"The Elements: Fire, Earth, Water, Air"
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The elements were believed by the ancients to be the essential energy forces that sustain the world. In the West they are four in number - fire, earth, water, and air. The central importance of the elements as organizing principles in the universe is a constant in the sybology of all cultures. The ancients saw the elements as vital components of the human body, and the maintenance of physical and phychological health was a matter of keeping balance between them, just as a balance was needed in the outside world.
The tree as a woman outwardly symbolizes the Earth Mother, the nuturing feminine principle. But inwardly it is also the invisible life-force slumbering within the Earth until inseminated by the masculine energy of the wind, rain and sun.
Also in this painting, I have depicted different stages that a woman goes through as her spirit evolves. I have painted a small innocent child peacefully playing with her animal guides of the seaworld. As the woman evolves, she is faced with many challenges, as well as much growth. Much of this comes with her innate ability and choice to nurture (as with "Mother Nature"). This is depicted through the child in the mother's womb. This may be seen as her own child or her "inner child". The woman's figure at the roots of the tree is to portray a deep spiritual grounding with the Earth, and the figure below this is to indicate the inherent creative fires we each hold deep with.
Contact the artist: (612) 926-3605