I open my Etsy shop in January. Happy Holidays! ♥
Really loving the background on this.
Posted by: Angela Rockett | December 19, 2008 at 02:38 PM
It is so beautiful Carla!
Posted by: TeriC | December 19, 2008 at 02:49 PM
very beautiful and i love the strength in her face :) Happy Holidays!
Posted by: valgalart | December 19, 2008 at 03:14 PM
How powerful!
Posted by: Sarah | December 19, 2008 at 03:42 PM
What a lovely style - I particularly like the juxtaposition of graphic realistic elements and those lovely textures!
Posted by: Cathy | December 19, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Good to see you posting and I love the warm colour palette in this one at this chilly time of year!
Posted by: andrea | December 19, 2008 at 08:29 PM
this is lovely....the layout and colours are wonderful....
Posted by: Diana Evans | December 19, 2008 at 09:23 PM
love that texture!
Posted by: willie | December 19, 2008 at 09:50 PM
oh Carla, I didn't see this beautiful painting until now. It's wonderful!
I'm struck by how close out thoughts were for this post, but not surprised because our spirits connect.
You're a kindred spirit, for sure!
I wish you and Joel and your loved ones the happiest of holidays.
xo
~L~
Posted by: studio lolo | December 20, 2008 at 01:21 AM
Lovely composition, colors and design! Wonderful post, have a peaceful holiday and good luck with your Etsy store!
Posted by: Indigene | December 20, 2008 at 01:41 AM
beautiful work! i love the colors and textures on this one!
Posted by: Asja | December 20, 2008 at 05:14 AM
Pretty, and love the warm colors!
Posted by: Kate | December 20, 2008 at 05:52 AM
Beautiful!x
Posted by: Jessie | December 20, 2008 at 06:18 AM
this is beautiful!
Posted by: sophie philo | December 20, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Love how she melts into the picture with the Mandala as a bright sun giving her multiple energy.
Fabulous textures and color harmonies.
Have a wonderful Christmas listening to the snow and love of dear ones. Best wishes to you Carla my new friend :)
Posted by: Flying Colors | December 20, 2008 at 09:37 AM
It is very beautiful!! Nice colours and idea!!
Posted by: owl eng | December 20, 2008 at 10:02 AM
beautiful work!
Posted by: Juan | December 20, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Lovely piece and, yes, it's the shine within that seems to escape the notice of so many.
Posted by: Mick Mather | December 20, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Carla - I love mandalas and I love your work - what a great combination! Will be sure to keep an eye out for your Etsy shop in the new year.
Happy Holidays my dear!
Posted by: Laura Taylor Mark | December 20, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Beautiful work :)
Happy Holidays and Warmest Wishes to you and your family!
Posted by: Valaine | December 20, 2008 at 06:51 PM
Wonderful piece Carla! i was surprised at it's small scale - so many details and such s BIG looking work! Wow!
Have a happy holiday season and new year (and congrats on the shop soon to open)!!
Posted by: steve | December 20, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Wonderful colours and I particularly like the contrasts in definition. The way she blends into the background/foreground is lovely, like a world within a world. At least that's how I see it:)
Beautiful!
Posted by: Nancy | December 21, 2008 at 03:04 AM
So Beautiful! Your work is always amazing!
Posted by: Marie Patterson | December 21, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Breathing and a sole piece -- Illustration Friday Topic!
While looking at your art, it reminds me of my life and artwork when I am soul-searching.
Thanks for sharing your feelings, poems, and works that are open to the viewer’s own story on your blog. I especially like these ones.
Posted by: christine | December 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM
"We call it "Nature"; only reluctantly
admitting ourselves to be "Nature" too."
well said. your drawings have something 'homeward bound' in them all.
very vivid colours and elements!
Posted by: spoonfedmonkey | December 21, 2008 at 02:09 PM