Sunday, May 9, 2010

A Sunday Blessing: 'As the Crow Flies'




phew... As the Crow flies is finally done!
She and they are here to stay.

You can see the humble beginnings started at Art Fest 
and the transformation here.
So this painting was a milestone for me.  
I took risks that I don't usually take and painted out parts I did not like.
The size of it is 'huge' which is new for me
and most importantly I stopped thinking about what might sell
and just painted for me.
Since I don't seem to be selling I can look at the positive spin -
I will just paint and eventually I will have enough for a show,
right?

This painting has different meanings to me - 
I adore Santos -
In Spanish-speaking cultures they were a religious symbol,
 a wooden representative of a saint.
Many are now being beautifully reproduced.
I got the following quote from Isa's amazing blog.

"This style of doll has been used for centuries in processions of importance - 
such as weddings, funerals or religious ceremonies - 
The cage of the body was lovingly filled with flowers, mementos 
and treasures pertaining to the person of honor."

She sells several styles of santos -just click on the photo of santos 
on her right side bar to see more -
I want all of them to come live with me. 
So my santo must be a friend to crows.
Here she is lovingly giving them a place of refuge in her 'cage body'
tucked under her vintage gown.

I love the idiom 'as the crow flies'-
it reminds me of:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
 and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, 
and he will make your paths straight. 
Proverbs 3:6
Sometimes our paths do not seem like a crow flies or straight at all,
but God's idea of straight is a little different (or a lot) than ours - 
(you can hear me chuckling here)

and finally I just had to add:
Just look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap
or stow away in barns,
and yet (my favorite part - take a deep breath)
your heavenly Father feeds them.
Matthew 6:26

So I need to just chill and do my thing and 
that crazy, crooked path that I am on 
may eventually look 'straight' when I peer back on it.

and here are some closeups...
These birds just make me chuckle. 
I wish I could hold them on my lap
and pet them like my cat...
(except that my cat does not like to sit on my lap and be petted 
- that is my husband's job - 
seems only he has magic fingers).
Oh and then I had fun with buttons...
most donated from my mom and mother-in-law...
and some words...
and of course texture, stamps, stencils, 
and thingies glued on.
I think I will start another -
can already see it in my mind.

13 comments:

  1. Great job!!! I just love everything about it!! Start painting for "you" more often and I guarantee your pieces will start selling!! :)

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  2. It's amazing Pam! Thanks for sharing your beautiful heart here too. Love you!!

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  3. I love your painting. It's incredible. If I was wealthy, i would so buy it and proudly and with excitement, hang it in my home.

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  4. I love this painting too. The colors, the details, the mischievous birds... and how interesting that it has taught you to follow your own heart. I think you are onto something big.

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  5. Absolutely PERFECT! I love her! That looks great.
    -Trish

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  6. Oh Pam! She is SOOOOOOOOOOO wonderful! I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this! All the texture and the composition and details. FABULOUS! What a beautiful work of art! YAYYYYY YOU!!!!! :)

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  7. this is amazing !
    i've finally come to terms with the fact that i can't paint, so i'm really impressed with what you've done...

    and the size.....oh you are so brave !

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  8. Hi Pamela,
    This is such a fabulous piece. Thank you so much for sharing it and your thoughts and processes. It just glows. I would love to see it in person--I am sure it is even more breathtaking!

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  9. Thanks to you all... I just love this blogging world. These comments will keep me going for a long time. When I am feeling stuck or need a lift I will just turn to you guys. Thanks again!

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  10. i adore the color of the dress. so much talent + beauty.

    xo Alison

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  11. Wow, this piece is beautiful! I love the colors you used. And it look fabulous in the frame!!

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  12. she's beautiful! i love all that you have going on. i'm especially keen on your birdcage. so lovely. :)

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