Dragonfly Druzy

 After dragonflies kept appearing to me, following me, and even landing on me, I was a little baffled.
I would see literally dozens of dragonflies every day that I went on my trail run or ride. (Ummm, ok, so it's actually not very cool when you're zoned out while running and one of these big guys flies right into your face or lands on your neck.)
When they started showing up at my house, I knew I couldn't ignore it as coincidence. It was time to learn more about this mesmerizing winged animal totem.

 A few years ago, I was a volunteer at Hospice Savannah. As the art activities facilitator of a children's bereavement group and photographer at Camp Aloha, I often came across the lovely and comforting story of dragonflies.

(Here's a brief re-telling by Walter Dudley Cavert.)

I can't say that I undoubtedly think these visitations are a sign that a departed loved one is trying to communicate with me, but I do know that a wise woman looks deeper and considers how she might apply the traditional myths of such a coincidence to her own situation.
 Transformation, transition, transcendence, light, and seeing past illusion are just a few things dragonflies symbolize. They have also been seen as a sign of good luck, and the loose style I felt needed to communicate their energy fits perfectly into my luck series, so of course, I painted a dragonfly.

"Dragonfly Druzy" 11x14, Watercolor on Aquabord, © D. Renée Wilson, 2014

 Glittering light on dragonfly wings is very reminiscent of a druzy.
A Druzy is a fine coating of crystals that have grown on a rock fracture surface, and I've always been drawn to them. I thought it was a fitting title since the dragonfly can symbolize light and transition. Through brokenness and loss, we can often see light that would have otherwise remained hidden. 
Since I painted the dragonfly, I haven't seen quite as many on the trail, but I'm keeping my eyes open for the next muse mother nature sends to me.
This Dragonfly Druzy is titled and ready to find a new home! 
  Does the dragonfly speak to you?
It may be time to look past illusion and toward transition. Let the mystery and magic of the dragonfly guide you through growth and transcendence.

What floats your boat?

 Water is a constant inspiration for me. (As you can see.)
Which one of my water themed pieces do you like best? 
Every piece of art I make is an outlet or a conduit for a specific group of emotions or memories.
Each one of them illustrates a piece of me or something that I or a client experienced.

 Just from looking at them visually, which artwork speaks to you right now?
Everyone has a different interpretation, and art is totally subjective. But the art we choose can say a lot about where we are right now.
Leave a comment and let me know why that one resonated with you.
(You can also join the conversation on my Facebook  page or Twitter.)

Details on each piece are below, the bold text is what your art choice might be telling you.

1.  Something In The Water ~
11" x 15", Watercolor & Ink 

   This piece was inspired by a friend's engagement and wedding.
I'm a big fan of love, especially when it took two people a while to find each other.  
 When you've had  a not-so-fairy-tale long-term relationship or marriage and it ends, it can be hard to swim back into the deep end. Do it anyway. It's worth it. True love will find you in the end.
 If you chose this piece, I'm guessing you're in love or really want to be. You're a true romantic that values people and relationships. Dive in, it's waiting for you. ;)

2.  Moonlit Tide
 16" x 20", mixed media pastel, original in private collection, prints available

  I used to live on a magical and very quirky island, Tybee Island, GA.
Now, I'm in Florida. I can still make it to the beach in 30-40 minutes, but it is not the same.
I miss hearing the ocean lullaby every night, but most of all, I miss the full moon dancing on the night sea. I painted this one night when I was pining away for my little beach town and all of the wonderful friends that call it home. I think the loneliness I feel in Florida came through in this piece, but also the part of me that really likes solitude in nature. 
If you chose this piece, you're probably in a place like that right now. 
It's okay to be a recluse. Take a break and escape somewhere that you can be still.
Sometimes the moon seems to shine brightest when there are clouds hiding her from the stars. 

3.  Mark Of A Perfect Day
16" x 20" oil canvas, private commission

  I paint memorial portraits for people all the time, but this was a very special commission for me. 
A landscape isn't usually interesting for me if it's from someone's direction, but this story was as touching and beautiful as the beach in the painting.

 A young wife wanted to give her husband a painting for Christmas to help him remember his father that had passed away. The last good memory he had was having lunch on a beach in the Florida Keys.
 I was especially touched by the story. I wanted to make this the most peaceful and happy beach I could while still making it look like the view they had during that meal. It seemed like a challenge, but making someone's good memories last is one of the greatest pay offs in my work. Mark was the client's father's name, hence the title. So, I was very relieved and joyful when the painting was received with heartfelt thanks and praise. <3

  If you chose this painting, you might be in need of a nice beach break. Maybe it's cold where you are and some tropical breezes would be welcome. I'm also betting you're the sentimental type that has crystal clear memories and tons of photos.
 
4. Throne
16" x 20", textured plaster & acrylic
  This piece was created with quite a few underlying meanings, underlying being the key word.
I am fascinated by and have a deep respect for the sea. There's something about water and the ocean that calls to me again and again. But- there is always a slight discomfort about what lies beneath the waves. (There's also an iron islands reference for you GOT fans. ;) )
 I could go on and on about this piece, instead I'll leave you with a Frida Kahlo quote-

"“I drank to drown my sorrows, but the damned things learned how to swim.”

There is a lot to be said for the texture of this piece and the figures within. If you chose this painting, you are probably drawn to fluid movement, whether it's water or dancing. You're physical and tactile with lots of kinetic energy. You feel restless if pent up and need freedom, even if others say it's a little hazardous.


 5. Release
30" x 48", torn letters and sennelier pastel on canvas
 This piece is very personal and could be an entire blog post in itself, so I'll save it as such.
Just know it was created from a box of old love letters. I tore them up and created a "self-portrait" of sorts. This piece was made for a group show titled Beauty for Ashes.
  If you chose this piece, you're a water baby, too. But, you may sometimes submerse yourself in heavy mental and spiritual quicksand. Relationships and commitments are important, but you might need to come up for air. Don't drown in whatever is miring you down, wash it off and let it go.

6. Certainties
   8" x 10", textured plaster & acrylic
Fun, textured, pure, energetic and simple. 
 If you chose this piece, I'd like to hang out with you. You're bold, bright, and you bring it.
You see silver linings and possess an uncommon optimism while remaining honest and uncomplicated. Never let anyone convince you to be serious and stop playing, you're too smart for that. ;)



7.  Matsya
 38" x 18" textured plaster & acrylic on wood

The legend of Matsya is very similar to other Great Flood myths. According to the Matsya Purana, the king of pre-ancient North India was washing his hands in a river when a little fish swam into his hands and pleaded with him to save its life. He put it in a jar, which it soon outgrew. He then moved it to a tank, a river and then finally the sea. The fish then revealed himself to be Vishnu and told him that a deluge would occur within seven days that would destroy all life. Therefore, he was instructed to take "all medicinal herbs, all the varieties of seeds, and accompanied by the seven saints” along with animals. Sound familiar?
  The colors of soothing, cool waters saturate this piece featuring a figure in matsyasana, or fish pose. I created this piece to remind myself that the deluges of life are not always meant to drown me, but to wash away the unnecessary obstacles I may be clinging to. Let the riptide take you out, go with the flow, and know that the current may sweep you to better shores. 
 If you chose this piece, you are a deeply relaxed person that appreciates stillness while the world swirls and unfolds around you. But if you're stressed right now, this piece might be calling you to lay back. Go ahead, flop into a fish pose. Your heart will thank you for it. <3

8. Outswimming Typhon
19" x 30" textured plaster on wooden skate decks
 The story and mythology behind this one deserves its own post, but I will say that
the decks were given to me by a collector's twin sons. I wasn't sure what to do with them until I learned they were Pisces and their mother believed they were reincarnated together after one killed the other in a past life. (Yeah, I know.) In Greek mythology, Typhon was known as the "Father of All Monsters". Aphrodite and her son Eros (aka Venus and Cupid) transformed into fish to escape Typhon.
 If you chose this piece, you could be the type of person that is a great companion. You're lively, supportive, and fiercely loyal. Your friends or significant other mean the world to you. You couldn't imagine leaving them to fight off bigger fish alone. Swimming solo is nice sometimes, but where's the fun in that? 

9. Reflecting on the River
16" x 20", textured plaster & acrylic
 This piece was inspired by a blissful day on the black back waters of the St. Johns River.
Taking it slow and surrounding myself with nature is my way to recharge. It's also my sanctuary.
The cypress trees and their knees stand like members in the choir as I roll by to the alter call.
I feel like I am most grateful, reverent, and able to be clearly reflective when I'm in the hammocks.
 If you chose this one, you know where I'm coming from. You love nature and everything in it. Manicured city parks are boring and way too loud. You like to be in a wild place where the animals and breeze in the trees is the only action. You're ready for a quiet ride in the boat. We'll let the birds do all the talking.