The Stag - mixed media relief © 2012 Michelle Basic Hendry
I have been working on this very personal piece off and on since first touching Oklahoma’s red soil. Experiencing symbols in a canyon full of the dreams of a people in Albuquerque, I was finally inspired to finish it. I believe the veil between waking and dreaming is thinner than we think. The Otherworld of our Ancestors and Spirit waits patiently for us to call upon it. The Gift of Life is to be able to act upon this World. Shamans and Medicine People have shared their visions on rock all over the world.
Embedded in the clay base is local Oklahoma red sandstone and the charcoal of a burnt tree at the base of the cliff at Red Rock Canyon. I have drawn upon my environment and my ancestral history to create this unusual piece that comes from a side of this artist not often shared. I chose the rock art image of the Stag of Lascaux as the centerpiece of this mixed media work. Each element on the piece has personal meaning and the first steps into visually interpreting personal symbols. I believe that dreams are best not related in realistic style. This one will hang on the wall of my studio.
Dreaming I
Smooth bark and green leaves
Make the arcs of my Cathedral.
Sparkling streams beneath my feet
Create a mosaic of pebbles.
I pause when the stag calls.
I see the steam from his throat
But he makes no sound.
Darkness descends from the clerestory.
I awaken in liquid moonlight and
Fireflies light like lanterns.
I wash the darkness away and
Step out into the Crossing of the Plains.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cover of the Spring issue of Apple Valley Review featuring my painting, "Waiting"
The Spring 2012 edition of the on-line literary journal, the Apple Valley Review features my painting, “Waiting” on the cover.
‘deeply personal’ is the real art, I love this, and also a reminder for me of what is important in art. So I thank you. I was waiting to see what secret thing you were up to… 😉
And congrats on the book cover.
And back to the poetry, always wonder how we (for me too) can incorporate the words with the images … hmmm….
Thanks so much, Ingrid. I admit that I struggled over whether or not to post all of this.
As for the poetry, as you know, I tend to write mostly prose. I thought I’d try this for a change! I am finding that each is beginning to need the other. A painting for White Sands is going to have to happen now too! The photos are not enough once the imagination takes hold…
love this!
i wish people would pay more attention to their dreams, they often try to tell us something
Thanks! 😀
Dreams speak to me often and every once in a while, I get reminded how important it is to listen closely!
Just saw your Megaloceros artwork, really interesting interpretation of this ancient art. Is this your favourite cave painting? Have you seen the 30000 year old paintings from the Chauvet Cave? Especially the lions, bears or the shaman are intriguing! or the delicate owl? Just a thought for another inspiration.
Congratulation to your cover painting!
Hi Peter;
I speak a little about why I used the “Stag” in the blog post. I will look up Chauvet – sounds interesting!
I like The Stag, it’s beautiful! Have you seen Werner Herzog’s doc “Cave of Forgotten Dreams”? And congrats on your painting making the cover of the magazine… it’s inspiring.
I loved your review – but no – I haven’t seen it yet. It’s on the list once I figure out where I can see it.