::VERONICA FUNK::
  • Journal
  • Portfolio
    • Portraits >
      • Woman's Work
      • Extraordinary Women
      • The Grandmothers
      • Wunderland
      • Nasty Women
      • Heroes
    • 52 WEEKS >
      • Wildlife
      • Wildflowers
      • Storytellers
      • Gratitude
    • Fashion Plates
    • Sacred Vessel
    • Simple Pleasures
    • Altered Books
    • Art Resources
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Galleries
  • Contact
  • eCourses

Journal.

"The main focus of my work has become storytelling...
honouring the lives + stories of women
through portraiture."

'Two Ravens'

12/18/2015

 
Picture
Two Ravens / 36x48 / acrylic on canvas
Picture
Picture
As an artist, there are many challenging moments....like struggling with a painting.  But these days, after much toil, I have been feeling really good about the work.  Not right away, mind you, but after letting it sit and working again, over and over it seems.  I've been reminded that this work is actually work but also that good stuff takes time, no matter what it is.  Years ago I was told that I would have to make a decision about whether I was doing this work for myself or for others.  This wise women said that I had to do it for the process and commit to it regardless of others response because there isn't always a response - neither positive or negative.  These days as much as I have been challenged by the work, I cannot imagine not doing it.

This painting is very special to me because I created it for someone who is very special to me.  The two ravens represent siblings, family really, and the mandela moon reminds me of the months I spent in South America and Mexico as a child.  Ravens symbolize magic, messages, meaningful change and rebirth.  They are the light-bringers and truth-seekers.  I also grew up with many large ravens in the north and was always fascinated by their long life-span, propensity to mate for life, intelligence and sense of play.   I also knew I wanted to add feathers once I added the ravens since I constantly gather them.  Two feathers on the right represent the two ravens but I added three more on the left because five is my favorite number.

When I decided to add a moon, I had never created a mandela but decided that it would be perfect for this piece as creating one is about slowing down and being present.  Because a full moon is impermanent as a mandela is meant to be, and as the term means 'circle' or 'disc' in Sanskrit, the image is also symbolized in a Celtic cross, halo or rosary.  But as I added patterns to it, it reminded me Mayan symbols I saw in my youth in Mexico city when we went to visit relatives. 

I really do hope that this piece meets expectations as everything, including the colours and symbols, that was chosen was important for many reasons.  This really was a wonderful way to finish this week after three months of extreme busyness.
Gabriele link
12/19/2015 09:54:39 am

Beautiful!

Veronica Funk link
12/20/2015 08:22:50 am

Thank you Gabriele!

NorthernShy link
12/23/2015 07:03:32 pm

Isn't that funny, I was just speaking yesterday about the Ravens up North, and here I find your two Ravens today. Gorgeous painting. So much to explore in it.

Veronica Funk link
12/24/2015 07:33:14 am

It must be serendipity! :)

Sandy link
1/11/2016 07:00:45 pm

So adore this.. Thank you for sharing such wise words of encouragement. Today... They brought me home.

Veronica Funk link
1/11/2016 07:41:41 pm

And thank you, Sandy, for always sharing words of encouragement.


Comments are closed.
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Journal
  • Portfolio
    • Portraits >
      • Woman's Work
      • Extraordinary Women
      • The Grandmothers
      • Wunderland
      • Nasty Women
      • Heroes
    • 52 WEEKS >
      • Wildlife
      • Wildflowers
      • Storytellers
      • Gratitude
    • Fashion Plates
    • Sacred Vessel
    • Simple Pleasures
    • Altered Books
    • Art Resources
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Galleries
  • Contact
  • eCourses