I looked up the word, Alchemy and it's an ancient Greek word meaning "the art of transmuting metals", according to Wikipedia. Many fairy tales deal with alchemy, the changing of straw or lead into gold. It is the basis of modern chemistry, the changing of one element into another or another chemical state. It's also viewed as a psychological, spiritual and metaphysical practice in many cultures around the globe.
As an artist and writer, alchemy is in essence...what I do. I take ideas and visions and transform them into metal masks and sculptures. I take mud and paint open to the mystery and form them into the faces of characters in my story pieces. My eyes may see the landscape around me, but it's the process of alchemy that shows me the spirits of the mountains, trees and clouds that become my copper repousse landscapes.
Magic. Mystery. Discovery. Creativity. All these words describe alchemy to me. Opening to the magic and mystery in the world, and transforming that into a deeper understanding of the spirit and soul. Discovering the answers, solutions and cures transforms the questions, problems and diseases. Taking clay, metal, ink, and paper transforming them into art and stories is, perhaps, the most magical, alchemical process of all.
8 comments:
Yeah magical post, I enjoyed reading this!
Great post and your work is gorgeous!
I find the word alchemy fascinating, too. Have you ever read the book The Alchemist? If not I think you would love it. That first metal mask is gorgeous!
Andy,
Welcome! So glad you stopped by and enjoyed reading my little sunday scribble!
Susan
Dee,
Thanks so much! I'm glad you found my post and my work to your liking!
I love your profile picture!
Susan
Stacy,
I agree the word, alchemy is fascinating...so much, so many levels to one word! Physical, spiritual, psychology, chemistry not to mention the years and years of history!
Yes, I have read the book, The Alchemist, and really enjoyed it. I read a few years ago, and now with this post, I'm thinking of 'revisiting' it again. I'm so glad you brought it to my attention again.
Thanks...so glad you like my dragon mask. It's now part of someone's collection, but I've just finished another one to go in a show this weekend.
Susan
Alchemy, indeed. That copper mask that hints at dragon and so much more is especially captivating. There's something so crisp and lifelike about it. Wow!
Susan,
Thank you! I'm so glad you like my dragon mask. You have good taste, that exact one sold, but I've just finished another one, not exactly the same, but a definitely a dragon.
As far as alchemy...I can see that in your work as well. So glad you stopped by!
Susan
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