Monday 9 April 2012

TREE OF LIFE ...

I came across this quotation from Proverbs not long ago, and was struck by the image. Strictly speaking the verses refer to the Biblical figure of Wisdom, who is female, but for me it works as a metaphor for God as well, and this page is the result. If you've been with me some time you will know that I (perfectly legitimately) relate to a female deity. Of course I don't wish to suggest that God is either male or female, but has aspects of both, while also being much more than we can begin to imagine. My own mother was such a difficult and unloving woman that I've found a lot of healing in relating to a female, motherly God.

You can see how I began below, with a pencil sketch - what I was trying to suggest was the tree element, which is why she has roots/branches in her hair. I drew so large (my journals are A5) that I didn't leave myself much space for the writing, but for me the image is central so I'm not too bothered, although if I was doing it again I might use the page portrait and write around the edges?
Then it was onto the Promarkers, adding layers of colour and those leaves in her hair. I always draw my God/Woman as both beautiful and SERENE, which for me is the key thing about her. She's calm and unshockable, but also full of love and kindness, and deep wisdom. Not forgetting warnings about graven images, that's what I was trying to capture.

Perhaps you can also see how I've elaborated on the sketched out lettering - first thickening each letter (as on the right) and then adding some curly bits to complete as on the left. Its just a gradual process of building up, and I practised on scrap paper to develop the style. It still needs work but I'm getting there.
And this is the finished page - with quite a lot of Gold marker added in to give her a truly special look. I have this image of myself hanging onto the trunk of the tree for dear life, while she wraps her arms and sheltering branches around me. Yes well, sorry if that leaves you baffled, but I guess some of you will know what I mean and some of you won't, and both are fine. I just hope it touches something in you at this very special time of year ....
Thank you for all the comments you leave - I really do treasure each one and online contact with other art journallers is a real lifeline into a shared forum of similarly obsessed artists!

9 comments:

Unknown said...

This is stunning ... nothing more to add ... just stunning stunning stunning ... you are very clever X

Karenliz Henderson said...

WOW Beautiful page! From the quote to the look in the womans face. WOW

roc said...

what a truly wonderful page rosie. she is beautifully done.

Traceyr said...

This is fantastic Rosie and thank you for showing the sketching stages too. Your art work is just stunning. I too am practicing very hard with my lettering styles.

:)

Cath Wilson said...

Stunning work, Rose and yes, I know exactly what you mean. Funny how we have our own ideas of God but ultimately, that's not what matters, is it? Love your art and your lettering is inspiring, but it's what you journal about that inspires me most. Thank you for that x

Madeleine said...

She looks truly beautiful & the lettering is great!

Alix said...

wow rosie this is a stunner...but how come youu didn't use those new crayons!!!!!

ireneinhetatelier said...

She is just wonderful - She makes me calm only by looking at her. I'll write down the quotation and keep it with me.
And, the page itself is al wonderful composition, too!

gillyb's crafting blog said...

ow wow, that is just beautiful - love it