Belated Dedi for Carol (romanceworks) by anahata.c
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Description
Let me tell you a story...
Years back, an old yogi told me: "For many years, I wandered the Himalayas. One day, 2 takins wandered by---takins are our version of your 'mountain goats', Mark.
"I was resting by a river, everything was ice, and the takins glided by like 'visions'. They were like ghosts, mirages. I thought I was dreaming...
"So I returned to sleep, and dreamt the takins were flying into the sky (!!!), blending with the old shrines and prayer-walls so common up there. And I envisioned them in the 'cosmic dance' you read about in our scriptures---you know, with flames, swirls and pageants? Everything becomes dance in the end...That kind of dance...
"When I awoke---deep night---only one was left: asleep. And near him, someone had left a lantern---this was very common in those days: wanderers left lights to help others---and the takin suddenly looked like a beautiful purple god..."
He leaned forward:
"You see, a takin goes through life without knowing half the beauty it imparts: So it is with us. Therefore keep that lantern with you, and you'll learn that even the smallest creature can be splendorous as the sun, and the shortest joy can last as long as eternity...I promise you this. A promise."
* * *
I've been privileged to know Carol for a while. (romanceworks) Those of you who know her know how hard she works---her hours, her many assignments, her years in professional design, art and writing; her deep love and passion for her family and friends; and her honesty about life's losses...
But it wasn't until I got to know her work that I realized how 'yogic' she was. I was a yogi a ways back (a story for another time), and I can tell you she does things that come straight out of those meditation-journeys that you read about above. They're underneath, 'inside' her art, inside the animals and plants and all her other sumptuous work...It's in their lines, their eddies and flows, in her pulsing brushwork or how her hues move from deep 'ground' to sumptuous light. To me, it's yogic, spiritual. Even 'chakric'.
Carol, I know you grapple with your work...and then you watch it go into the world, and you go through emptying and filling, and it goes on...All I can say is, under that lantern your heart shines splendidly; and while I'm not as close to you as several others, I see your eye and heart, and they're just beautiful. I made this art in December, but boy did I revise it last week! (I wanted it to tell this tale.) But with it I say: May the light in you not only bless all who see it, but may it fill you to overflowing, and always. With love, blessings and gratitude for all you give, happy birthday (late), Mark
Please see large---it's quite big.
(all images are mine)
Comments (12)
magnus073
Mark, I was both moved and inspired by this thoughtful dedication for Carol. She is one of the talented and kindest artists in the gallery, who's work touches all that visit her gallery. I've carefully studied this presentation over and over and like the way you pointed out it was important for us to take a lantern with us through life so we can see the shining splendor of the world and people around us. You and Carol are kindred spirits in a way, as you both shine lights for those in need to see and be inspired by.
durleybeachbum
In turns beautiful and mysterious. Such an inspiring story too.
flavia49
fantastic series and dedication
romanceworks
First, Mark, thank you so much for the honor of this very beautiful and inspiring story-art you have created for me. I loved the story, and how your art took me through a journey, first to a place of stark cold whiteness and naked branches, alive and yet waiting for Spring and sunlight to really bloom. The second image felt like the earth to me, full of texture and solid ground, a place to plant yourself, to get your balance, to grow. The third image took me into a cosmic world of creativity, a place of fantasy chakric dances, infinite possibilities and delirious and delightful dreams. The last image felt so calming, a place I could finally rest, a spirit world, where, as your story said, a simple creature, to most insignificant, but when seen in the light of the lantern, becomes a vision of spiritual beauty, inspiration, and healing. The story comes full circle in your art, from white light, to being born on this earth, through the journey of life, creativity, and self awareness, to finally, the calm spirit world filled with healing crown chakra light of inner vision. I'm learning, as I go through this journey, to take a moment to look with new vision, at the world, and at myself. Most of the time I'm in the darkness, or am blinded by so much light I can't see anything. But there are those precious moments, when I take the inner journey, where there is an incredible place of beauty, inspiration, peace. And love. I try to express the feelings through my art. And the fact that you see my journey, and so much more, in my work, is such an honor and gift. Mark, you are my takin. I will be forever grateful for our friendship that has grown brighter, more beautiful, and more spiritual with each passing day, month, and year. As I get older, and another birthday comes and goes, I don't seem to celebrate as much, and forget about counting the candles, :o). But if I were to have the perfect birthday cake, the candles on it would the people who have touched me the most in my life. And your candle, Mark, would be burning the brightest. Hugs, Carol.
MrsRatbag
An exceptional journey of an image, Mark; you do these so well, and your eloquence sheds such a kindly revealing shade of revelation onto others that we all gain from the joy of your spirit. Magical!
auntietk
A wonderful story, and you tell it so well in both words and pictures. The lantern light in the final image really does impart extra beauty. The creature's fur seems softer than soft ... as if I could reach out and touch it from here. Beautifully done!
helanker
Mark, this is such a beautiful dedication to your friend, Carol. The story is amazing and so is this creation. I love how you made the animal fade into your images, as if they grew out of it. I really tried to find words, but they didnt want to come. You know me, Mark. I cannot come up with genius words. But I can say, that it is always a great joy to see your beautiful art. I love how you made the creature lie in a cave and the orbs makes it all so beautiful and mysterious.
LivingPixels
Much applause Mark!! Super creative and most impressive in every aspect of your creation mark great work my friend!!
sandra46
EXCELLENT WORK AND GREAT PRESENTATION
jocko500
very good story you write and images that goes with it. The Bible say " thy word is a lamp unto my feet" do now apply here as yoga and Bible do not mix. romanceworks art is wonderful and the artist is good person
beachzz
One of your most beautiful pieces. Your wonderful colors, textures, light and movement never cease to amaze me. This is a wonderful dedi for a very talented artist!
goodoleboy
To start off with another one of my inevitable puns, Mark, I'm quite taken with your takin story. How did you get to know all of these people? A fine dedication to your friend, Carol, in this fine montage of extraordinary concepts, employing your own patented sources of abstract art, my friend. And, as you know, I'm pressed for time with my other responsibilities, so I won't strive to create huge paragraphs of exalted commentary similar to those preceding this.