Finished Walking Painting

Walking In This World ©Erin Richardson 2011

Here is the completed Walking In This World painting.

This contemporary painting was produced using oil paint over a collaged birch ply panel.

It measures 80 x 40 cm (approx 31.5 x1 5.75 inches).

On one level this artwork could be viewed as a picture of someone walking on a pretty coloured background.

Like all of my art there are multiple layers of meaning.

Let’s take a trip around the symbolism contained within this painting.

The aqua blue/green colours are soothing and peaceful.

I’ve used a limited palette to create a feeling of harmony, and reinforce the sense of peace.

The bare branches of the tree indicate winter, a time of reflection before new growth.

The figure is wearing a cloak, a sign of ‘other worldliness’ separating the person from the mundane.  The cloak isolates the sage from the mass of humanity.

The (almost) whiteness of the cloak reflects the colour of the crown chakra.This chakra is associated with our spirit & it’s wisdom/guidance.

The staff she carries is a symbol of masculine power, the phallus. She holds her staff comfortable, it’s very presence indicates she is in touch with and able to direct her energy in a positive manner.

The basket is a feminine symbol of receptivity.  It is the same as the cup, cauldron, cornucopia, vagina.  She is an open vessel, ready to receive.

The slight shadow cast partially across her eyes, indicates her self awareness found by looking at herself honestly and courageously.

The position of her eyes indicate a turning inwards.  Listening, seeing, looking… finding.

This woman is a Seeker.

She is fully in touch with her power.

She aims to  balance the masculine & feminine (active/passive, positive/negative, receptive/aggressive, etc) within her own nature.

The title of this painting “Walking In This World” comes from my favourite book by Julia Cameron, Walking In This World, Spiritual strategies for forging your creative trail.

Here are the different phases of this painting in progress, click on the image to active the light box.