Friday, July 27, 2012

Mind Body Spirit Artist Series - Cosima Lukashevich

Although she currently resides in Egypt, it's safe to say that with all the different places that Cosima Lukashevich has lived and studied, she truly is an artist of the world - inspired by life and the cultural heritage and ancient spirituality that is all around her. A very lively and inspiring interview!   I hope you enjoy learning about this very creative and accomplished artist as much as I did!

                                                                                                      ~ diane fergurson


Quan Yin
MBS:  Can you tell us a little about yourself?  How did you get started in art?

Cosima:  I was drawing making pictures from early on my mother tells me, before I have memory of it. Imaginative play, drawing and creative projects was where I got my most fun! I was good at drawing and painting at school age, it was something that came easily to me. I could see what I was doing in comparison to my classmates…but that wasn’t the important thing! What was most compelling to me was what was happening in the creative zone, times of making things.

In creativity I felt an expansion. The world telescoped out exponentially made life feel greater, magical; and at the same time produced a sense of astonishing one-ness and deeply connected unity. I felt it brought with it a sense of being plugged-in, excited by lively possibilities! Creativity opened doors of what the world was, the ordinary mundane and regular took on qualities of the magical and sacred. It changed perceptions made everything open up accordion wide and get deeper and broader. An excitement! Realms stretched out, and yet I felt embraced tightly. Simultaneously it gave me wings to soar about… it felt divine.

Yes, in happiness but also I must say in an inner sense. One experiences the depth of soul in Art and Imagination; an acquaintance with a deep source inwardly. At the time I could not verbalize any of this, of course, I was too young I did not have the emotional sophistication or vocabulary.  Kids from the neighborhood knew what I could do and would knock on the door wanting me cook up some play adventure for us all to join in.

I see now that I was in expanded states of awareness in a lot of time spent alone. I had stumbled onto intuitive meditation, as I believe children do more readily than later in life. I was an only child and needed assistance in our new life in America, having immigrated at four years old. I turned to spirit instinctually. And to art.

Woven into the roots of DNA, my family tree from both sides brought about innate artistic abilities. My mother told a haunting story of a great lithograph of our family tree printed by my great uncle Ludwig, who was a lithographer for a publishing house in Innsbruck. My grandfather Reinhold Gergen, trying to preserve and protect it took it out of its frame, rolled it up wanting to send it to his brother Ludwig since all was about to break loose in Germany at that time. My mother was telling me the story in America, where I was growing up. (How life takes us places!)
Oh, how that story worked on me! I could see the scene of my mother and my aunts as children, my worried grandparents. The lithograph was lost never to be seen by my mother and her sisters again.


The Three Graces
My high school art teacher Adelaide Tunnel gave me a long white cardboard to do with whatever I wanted. I felt compelled, driven really; I could not resist the need to draw a very long tree; a complex root network underground passing through striations of geology. A cave of stalactites and stalagmites appeared dissecting the underground scene of roots, which in its hollow held a pot of gold. I must say I was not rationally putting the family story and the need to create a tree together; it was not so direct and intentional. Please understand.

Although, eventually it did turn out to be a fantastic revelation! I even won a community prize. What I hadn’t planned for is what it told me, more than what I could have ever expected.
The picture spoke back to me.
“Look, there is a valuable thing you hold in your roots…it is not lost since it is a part of you inextricably. Draw up what is inside of you, your heritage; what is most valuable can never be lost. DRAW!”
 And so I did. This drawing became my pointer to the next steps to be taken and I had the great good fortune and privilege to be able to continue on to study art in university.

Transformation
MBS:  It sounds like you must have the ability to visualize and see very clearly in your mind's eye.  How has that ability guided and influenced your your artwork over the years?

Cosima:  I came to Egypt discovering something about creativity through my experiences here…and the mind’s eye!
As I said in answer to your first question I went on to university art school in Philadelphia and I studied later at the New York Academy of Art. I trained as a designer and painter/draughtsman. What I was taught in these institutions was one side of creativity. The nuts and bolts of processes and materials first of all then the basics of 2D aesthetics; composition, forms in space perspective, light and cast shadow, design of the picture plane, color theory while gaining experience and practice along the way.

Life conspires to make you grow, extend beyond who you were, teach you things you never could never imagine you would to move you beyond previous boundaries, borders and limitations.

There came a point here in Cairo when I faced personal circumstances in my life that pressed me emotionally right to the edge. A crisis. At the time I had the feeling of being on overload, much like a toaster that has been zapped with a power surge, so much electricity flooding the circuits not able to conduct another extra volt through it. At the time I couldn’t think another thought or other deal with another emotion, there was simply too much to handle. Full tilt.

This occurrence served to break the container, bring down the walls of limitation. I see now that is exactly what needed to happen for me to get beyond my former existence on so many levels to become a more whole artist beyond technical ability or facility and I knew I had to paint my way out.

By accident, on an internal signal I began to apply paint without intention, pouring paint on a canvas there came to my utter astonishment, an image. I acted without preconceived ideas of an outcome. I let go of control creatively allowing “accident” and flow to take place on the format. Later on this then this lead to collage the same process with paper. Ripping of papers letting them fall where they may and seeing what would come, then making out with my mind’s eye what there was.

I see that creativity is a force, energy active universally, a living power. Creativity it is nothing that we need manufacture, we don’t have to it exists already everywhere; we are born from it and into it. We rather allow it in to move through us, we usher it in if we open that doorway. It becomes an issue of how we conduct this creative force. Do we use this power externally as we would a tool or do we open our own channels through which it emanates through us? It is to act as a medium directing or funneling it in the creative process and onto the paper or canvas, or whatever may be.

I read the suggestions of image in the chaos of the materials there on the paper or canvas that result from this open method of making marks. I suppose it to be much like a Rorschach psychological test where one interprets inkblots. Except the artist is the originator of the blot and the decipher. This way of letting go enables a route beyond the limitations of the mind’s need to plan or devise; to reach further down to where the artist is originally and authentically the core self, and therefore producing artwork that is original and authentic to the artist. This has always been a search for me, what is intrinsically my own personal mark, my own vision.

I Love You Fish
MBS:  Are there common themes or threads that run through your work?

Cosima:  The unifying thread in my work is spirit. I say all creativity is spiritual work.
Art is Spirit in motion. To find that source has been a life long mission. Education could not find it for me, only the school of life teaches that lesson.

So being in Egypt has been a mother load location since its past is built on the foundation of spirit united with matter. I have drawn upon its energies still alive in the land through archetype and mythology indicators of where it exists in an inner world and in the greater world.

 Egypt has been a predominant theme in my work, ancient Egyptian mythological stories from dynastic times and Arabian motifs and patterns keep reoccurring. What I particularly enjoy in a certain series of my work, the collage that are painted upon, this confluence of pharonic image with Arabian pattern. I really like seeing it layer upon layer as if looking through a lens penetrating through all periods of time. As though time doesn’t exist, visually it’s all happening now. I get a kick out of it when that happens in the composition, that’s when the magic is really alive!

I must also say that angels, guides and mentors keep popping up throughout many compositions. The Egyptian creation stories are quite significant; Isis, Osiris, Set, Horus, Sekhmet and Hathor. They bring me messages of hope and strength whenever they appear.

 Mythology is a fascination of mine. I think archetypal images are important; patterns that run through history from our deep past are a part of us. Stories that are emerging and re-emerging, being retold culturally has so much to reveal about us. The dream dreamt by the collective, these primordial images that are built into the human psyche for me are key and wildly interesting to me. I absolutely love them, I find them amazing-spell binding! The stories that have never happened but are unfolding all the time. The DNA of the psyche!
I think it’s important for us to keep them present in our consciousness today, to retell them in new ways to keep them alive in our awareness. They hold so much power; they are maps that give us keys to our future potential.

My ears prick up whenever I hear the call of mythology and archetypal stories. You get an inkling of other side of life, the mystery of your nature, the magic of the universe.  A sense that there is a deep river that runs through you and goes down deep and back through all time. It feels instinctive. They are so moving and exciting to me, to know they move through you as well brings awareness you are part of the human story through them, a unity of all things. Just like drawing a great big tree that you know you are part of.


Flying of the Desert Wind
MBS:  What are some of your favorite materials to work with?

Cosima:  I had attended a few workshops lead by my Egyptian colleagues in collage and silkscreen printing, both being popular media here.  I incorporated them into my own work making a series which is still one of my favorites; I used silkscreened Arabic calligraphy, found papers, old book pages and arabesque graphic designs, transfer printed photos of landscapes (symbols of her essence) This then formed a surface on which I painted further on in acrylics and oil pastel. All these indigenous remnants were used to induce Egypt to speak about herself in the pictures that resulted!

I have made all kinds of things, from furniture, to lamps and containers, boxes, toys, books and these are tributaries I enjoy traveling down from time to time, but really the main river is painting and drawing.

I love gouache for its velvet intense color and its ability to be manipulated, diluted or rubbed out whenever I want. Combined with pastels I think it’s a natural pair, these two. Oil pastels with turpentine wash or applied thickly, I love. I use acrylic just a little bit. But gold and silver powders in varnish I use a lot. Gold is an important color for me, silver to some extent too. However I can get it—in gauche or acrylic, gold varnish, gold is an elemental substance (even if I am not using actual gold) I think it has an effect in the room where the piece hangs.
I love cotton printmakers paper; Arches BFK. It holds pastel in its fibers, takes a lot of wear and tear in erasing and repeated water applications. It’s more like felt fabric than a paper. I love it.

Pond of the Oracle
MBS:  You stated, "All creativity is spiritual work".  How so?

Cosima:  I ask the Divine to partner with me, releasing the ego’s insistence of control allowing for the unintentional mark to step in surrendering to what happens on the paper or canvas. In this way I become a receptacle able to receive the gifts of Spirit, a vessel for creation.

 I am not the one in total command, I seek to be a co-creator in releasing my dominance in decision making artistically. This creative force is more flexible, expansive and original than my own limited ideas or abilities. In fact, I have to say I do my best work when I don’t know what I’m doing! Things appear that I myself could never have imagined when I am a partner to this. I am many times amazed at what transpires never expecting such results, messages and answers far beyond what I am able to do. What does that have to say for my own supposed “talent”. 

That is the greatest joy in being an artist. To feel the vibration of creative energy buzzing through you, to feel that god force resonating in you as it passes through and onto the paper. To feel that you are an instrument of something bigger than yourself is a gift and a wonder. Not only that, its where the magic is truly alive!

MBS:  What is a typical workday like for you?  Do you work on your artwork everyday?

Cosima:  What I have found is that creative work comes in cycles, dry parched periods and flows of inundation. Times where I think I will never make another thing, paint another dot.  It’s interesting for me to observe this in myself, there is this inner voice to it too, and its belligerent! Hell NO!  I am not working today and maybe never will again! Leave me alone! I a going to sit on this couch and not do a damned thing.
 I do become anxious and nervous in these times; it does not feel exactly carefree and happy.  Believe me it’s not easy to be this way. All those imperatives to “paint everyday!” from people in authority go through the head. But this is what’s going on. I can push myself to “just do it” what comes from that is forced bland and uninteresting work in the end.

But as I mature and accept myself for what I am, the woman I am, I see there are necessary times of dormancy, times of year actually that go quiet at now accustomed regularity; deep winter in particular.  And when I least expect it the drive reawakens, the tides turn, what was in the off position has now gone into hyper gear.
You think nothing is happening but in reality those dark nights of quietude are fields that must be fallow for a season laying in wait to sprout healthfully later on.
The inactivity becomes suddenly; don’t stand in my way. Up till all hours and then the first thing I want to see in the morning besides a cup of coffee is what has transpired the night before and then I cant keep my hands off it. The passion is back and I’m deep in it, the labor of bringing it through is in motion.

The feminine aspect must be recognized, seen and known for what it is in us and respected.  I am not a man. Stop trying to make me act like one. Particularly in creativity! In the basement of my soul, at the fountainhead of my being, where I become the individual that I am- myself, where I spring into existence; at that ground zero I am a feminine creative human being.  I cannot box and package one aspect of self from the other in separation. Creator and feminine exist in me together they are not separable. I work as a woman does in full acknowledgment of the sacred feminine alive in me, working with me and through me; this thing has cycles and rhythms and is birthed through me. I am what I am.
The Illumination of Liberty
MBS: Do you sell your work online?  What has your online experience been like?

Cosima:  I am interested in reaching an audience on the other side of the world where I presently am. I would like to gain more access and visibility in real terms to America not only selling through the Internet. There is so much online that I think its not always easy to discern for the interested what is what. The up side is that Internet selling has given me the ability to make forays before I physically arrive.

Seated Quan Yin
MBS:  What advice do you have to anyone who wishes to (seriously) pursue an artistic path?

Cosima:  You see if you had asked me what advise would I give to those who pursue an artistic path I would answer a long the lines of get as much education and experience as possible. Do it because you love it. Have faith and determination. Consider that you may have to take other jobs to support yourself.

But you stipulated the word, seriously.
“…Seriously pursue an artistic path.”

Sirius-ly be led by a guiding star along a path of Art.

The profession of Art is a responsibility not accomplished or undertaken without consideration; because of its consequences to the Artist. It is a pursuit of the hand, the head and the heart, mostly heart. It is an activity that unites the entire person, a pulling together of all one’s faculties. It requires the entire being in it. You do it whole-heartedly.

There is power in Art.

 Done where one is the threshold of the new moving into existence from the un-manifest unseen energies of what is waiting to materialize ushering it into matter with sincerity, the world moves forward.  One follows that star because you know, to acknowledge its dictates is what has to be done, there’s no other way because it’s the right way, the true path forward. Under such auspices the creative arrives here not only transforming what exists in the present world, but the artist herself. She is changed for having done the work. The work transforms the maker.


~ thank you Cosima!




Cosima's artwork can be found on ImageKind.
You can also find her work at http://www.lukashevich.comhttp://www.lukashevich.com

Links to other interviews in the Mind Body Spirit Artist Series.




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Sunday, July 22, 2012

Gemstones of the Zodiac - Part 5 - Diamonds



Welcome to Part 5 of our “Gemstones of the Zodiac” series.

The fifth sign of the Zodiac is Leo (July 22 - Aug 21st).  The Mystical Zodiac stone for Leo is Diamond.

Formation

Diamonds are formed from carbon, which is one of the most abundant elements on Earth.  The carbon molecules undergo tremendous heat and pressure to form a diamond.

It is believed that diamonds are most likely discovered someplace other than their original source.  Volcanic activity would carry the diamond crystals inside it.  As surfaces eroded and stream beds formed, discharged diamond crystals would be moved with it, sometimes carrying them all the way to the sea.  Considering their existence has been known for around 3,000 years, diamonds were most likely found in this manner as opposed to mines being excavated.
 
Ancient Greeks named the diamond “adamas” which means invincible and indestructible.  Due to the way it holds and refracts light, famous Persian poet Hafiz once commented that “the rainbow is confined in it forever.”

History

The earliest recorded mention of diamonds is in India around 3,000 years ago.  Then they were mostly prized for their ability to refract light.  This made the diamond sought after for it's decorative purposes.  Their durability was also a symbol of strength, and diamonds were worn as a talisman for soldiers/warriors going into battle.

No less than Julius Caesar, Napoleon and Louis IV all considered diamonds their personal talisman.

In medieval times, people would have a diamond sewn into their clothes to offer protection from the evil eye or spells.  Mary Stuart always carried one, as she believed it would help her identify poisons.
In the Far East, diamonds were thought to be good for the heart.  They would place a diamond in a glass of water and let it sit overnight.  The next day, they would remove the diamond and drink the water.



Healing Properties - White Diamonds

Because its white form is perfectly clear, diamonds are believed to be about purity and bringing things to a whole.  This is why they are the traditional stone for wedding rings.  They are also a sign of fidelity and commitment.

In addition, diamonds are believed to amplify energy - and as result of this, it is important that you be careful what stones you wear with it.  A diamond will intensify the properties of the other stones around it, as well as the energies of those around you (including yourself!).



From a healing perspective diamonds are believed to bring fearlessness, strength and fortitude.  They are thought to dissipate emotional and mental pain, and bring about new possibilities and beginnings.  Obviously, due to their clarity, they are thought to bring enlightenment allowing your inner soul to shine.


Diamonds are also thought to purify and detox your entire body, balance metabolism, help build stamina and treat dizziness and vertigo.




Healing Properties - Colored Diamonds

In addition to clear/white diamonds, there are also multiple colors of diamonds.  These colors have their own properties associated with them.



Yellow - increases thoughtfulness and consideration.





Blue - good for building our willpower and as an inspiration for taking better care of ourselves.




Pink - great for your creative expression.



Black - perfect for increasing your ability to truly look inside yourself, without any preconceptions or illusions.


Cleansing

Diamonds are the one stone that are always pure, and do not need any cleansing of any kind.  

However, as a reminder for your other stones:

For additional information on how to cleanse your stones, refer to the article "Cleansing Your Healing Stones, Crystals and Gemstones Using Selenite" by Diane Fergurson on the Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.

~ Giani



You can read Giani's Tarot reviews in the Review section of this blog.
This is the fifth article in this wonderful series, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more
 in the upcoming months!  I thank Giani
 for his wonderful continued contributions to Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.
                                                                                  
 ~ diane
 

Series Article Part 1 - Opals 
Series Article Part 2 - Sapphire
Series Article 3 - Amethyst
Series Article 4 - Moonstone
Series Article 6 - Agate




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Sunday, July 15, 2012

Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review - Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness

Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness
by Heidi Thompson
Coldstream Books

One of the hardest things for many people to do is to bring themselves to a place of 'calm'.  To be able to focus on what they are doing.  In her new book Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness, author Heidi Thompson outlines a program that she has designed to teach children how to use breath awareness as a technique to help transform themselves into a more calm, focused, happy person.

Thompson's Mind Mastery Program developed out of years of working with children as a public education innovator in Canada, combined her 28 years of experience studying and teaching meditation techniques.  In the book she outlines and explains ten breath awareness lessons that act as a "concentration strengthening exercises" that help develop mental facilities including memory, attention, perception, intuition, and intellect.  As she explains breath awareness  promotes brain development, physical health, and provides immediate and long-term relief from unhappy physiological, emotional, and psychological states.  Thompson also points out that breath awareness is fundamental to just about every stress-reduction therapy and method, and it's value has been proven over and over by scientific research.

I wanted to review this book after I read it because I felt that it is a very important, worthwhile book not only for parents of children who need to learn to focus and de-stress, but also for anyone who teaches or is in the helping professions.  Unlike many books about various programs and methods, Calm Focus Joy was written in such a genuine and positive manner, it was a true pleasure to read.

I found the factual information Thompson presents in Calm Focus Joy to be very interesting and she delivers it in a very non evasive, casual way. There are also several things in this book that sets it apart from other self help books that lay out various programs and methods.  For example, I really liked the Teacher's Tips that Thompson included at the end of every step.  Teacher's tips themselves are nothing new, but I enjoyed and appreciated Thompson's fresh and honest approach.  I also found it wise that she included a short story within each step that could be read to the student to further illustrate the step's core essence.  The approach Thompson used to provide basic information about child development and special needs issues is also woven throughout the book in a very low key, understandable way.

All that said, what really struck me about Calm Focus Joy is that it goes one step further.  As part of it's curricula Thompson's program encourages and teaches children to grow into wholesome human beings.  Teaching kids basic core qualities such as 'I promise to Refrain from Hurtful Speech' and "I Promise to Speak Truthfully and to Act Honestly", build a strong basic foundation within an individual child from which awareness, growth, clarity and calm can then take root and grow.  These basic principals of wholesomeness no doubt stem from Thompson's own years of Buddhist practice. They are very worthwhile principals to live by and are needed by not only children growing up in today's world, but adults too. 

Anyone who works with children in any capacity or has children of their own would benefit from reading this book.  Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness is available through Amazon.


~ diane fergurson



 Make sure to also check out our artist interview with Heidi Thompson.


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and 






Monday, July 9, 2012

Spiritual Warrior - Conversations With Healer Darren Orr

Nature Forest Print by Jude McConkey

"Spirituality not practiced under fire, stress and duress is worthless and pointless.
If you practice in the hopes of attaining everlasting peace--you're deluded and
in stasis. Its easy for anyone to be happy, calm, peaceful when everything seems
perfect. Can you still remain centered, balanced, happy and peaceful when your
life falls apart?? ---that's the true test of a spiritual warrior   ~DO~



MBS:  I was reading a quote you had on your FaceBook page the other day (above)
and it referred to a person being or developing into a "spiritual warrior".
I know that the term "spiritual warrior" gets thrown thrown around pretty loosely sometimes to describe all kinds of situations and issues pertaining to spiritual attainment.
So I my question is, what is it to be a spiritual warrior?

 Darren:  My definition of a spiritual warrior would be: One who can face and embrace the
 fears within their own minds.  Having the discipline to delve deep within ones
 own darkness on a daily basis. As Lao Tzu states in the Dao darkness within
 darkness the gateway to all understanding. It takes courage to be a spiritual
 warrior and look at oneself truthfully openly and fearlessly, accepting oneself
 in its totality, the light and the dark, bringing harmony to your own duality. 

 Many believe a warrior to be one who kills or destroys, especially from
 an external perspective of soldiers, the military and war. This is not what
 I'm talking about. A spiritual warrior does not kill or destroy they transform
 and transmute. This is what the Daoists were really referring to when you read
 about alchemy. It's a transformation process where you transmute the base elements
 of yourself (fear, anger, negativity) and use them as compost to grow new life
--unconditional love, health and healing. This is also what the resurrection means
 in a broader symbolic form. You die or let go of the old and use it so new life can
 be born. This is why to train as a spiritual warrior no matter the system, they use
 the breath. As you inhale you take in new life and as you exhale you release all
 that is unwanted. To become conscious of that exchange and interchange between the 2
 on a moment to moment basis allows you to fully experience the grandeur,
 beauty and majesty of life and fulfill your destiny in this lifetime. 

It's so easy in spiritual circles to literally get caught up in spiritual samsara--
thinking everything is all light. They use the teachings as way to distract themselves
from themselves keeping it superficial so they don't have to face their darkness,
pain, fear and negative habitual patterns. The other common misconception is many
mistakenly think a teacher, guru or sifu is going to save you. No one can save you.
You are the only one that can save you. That realization that this path of the spirit
is in it's essence a solitary journey and you must trek within the uncharted internal
terrain of your deepest darkest fears alone and face them alone is the path of the
spiritual warrior. Each persons life is unique unto themselves, no can live your life
for you or give you some magical pill or key to health, healing, enlightenment or any
other desire. The teacher can only point the way back to your spirit. The warrior must
walk the path and navigate the dangers along the way. The more the teachers words are
aligned with their actions and life experiences, the more powerful and profound the
example will be. 

I have two living examples of a spiritual warrior that I get to witness, learn from and
love. My father Donald Orr and my teacher pointing the way for me by how he has and
continues to live, Ted Cibik.
Both have endured, faced and embraced hardships that would cripple most people yet
they choose to live, thrive and survive daily. The true test of spiritual warrior is
when everything is gone, and your life is on the line, how do you respond?



Darren Orr is a Doctor of Classical Chinese Medicine in Medical QiGong Therapy with a specialization in Dao-yin. He is currently training in ShenGong to be a Formless Daoist Priest. He is a Medical QiGong Master, nationally certified massage, bodywork and somatic therapist, Reiki Master, sound healer, Dao yoga, Dao Yin and meditation teacher. Darren is an A-Z practitioner specializing in life-altering illness, palliative care for the terminally ill, bereavement services for family, cancer, PTSD, fibromyalgia, addiction, mental/emotional imbalances, chronic pain and stress management as well as preventative medicine. CEU courses, lectures, workshops, seminars, classes, qi parties, and corporate wellness programs also available. Serving the tri-state area in a triangle from Philadelphia to NYC to Atlantic City Nj. Long Distance therapy also available.
You can contact Darren at:  d.orr333@gmail.com

You may also be interested in reading our interview with Darren about healing and the practice of Qigong.

Also his article - "Shedding Our Acquired Life Roles and Medical Qigong"

 


Nature Forest Print is courtesy of photographer Jude McConkey.  Prints are available through her


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Monday, July 2, 2012

Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review: Journey Into Oneness

Journey Into Oneness
by Paul Goldman
O Books

I read so many glowing comments about Paul Goldman's Journey Into Oneness, I requested a copy to review for the Mind Body Spirit Odyssey - and I was not disappointed. 

Journey Into Oneness is book of beautiful poetry that takes the reader on a journey of passage.  Finding out who you are, being grateful for all you are, awakening to love, and experiencing the clarity of connecting to the Universal Oneness and divinity that binds us all together.

The world is full of problems.  Everyday we read or see on television the immense pain and suffering around us.  To counterbalance, we need to bring as many positive things into our lives as we can.  You should consider adding this beautiful book of poetry as one of those positive things to your life and bookshelf.  A very uplifting and beautiful read!


From Paul Goldman's Journey Into Oneness:

This Big

Heart wide open,
I soar past moons,
suns, stars, even
galaxies to once again
find you,
right in the midst
of where
you have
always
been.



 Available through Amazon.



~ diane fergurson




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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Mind Body Spirit Artist Series: Julia Guthrie

The wind swept sea.  Mermaids, faeries, and Arthurian stories steeped in fantasy and mystery.  The stunning Cornish landscape and the beautifully inspired artwork of UK artist Julia Guthrie has left me completely spellbound.  I'm sure you're going to find Julia's wonderful artwork and words as enchanting as I did!

                                                                                                                        ~ diane fergurson

Freyja
MBS:  Can you tell us a little bit about your background?  How you got started in art?

Julia: Well, I have always been an artist. As a small child I would draw characters on the inside pages of my books...princesses with big dresses and big red lips!   lol
I loved my 'Big Book of Fairytales' the most, because of the stories but also because I loved the stunning illustrations that accompanied them. Girl's comics were another great favourite of mine...I used to colour in the pictures.  This evolved over the years to drawing portraits of my favourite pop stars and copying the posters I had on my wall, or I would copy their album covers with my paints.
I recall telling a teacher at school once, that I was going "paint record covers" when asked what I wanted to do as a job.
After school I did a year foundation course in Art and Design with a view to moving into Graphic Design. I didn't take that further though and in the last 10 years I have developed my painting skills in a more illustrative direction.

MBS:  I've noticed that many of the themes in your paintings center around goddess, mythological, and metaphysical subjects. How did this evolve into focal point for your work?

Julia:  I guess I have always been fascinated by the metaphysical world, and more recently, perhaps the last 15 years or so in particular, I had begun reading a lot more about various religions and their sources. The progression from believing in spirits/ tarot/ psychic abilities, led me to discover a whole new level which really fired up my imagination in a big way, while also becoming a life changing experience.

The Guide
One of my paintings is of a specific spirit guide who has been with me for a number of years. ('The Guide') It is very much how she appears to me.
Other paintings on this subject also have deep meaning for me, such as 'Inner Journey' (below). I wanted to express how it feels to be in a guided meditation, as I am a very visual person and I see rich, vivid landscapes which naturally I always wish I could capture onto paper!
The Goddess paintings, 'Freyja' (above) and 'White Tara' (bottom of page) came at times in my life when I had a very close connection to them in meditation. White Tara in particular had deeply inspired me during a meditation and when I had the idea to paint her it came together so easily that it genuinely felt as though I had channeled the painting straight from Tara herself.
When that happens I am as thrilled as anyone to see the image reveal itself.
Really I just paint the subjects that touch my life strongly...the parts of life that make me who I am, and my spiritual/ metaphysical side is one of the most important sides for me.
Inner Journey


MBS:  Do you work in a series?

Julia:  Some work is part of a series, such as the 'Storybook Cornwall' collection, which are illustrations created to reflect my love of books as a child growing up. And as I paint more Goddesses that will be a series of sorts, but there are just as many which are stand alone paintings.

MBS:  What materials do you use in your
work?

Julia:  My most used materials are Watercolour paints, because I like the versatility of them. They can be used lightly or layered for a more vibrant effect. Also pencils and sepia pencils.
However I also dabble in Oils and acrylics, and some recent paintings have been worked in mixed media such as acrylic, tissue paper, and gold leaf.

MBS:  Do you prefer a particular size when you work?

Julia:   I generally work with A4 and A3 sizes (approx 8x10" - 11x16") as it can take quite a while to complete a watercolour. Larger sizes always sound like fun but by the time I'm halfway through painting I wish I'd done it smaller!


MBS:  I've read that the inspiration from the visual landscape, legends and lore of where you live has played an important part in your work.  Can you explain where you live and how it has influenced you as an artist?

Julia:   I am lucky enough to live close to the sea in the beautiful County of Cornwall (UK). On the South West Peninsula you are never more than 16 miles from the coast...which for me, is absolute heaven!

Eventide
I moved here about 16 years ago and fell in love with the Cornish coastline, as many people do!  Cornwall is a place steeped in myth and legend, from mermaids, faeries and giants, to numerous Arthurian stories. I recall the day I realized that I lived right by the shores of the famous 'lost land of Lyonesse', from the tales of Tristan and Isolde; and I knew then that I had to illustrate these captivating legends.  They constantly tug on my heart strings.

A few of my earlier works are representative of that, but as my style has improved and changed. They are no longer online to view, but I still intend to capture those tales on paper. 
I spent 8 years living in Penzance, in a wonderful Victorian town house with distant views of the magical 'St Michael's Mount'. A stunning medieval castle on a tiny island just off the village of Marazion. Looking at something like that each day from my art studio window seat has carved a place in my heart which now forms the basis of much of my artistic inspiration.

Living in Cornwall has deeply inspired my creative muse in many ways, and I have also created a number of artworks based on my memories of childhood stories from Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' and Susan Cooper's 'The Dark is Rising' series'.  These illustrations aim to capture the emotion and adventure of secret and magical places, where children can run free with bottles of ginger beer, and solve exciting mysteries!
 
'Storybook Cornwall' is a series based on my own photographs of places with a story to tell.
For much more information on 'my Cornwall', and many of the myths and legends I love, you can visit my blog page.

MBS:  That sounds absolutely magical!  Is there a particular favorite myth or legend from the area that has inspired you?

Julia:  It really is magical...every time I go for a walk I am reminded of the reasons why I love it here. I am constantly drawn back to the Arthurian legends... probably because I can stand on the windswept cliffs and look out towards the Scilly Isles, picturing the stretch of land that supposedly once connected them to Cornish shores. Lyonesse, the home of Tristan, was later apparently wiped out by a huge flood. The Atlantis myth has also been linked to this area because of the similarities.
Many tales tell of Cornish fishermen out in their boats, hearing mysterious ghostly church bells ringing out at sea and they say that they have looked down and seen what appeared to be buildings beneath the waves.
The mermaid of Zennor is another one I already have the muse working on ideas for. An ancient mermaid tale set in the tiny coastal village of Zennor, not more than half an hour or so from here. This too has historical references, with a rather curious mermaid carving on an old church pew found in Zennor Church.  Many of my Cornish illustrations echo the folk tales and stories that inspire me, although with those I prefer the picture to tell it's own tale...

I also enjoy photography, and while I'm not trained or a professional in any capacity I have a real love of beautiful photographs. I do a lot of paintings based on my own photographs because I simply wouldn't have time to sketch or paint the locations while I'm there. My husband and I do a lot of walking on the beaches and around the countryside, so it's nice to be able to capture an image with all the magical, fairytale atmosphere within in, then take it back to the studio to turn into a painting.
Riven Tide
My Flickr account houses a vast number of my favourite photographs...some of which have become paintings.  For example... 'Riven Tide' is inspired by one of my favourite Pre-Raphaelite paintings by J.W.Waterhouse, 'Miranda the Tempest'. It is based on photographs I took of a nearby cove that has always reminded me of the Waterhouse painting. In 1588 the Spanish Armada was first sighted on this stretch of coast, the beacons were lit and the alarm was raised. It is an era that fascinates me, so I simply had to paint a picture that hinted at such a historic event, happening right on my own doorstep!

Of course, it wouldn't be complete without the wind chimes and wall hangings I make from driftwood found on these beaches too.  I don't find a great deal unfortunately, so whatever is in my Etsy shop is pretty much all there is until I find a load more to work with. Drilling and gluing driftwood is quite therapeutic really.  It helps keep me connected to the sea, which is my biggest love :)
MBS:  What is a typical work day for you? Do you keep a regular schedule to work on your artwork, or are you less scheduled about it?


Julia:  I do not have a typical work day at the moment, as I have recently begun working a 'day job' once more. But prior to that I would generally have a list with numerous commissions or business/ art related activities that needed completing, and I'd allow my muse to decide which ones got done first. It has to be fun after all...or what is the point? :)

While it is important to keep paperwork up to date and get orders posted quickly, you really have to be flexible when it comes to creating. If I wake up with my muse leaping about excitedly in my head, then that ought to be the first thing I attend to. Later in the day when I have less creative energy is the time for invoices and packing tape.

MBS:  Do you sell your work online?  What has your online experience been like?

Julia:  I have been selling my work online for a few years now and I have found it to be a lot of fun. Through the usual avenues of Twitter, Facebook and Etsy, where I have made many new friends who are both fellow arts and crafters, and customers alike.  I have also tried a few other shopping sites which have not quite stood the test of time.

White Tara
Overall it's a lot of work and anyone joining a site like Etsy thinking that 'if you build it they will come', may be in for a surprise as it takes a great deal of self promotion and effort to make it financially worthwhile.  Over the years I have gathered a number of loyal customers and 'fans', if I can call them that, while building my online presence the best I can with my website and Facebook page, etc. I am truly grateful to each and every one of them. Nothing makes me happier than when I receive an email from a new person who tells me how much they love a particular painting of mine because it reminds them of a place they used to live...a connection they have to a spiritual deity, or however it resonates with them. That heartwarming connection is what really makes everything worthwhile.
Often when I am commissioned to do a painting I will pick up on an idea for a theme, or a particular aspect such as a feather, animal, or a particular type of flower, etc, only to discover that it already has great meaning or significance to the customer. It makes the painting so much more personal for them, and that is very important to me. All my paintings have a symbolic reference to the subject. Whether it's connected to myself or a customer.  I also love the fact that my spiritual/psychic side comes into play even while creating artwork.

MBS:   What are you currently working on?

Julia:  I currently have a number of projects floating about in my head - as always!
My new work will be based heavily on the Pre-Raphaelite style, as it is what first drew me to art as a child.  While I have always been influenced by it, I have long since wanted to move more in that direction with my own work.
I have a new painting of the Norse Goddess Freyja in the pipeline, quite different to my previous one, which is probably one of my favourite paintings to date. (It is also featured in the 2013 Earth Pathways Desk Diary for those in the UK)
And I am working on some sketches to illustrate 'The Mermaid Of Zennor' tale I mentioned earlier. I would very much like to perhaps turn that into an illustrated book, re-written by myself, but we shall see! :)
Aside from the personal work, I have commission work in various forms...from book illustrations, to website banners.

MBS:  What advice do you have to anyone who wishes to (seriously) pursue an 
artistic path?

Julia:  The best advice I could give in the current economical climate, and indeed beyond that, is to paint because you love it!  Draw...paint...be creative...try whatever your muse inspires you to try. Always enjoy what you do, and if you aren't enjoying it, do something else.
The most successful people I know, whether they are artists, jewellery designers or bakers, are successful because of the love & beautiful energy they infuse into their work. 
Take the time to learn how to meditate...then work when your muse calls.
Although saying that, a few business skills wouldn't go amiss either - for when the customers start banging your door down!  :)


thank you Julia!



Links to Julia's work:


http://juliaguthrie.blogspot.co.uk/  Blog - to keep up with my life & inspirations!



Email : juliaguthrie@hotmail.co.uk



Links to other interviews in the Mind Body Spirit Artist Series.


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Friday, June 22, 2012

Gemstones of the Zodiac - Part 4 - Moonstone



Welcome to Part 4 of our “Gemstones of the Zodiac” series. 



The fourth sign of the Zodiac is Cancer (June 21 - July 21).  The Mystical Zodiac stone for Cancer is Moonstone.

Origins

Although named for the moon, moonstone is actually a feldspar known as “adularia”, because it was found, among other places, in the Adula Group of the European Alps.  The shimmering effect inside the stone is knows as “adularescence”. 

The classic moonstone comes from Sri Lanka.  Other moonstones can be found in the USA, Australia, Brazil, Myanmar and Madagascar.



Historical Beliefs

Ancient civilizations believed you could see it in the moon during a waning phase.  Because of this, some civilizations would use moonstone during the waxing phase for a love charm, and, during a waning phase, to tell a person’s future.
The Ancient Romans believed it was actually formed from moonlight.
The Ancient Greeks called the stone “Aphroselene”, a combination of the love goddess Aphrodite and the moon goddess Selene.
In India, it is a very sacred stone.  The Indians will only permit it to be displayed on a yellow colored cloth.  They believe that having the light of a full moon touch this stone will awaken its magical powers, which will bring good fortune and let people see the future.
A ring with a moonstone is a great talisman for one in love, especially if that loved one is far away.  It symbolizes that you are both “under the same moon”, a wonderful sentiment.


Formation

Moonstone is an opalescent type of Orthoclase, an alkai feldspar.   The sheen inside a moonstone is created when light reflects off the internal layers of albite.  The albite adds that little touch of blue that can be seen inside a moonstone.


Colors of Moonstone

Peach or Apricot Moonstone - it will calm and brighten the emotions and will help with the wearer’s self image.



Rainbow Moonstone - helps to strengthen intuition and perceptions, and will bring balance to the wearer.

Silver Grey Moonstone - eases frustrations and allows you to move more easily, more in harmony with the ebb and flow of life.


Healing and Metaphysical Properties

Because this stone is so closely tied to the moon, this stone is used in many fertility symbols and rituals.  It is also believed to help people get more in touch with the feminine side of their psyche.
It is believed that if you put a moonstone under your pillow, it will help cure your insomnia.  If you pair it under your pillow with amethyst, that will only increase the power.  Additionally, the combination will make for purer dreams that will be easier to remember.  (hyperlink “amethyst” to the amethyst article).
When worn in contact with the skin, it is said to help with epilepsy, depression, hormonal and endocrine system issues. 
Although moonstone shares a similar opalescence to the opal, it works in the exact opposite fashion.  Whereas opals can intensify and exaggerate emotions, moonstone works to calm and soothe them.  It brings the positive qualities of the moon and promotes joy, as well as spiritual growth.





Moonstone vs Selenite

The stone known as Selenite, which is a gypsum, was named for Selene, the moon goddess.  Selenite translates as “the moon stone”.  However, it is not to be confused with actual Moonstone.  Moonstone is a feldspar and selenite is a gypsum.  They are not the same stone.

For information on how to cleanse your stones, you can refer to the recent article by Diane Fergurson, published recently on Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.


~ Giani

 

You can read Giani's Tarot reviews in the Review section of this blog.
This is the fourth article in this wonderful series, and I am definitely looking forward to more of
 in the upcoming months.  I thank Giani
 for his wonderful continued contributions to Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.
                                                                                   ~ diane
 

Series Article Part 1 - Opals 
Series Article Part 2 - Sapphire
Series Article 3 - Amethyst
Series Article 6 - Agate 

 



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Artist,Writer, Jewelry Design