Fate

Fate...Wyrd

Wyrd Verdandi Skuld

Today I found the green to the red, now I can see the line,
Now it is two.

or not see

they cancel each-other in the light
am I three?

do I close the circle

I think i do

Red Thread

The Red Thread

A tribute to a wondrous woman

The last time I saw my friend Rob we talked about stories and the red thread. The concept has stuck with me and needs to be addressed.

In essence from Google research the Red thread is this:

CC Luigi Anzivino

From Sparknow...

“principle #1 | the red thread

In China and Japan there is a legend or proverb that says an invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstances. (1)

The thread may stretch or tangle but never break. As a child grows, the thread shortens, drawing closer those people who are destined to be together, binding families and friends forever.

The term survives translation into both French (le fil rouge) and German (der rote Faden). In both cases it signifies a connecting thread that runs through plots, themes and places.

Which brings us to stories; and our first principle is that each storied experience goes deeper and reaches further when there is a visible red thread running through it.

In a piece of research or communication, the red thread carries records, experiences, texture and personal testimony from the earliest framing and gathering stages right through to the end product.”

The Way It Is

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among

things that change.  But it doesn’t change.

People wonder about what you are pursuing.

You have to explain about the thread.

But it is hard for others to see.

While you hold it you can’t get lost.

Tragedies happen; people get hurt

or die; and you suffer and get old.

Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.

You don’t ever let go of the thread.

~ William Stafford ~

Joseph Campbell used to say: “Follow your bliss.” I might say, “Follow that blood-red thread.”

From Wiki:

The red string of fate (simplified Chinese: 姻缘红線; traditional Chinese: 姻緣紅線; pinyin: Yīnyuán hóngxiàn), also referred to as the red string of marriage, and other variants, is an East Asian belief originating from Chinese legend and is also used in Japanese legend.

According to this myth, the gods tie an invisible red cord around the ankles of those that are destined to meet one another in a certain situation or help each other in a certain way. Often, in Japanese culture, it is thought to be tied around the little finger.

According to Chinese legend, the deity in charge of "the red thread" is believed to be Yue Xia Lao (月下老), often abbreviated to Yue Lao (月老), the old lunar matchmaker god, who is in charge of marriages.

The two people connected by the red thread are destined lovers, regardless of place, time, or circumstances. This magical cord may stretch or tangle, but never break. This myth is similar to the Western concept of soulmate or a destined flame.

References

28/09/2014

Sparknow

http://stories-and-organizations.sparknow.net/post/2682621326

The Red Thread ~ Dr. Scott Eberle

http://schooloflostborders.org/content/red-thread-dr-scott-eberle

Wikipedia - Red string of fate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_string_of_fate

Thats all my research, now I need to put it all into visual form, a tribute to my friend, who is gone. Funny thing, I have a very particular RED pen I wanted to use and I couldn'y find it, so I wound up gardening and thinking, I will buy a new red pen for Rob first thing in the morning. 

So I have begun ....

Background on the backgrounds

I showed you a close up of one of my current works in progress and talked about the diapering in the background. Now I have some examples to show you where I got this idea from...

Abelard and Heloise from a C14th manuscript of the Roman de la Rose

Another version of the Abelard and Heloise image, which I can't authenticate.

The story of Abelard and Heloise is part of the inspiration for my paintings, although I didn't acknowledge that to myself at first. I have been fascinated by their story for a long time and I suppose that subconsciously it just wanted to be expressed. The more I read and learn about the letters that passed between these twelfth century lovers and their evolving philosophy, the more I want to include their ideas my work...

But for now I am just focusing on those beautiful backgrounds.

Patterned Backgrounds

I have been wrestling with this series of paintings for too long now.

Time they were done and shown.

The backgrounds in them are based on the beautiful diapered backdrops seen in medieval manuscripts. They are slow to paint, meditative and absorbing, I fondly hope that they will communicate the quiet hours spent colouring and patient days waiting for them to dry between layers. The layers are vital, they represent the years it has taken for me to reach this point with my own art.

Here is a taste of the first one,

Day one of the progress blogging.

The Wolf You Feed

It has been a long time since I posted.
I had to come to terms with the commitment running an informative blog. However this anecdote spurred me to action.

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

That and words from another blog about how having to post progress everyday helps to build self discipline. It would be hugely embarrassing to have no progress at the end of the week.
This is a short week, and, riding on the buzz of the past long weekend. I am stepping up to creating a new body of work.
The wolf you feed.

New to blogging

I have so many wonderful friends.
Finally you get to see behind the Effigy.

Follow my travels and wonderings here.
Expect to find...
Art... whatever that is
Textiles
History
My wandering through the SCA in the 12th century
Rural family life
My living history friends
Pavlova Paradise (my Kitchen)
My struggling garden attempts
My general well-being

How to build a tent, chop wood, light a fire and feed yourself.