Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Spirit Blossom #1





This is the first "Spirit Blossom" I designed. Incorporated into its composition are two of my many favorite quotations. The first quotation is "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life"-Pablo Picasso. The second quotation "Nature is God's art" (-Author unknown) is not clearly visible in these photographs.

I intended these art pieces to become a statement of life incorporationg the natural beauty of the gourd with the intrinsic beauty of the spirit. My drawings were inspired by traditional floral designs and motifs illustrated by Madeleine Orban Szontagh.

In one manner of Indian gourd decoration, there is often a "spirit line". Such a line is made to insure there is a positive flow of energy from the spirit world to the world of mankind. In this art piece the "spirit line" begins at the base of the gourd, flows through the floral designs, and then enters the interior of the gourd through the opening at the top. Drawing on such a natural surface as this gourd brought a new earthiness into my art life and enabled my own personal spirit to fly.

18 comments:

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Never heard of gourd art but find your post inspirational. Feeling of tribal spirits in your beautiful designs. What media did you use - pen?? Came to you by linking after your visit to my blog and your many kind comments on my work. Another American lady commented that USA churches dont have the same feeling as our traditional village cemetries in the grounds of medieval churches. My move to Norfolk has certainly inspired me to develop my work with churches and spiritual matters.

Margaret Ann said...

Thanks for the visit Joan. I used a Faber-Castell Pitt Pen on the gourds... :)

You are so fortunate to be surrounded by such beautiful architecture and history. Your paintings are a tourism treat for us "on the other side of the pond". :)

Teri said...

OMG! these are just gorgeous!!!! I love them.

As for Cactus Monday...I started this last year and it has become such a habit I can't stop. and YES, please join me. I have one other person doing a cactus monday and she is in the UK with a cactus for a house plant.

The only rule is, it has to be a cactus of any kind, any view, any setting. You could even use your gourds. Let me know if you decide to do this and I will link you to my next cactus monday.

Margaret Ann said...

Teri,

So glad you enjoyed these...Art you familiar with the Wuertz Gourd Farm in Casa Grande? That's were this gourd was "born." :)

Woo Hoo...you know I'm in on the "Cactus Monday". Thanks for the invite! Can't wait till they are all in bloom....What fun we will have!!!

soulbrush said...

oh my goodness, i am in awe of your work, it's simply superb.

Margaret Ann said...

Forever Young...you just gave me goose bumps! Thanks! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi! This is my first visit and thrilled to see this amazing work! An inspiration!!

Cathy
www.artwalaroad.com

studio lolo said...

Lovely, lovely pieces of art. I am drawn to anything with a Native American inspiration. I try to follow most of their examples in how I live my life, in reverence of nature.
Thank you for the many visits today! I can't wait to see what magic you create in the new Moleskine of yours :) I must (as of right now) link you under "my inspiring friends."

Serena Lewis said...

I adore gourd art and the story behind these spirit blossoms is wonderful! Your work is beautiful!!

"Maggie & Kevin" said...

What a beautiful gourd and I like that you added the quote and the small spike antlers.

I love creating works of art on gourds and have my own personal supply of gourds stashed in storage. Every gourd has it's own character and I like the story behind your creations.
http://www.designerm.com/threedelk.htm

Margaret Ann said...

Thanks Cathy, Studio, Serena and Maggie...Working with these gourd is very special...It delights me that you enjoy them so.! :)

Maggie...I visited your site and your gourd work is beautiful...you're are so right each one has it's own quirkiness...I love that! :)

Unknown said...

Margaret Ann your work is so awesome, all I have to say is "Get 'er done!" :)

Anonymous said...

Your work is so beautiful and meaningful. I love that the process of creating it is like praying. Thanks for visiting me and for your wonderful compliments!

sandy said...

Wow, these are gorgeous! Almost forgot you had this blog.

Barb Sailor said...

These touched my heart.

flowerlady56 said...

OMGosh, I love gourds and have lots of them, now I can Zen them how cool is that :)Thanks for inviting me, you are an amazing artist!
Blessings Debi :)

Judy said...

I love the combination of the antlers and the gourd!

Carolyn said...

Hi again...
well, I'm getting good at this comment thing...thanks to you!
:-)
Yes, I like your gourds. Very nice.
I ordered the colored Faber-Castell pens just now from Jerry's Art a rama.
Thanks for the info.
Carolyn