In this evocative oil painting "Dream", the imagery is steeped in symbolism, evoking themes of transcendence, nature’s cycles, and the delicate balance between the earthly and the celestial.
Sometimes working intuitively can surprise you when later you understand the true meaning of your own work. There is a reoccurring theme where I aim to invite viewers into a realm where the natural and the spiritual converge, creating a harmonious dialogue between the material world and the divine.
In this large oil painting "Dream" (118.9 x 84.1cm), you will discover the depth of symbolism captured in my work - please read on to reveal the meaning and hopefully connect with the five symbolic guestures 1, the Rose Murex Shell; 2 The Low Horizon; 3, The White Clouds and Blue Sky; 4, The Seagull and 5, The heavenly image:
1. The Rose Murex Shell and Clouds (Union of Earth and Heaven): The rose murex shell, seamlessly immersed within the clouds, symbolises the merging of the physical and spiritual realms. Shells are traditionally associated with protection, life’s journey, and the passage of time. By placing the shell within the clouds, this painting suggests a higher consciousness or a spiritual awakening. The cloud formation morphing into this shell evokes the idea of a gateway or bridge between earth and the heavens, hinting at the presence of something sacred or eternal. Its orientation, directly facing the audience, feels like an invitation to explore the mysteries of life, the fluid connection between the tangible and the intangible, and the beauty found in both nature and spirit.
2. Low Horizon Line and Deep Green Ocean (Grounded Depths and Emotional Resonance): The low horizon and rich green tones of the ocean convey depth, stability, and emotional introspection. Green, the colour of nature and renewal, suggests growth and balance, while its deep hue alludes to profound emotional currents beneath the surface. The three small waves gently rolling forward symbolise life’s continuous flow, the cycles of time, and the gentle passage from the known (the shore) into the unknown (the depths). The horizon’s placement low in the composition accentuates the expansive sky, emphasising the connection between the earthly and the divine.
3. White Clouds and Light Blue Sky (Purity and Higher Consciousness): The purity of the white clouds against the light blue sky creates a sense of serenity and clarity. White represents purity, spiritual enlightenment, and peace, while the light blue sky symbolises openness, hope, and limitless possibilities. The expansive sky suggests a vast, heavenly realm where the divine can be glimpsed through nature. The cloud formation itself, morphing into the shell, represents the idea that within nature’s simplicity lies profound spiritual truth.
4. The Seagull (Freedom, Perspective, and Spirit): The seagull soaring high in the top left corner introduces a sense of elevation and freedom. The bird’s presence symbolises perspective and a higher vantage point, inviting the viewer to look beyond the immediate and embrace a more expansive vision of life. Seagulls, often seen as messengers between land and sea (or earth and sky), enhance the theme of interconnectedness between the physical world and the spiritual. Positioned high above, the seagull’s flight suggests liberation from earthly constraints and a journey toward higher consciousness.
5. Heavenly Imagery and Elevation (Spirituality and Transcendence): The painting’s overall composition, with its elevated perspective and heavenly tones, suggests a state of transcendence. The merging of the shell and clouds speaks to the blending of earthly experiences with spiritual insights, portraying the idea that within the natural world lies the gateway to the divine. The soft interplay between the elements conveys peace, serenity, and a sense of the eternal, suggesting that even in life’s most grounded moments, there is always an invitation to rise, elevate, and connect with something greater.
Symbolic Message:
The painting embodies the harmony between the material world and spiritual realms, emphasising the presence of the sacred within nature. The rose murex shell, subtly nestled within the clouds, symbolises spiritual protection, the cyclical nature of life, and the promise of something eternal beyond our earthly experience. The shell’s integration into the heavenly clouds suggests that even in life’s most earthly and grounded elements, there are whispers of divine truth and higher understanding waiting to be uncovered. The seagull’s flight adds a layer of freedom and perspective, urging the viewer to rise above the mundane and see life through a lens of spiritual connection and boundless possibility. Ultimately, the painting serves as a reminder that, like the waves that continuously reach the shore, life’s journey is cyclical and interconnected, where the physical and spiritual seamlessly intertwine, creating a timeless and serene balance.
I hope you have enjoyed reading and understanding the depth of meaning behind my work. If you have enjoyed this and would like to live with this vision, there are a range of options
Embrace the beauty of transformation—just like a shell, each layer reveals a story of strength and grace. Elevate your living space with art that creates harmony.
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