Friday Funday: The Three-Fold Path

Remember how I've said to get out and get involved? The painting I'm going to tell you about today was bought by Julie, who I met at an Upper Peninsula Publisher's and Author's Association annual seminar. Julie and I were both aspiring writers looking for information on how to publish our books. We became friends and kept in touch. Julie still writes, though I've put my book on hold in favor of my other projects. Anyway, Julie went to The Ten Year Anniversary Exhibit at Moonshine Gallery in Michigamme.  That's where she saw this painting and, after I explained it to her, fell in love with it.

   Remember, art does not always sell itself, and usually needs some sort of explanation. Note that I said usually. At the Outback Art Fair a lady was looking at this painting. I asked her if she wanted me to tell her about it, and she said "No. I like it the way it is!" Julie, on the other hand, wanted to know its secrets. So this is what I told her:
   The Painting is titled "The Three Fold Path". When we set out on an important path, we must do so with all of our physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. Or we will surely fail. The priestess with the sword represents physical attributes; the one with the flowers represents emotional attributes, and the lady ahead of the rest and holding a smoldering chalice( Holy Grail?) represents spiritual attributes.
  Sometimes the path is hard to see. That's why I made the steps difficult to make out in the brickwork.By the way, each brick was painted individually with four or more glazes of paint!
  The chalice is burning two different colors of smoke. The black, negative smoke blends with the Dragon's fiery smoke.The white, positive smoke blends with the mist in the mountains. Often, with negative attitude we create our own obstacles. Positive attitude will keep our goals in mind and weaken any obstacles.
   The eye in the mountain is an ancient symbol for wisdom, deity, and God. Here, it represents a completed goal, which for me is a great experience!
   The dove represents peace. It can also be the Holy Spirit traveling from the tree of life (the world) to the Otherworld, or the afterlife. The cat is mysterious and cunning. Both of these enigmatic creatures speak of mystery, wisdom and esoteric knowledge.
   Julie has gotten one of my favorite paintings, and I'm honored that she chose it. It'll bring her years of contemplation.
   You never know where you'll meet your next client!