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Work-In-Progress – A Detail

Some of the details of my Work-In-Progress contain various symbols and snakes are one of them.

Some cultures hold snakes in high esteem while other cultures despised them. There are cultures that associated snakes with medicinal powers or rebirth, such as the modern medical symbol of two snakes wrapped around a staff.

The Judeo-Christian culture does not hold snakes or serpent in a kind light. The biblical tales of the Garden of Eden and the serpent’s role in “tempting woman to trick man into the fall from God’s grace” have contributed to the negative images of snakes in western culture.  This deep rooted cultural biases accounts in part for the widespread of fear and disdain of snakes.  Myths, legends, and folk tales contribute to the misinformation and add to the snake’s negative imagery.

Cultures are as valid as the people who come from them and as with all living entities, there are positive and negative aspects, snakes are no different.

The imagery of the snakes in the details of this portrait embrace the concept of healer, rebirth and revitalization.

I’m sure that this spiritual portrait will be serve as a conversation piece, dependent upon the view or viewers!

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Comments

  2. Thanks for you comment. I like your work, too. It reminds me of some studies of color about Matisse that I made.
    I like your ethnic style, too!
    Daniel

  3. So glad you made this post, snakes are wonderful animals and have been given a poor rap through the ages. They are very beautiful, their markings and style. I noticed one of your tags was “O”… What does that stand for? Best regards 🙂

  5. Hi Indigene, thank you for your visit it’s so nice to catch up with you and see what you have been working on. I love your snakes the vibrant colours are beautiful and the image so soft as it’s not outlined, gorgeous!!

  6. Dear Theresa:

    I just saw and read your work in progress page – sensational! Your willingness to reveal yourself – emotions – seems to have created a wealth of such beautiful, intense, and provocative work. I have seen the benefits of art therapy with many of my clients and the "extangling" effect art has on my emotional, physical, and spiritual state. Emotionally, it allows me to feel pain as well as to connect with feelings of happiness – to just exhale and release. Your snakes remind of a handtowel i bought in Stockholm the summer i was pregnant with Vivienne. I walked into a tiny shop in the oldest part of Stockholm and the artist was there; her energy and willingness to talk about her work made me feel connected to her immediately. I didn't have a lot of money so i looked at the handtowels and found a graphite sketch of a woman who was squatting as if giving birth and on her left and right were … snakes – her midwifes. I knew i had to buy it … the combination of the snakes and the women made me feel more hopeful about a safe pregnancy, protected, and balanced.

    Thanks for your powerful words and images.

    All the best to your family,

    sheri-ann

  7. I love your work! Vibrant colours, excellent form, movement … these snakes evoke sensuality, calm, and danger in a way that’s balanced yet gripping. There is also something “global/earthy” about the coloured shapes within the snakes. You’ve definitely captured the complexity of snakes. Keep sharing your beautiful work!