For Ana's Birthday by anahata.c
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A very old story...
At the bottom of this image, you'll see a castle. It's faded into the background because there's an old story behind it...
Legend says, in the Middle Ages, a man named Simon grew up and gave all his riches to the poor, and became a servant. (He cleaned the waste of others.) He prayed each day for his 'purpose'. Then---one day---the Virgin Mary spoke to him and told him to go to a very special place, and there he would find his purpose. At last...
So Simon traveled and traveled and suffered many hardships...but he never gave up because his purpose awaited him always.
One day, he heard the Virgin's voice: She told him to dig right where he stood, until he found a statue of her with Jesus. It was to be a holy and magic statue.
He dug until he found it: It became a shrine. And it was called "Our Lady of Penafrancia". (More simply, "Our Lady of Pena".)
Years later---say the legends---the Virgin was sighted in Portugal: So they built a chapel to her on that spot, and named it after that statue. That became the castle in my image: The 'Pena' National Palace. (I photographed it in the 70s.) Though it's a tourist sight today, it began with the legend of a humble traveler who gave up the world and endured great hardships to find his spiritual ideal...
Now.
The story has all the earmarks of the great spiritual odysseys of mythology:
Someone is called, they give up everything, they follow their calling---enduring great years of sacrifice---then they find their goal; and that place becomes a beacon to all: I.e., that one can find light in the midst of darkness. (And one doesn't have to be 'religious' to appreciate these: Substitute "light and inspiration" for that statue, and you have it...
* * *
I've had the blessing of Ana's friendship (anaber) since 2008. She's, hands down, one of the finest painters and drawing-artists I've ever met. She's also one of the dearest, most caring and uplifting souls I've ever met. Her other friends will wholly agree. Years ago, I posted a crazy postwork of this castle, and Ana loved it: So I looked up its story, and I was amazed at how well it fit.
Ana has been through such a journey. For example, she worked for several years with the movement to replace Salazar, one of the worst dictators in European history. She went through terrible experiences and saw terrible things. She also worked for women to be strong and learn to care for themselves, and lift themselves. She raised a family of wonderful children and grandchildren, often with great sacrifice, especially with family illness. Yet, with all that, she's given more love and support than most of the people I've known. She's an inspiration.
If you're new to her work, look at a few pages of her Gallery: Her portraits are worth the trip alone: Few artists I know capture the inner subtle emotion she has. Her portraits of older people are exquisite and so very real. Her fairy-tale paintings are magic. In addition to her portraiture, fantasy, fiery abstracts, 3D, photography, etc, she began as a sculptor; and, from all I've seen, she was stunning at it.
For being such a jewel to me and others, and for caring and supporting us so much: a huge hug of gratitude, Ana. I wish you a blessed birthday and many many more, and may the skies part for you and give you all the light, peace and inspiration you can get: You deserve it all. With humility and love, from your humble and grateful friend from across the sea, wonderful and beautiful blessings to you Ana, Mark
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(I'm only back for some dedis, but I'll comment in coming weeks...Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful and caring visits)
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Comments (20)
durleybeachbum
Glorious, Mark!
helanker
I cannot resist commenting on this, because Ana is also one of my dearest friend, I ever had. I am just not able to express it in public, like you, Mark. Therefore I will say, I fully agree with you on all you wrote here. I couldn´t say it better than this.
And your gorgeous piece of art is so lovely in colors and pattern, that it is worth lingering over for some time. The left side with sun and bright light, the other with darker, but with more colorful beauty. Both sides are nice to have in a balance. Right? :-) Happy Birthday Dear Ana !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LivingPixels
A wonderful dedi mark and fantastic image so lovingly prepared well done my friend!!
moebiustraveller
Beautiful creation :)
bakapo
this is a beautiful dedication to your friend, your words are touching. in the image on the left, I saw an angel, before I read your words. she is bright and beautiful and she is blessing the land and the people at her feet. the image on the right is what the world feels like when it has been blessed by an angel... beautiful and wondrous and full of magic, love, and light.
auntietk
I love the energy this has, the raw, yet contained, power. It's magnificent! The two sides remind me of the Old Testament pillar of smoke by day and pillar of fire by night. Art, story, and intention combine to make a perfect gift for Ana. This is beautiful.
npauling
Such a fabulous art work with the most vibrant color and texture designed to really catch the eye. A wonderful birthday present for Ana. I can see this image hanging in a stairwell or a place with a high ceiling. Outstanding work Mark. 😀
wysiwig
A superb image and a wonderful dedication for Ana. She is obviously a very special person.
eekdog
Like dripping colorful liquids, love the one on right best, Mark. Designful and very flashy.. Love how you think of others with your unique art my friend. I'm proud to know you. Great discription also.
RodS
Well, I can see right now that I need to stop by and explore her gallery. If she comes this highly spoken of by you, Mark, that's more than enough reason.
And what a lovely and colorful dedication for her - full of life and energy. Exquisite as always!
Faemike55
stunning dedication to a lady who has given much to all.
ArtistKimberly
Delightfully Beautiful Work,
UteBigSmile
GrandmaT
Awesome images! I love these bold abstracts you do. A wonderful dedication.
steve2
Beautiful work !
rbowen
Very beautiful dedication!
nickcarter
Waw,,,, G R E A T !!!
goodoleboy
A most colorful and extensive dedication to and for your friend Ana.
jocko500
so love a job you did
anaber
Hello Mark! Thank you very much!! For all your wishes and for all the love that you sent me in this magnificent present.
I hope that you forgive me that only now, i 'jumped' in your gallery! But i had no words. I saw your image , i read the story and your loving words about me, right when you posted it all and i was lost of words! This, brought me to tears; i was so moved! I still tried a calling to you, but you were busy and i let a message, saying how grateful i was for this gift!!
Yesss, i was lost of words to write; i still am. It was not easy to write what i felt and i still feel. It was a great emotion and i am much grateful for this so meaninghtful present. Perhaps you don't know how much, Mark, but indeed, you reached the target and touched deeply my heart and soul. Like a wizard...
Your image and the story, fell like a 'bomb' in my heart, as well as your words to me. I don't deserve so much, Mark, truly!!-i could explain why, but it would be a testament:) But you know, Mark? This Palace,can be seen from many places faraway- He is buil in the higest cliff and the place is named the Mount of the Moon - and along long, long years, when i lived in suburbs near Sintra, every early mornings, before leaving to my job, with the first coffe of the morning warming my hands, i watched this Palace, that was before my eyes -la loin- from my window in the kitchen; many times, this view brought me to tears , which i don't know to explain the reason (perhaps the name 'Pena' bringing feelings of chagrin but also others of comfort )
This Palace surrounded with fog, it was so misterious, as well as it was also everything that was around and that I could barely distinguish, for being so far.. and i imagined tales of princesses like a 'child' does. And at night, when the moon was in the sky, its brightness could overshadowed the spotlights that were around the Palace illuminating and all the mistery was still there, though, showing in another way...the lights inside, making it warm and alive, but still more misterious. I imagined the mouvements of a unknown life inside, as if i was many years back...and in a certain way, wanting be part of it-crazy thought !
I dind't knew this story, Mark, but after read, i was mute. And I read the image from the right to the left-i felt the dig of Simão doing caves, so to can find the treasure and i felt as if i was there, digging, so to can find the right way to live life as it should be. I love the intentionality of the colors from top to bottom in a 'crescento'. In the left, another feast after the feast:) Soft colors contrasting with the others, but doing part of the same. They complete , like day complete the night . It is a powerful image, Mark! and another master piece! And another Lesson of Life!
Thank you Mark, for this unparalleled 10 years of friendship. There is no words to express my gratitude to you and is a honor to me, that you call me friend. Thank you for your permanent support and love. Huge hugs and much love to you. ** Now, Mark:) because we are almost in the end of the year, and in the case i will be late again here....!! i want to wish you the best of the best in the new coming year and that 2018 brings you much inspiration, much criativity and joy. But, mainly and over all, much health! For you and yours. May the Sun protect You with Warmth and Light always.