“The Guardian of the Golden Bough” – Altar Assemblage, Lyn Belisie, 2013
Celebration Circle’s “One People, Many Paths: Sacred Art of Altars” exhibit opens on September 1st, and I am ready! Last year, when I was invited to participate in this wonderful event, I struggled with several ideas, including putting a Spirit Doll inside the box, which, unfortunately, made it look like a coffin. Yikes. My (finally) finished altar from last year was called The Guardian of the Golden Bough (left). It was a good solution and popular with the silent auction bidders.
This year’s altar, “Luminosity,” came together almost all by itself – I found a small branch in the driveway as I was bringing in the bare altar box and propped it against the side. Perfect – and after that, everything just came together, including the quote mounted on plexiglass which says, “It is when the ordinary becomes luminous that we are transformed.” The altar is white, simple and luminous, made from ordinary objects. Simple is good. I am happy!
“Luminosity” – Altar Assemblage, Lyn Belisle 2014
But I often wonder why some pieces, such as last year’s altar, are such a struggle to make, and others, like this year’s, seem to fly into your hands as if they knew they were supposed to be there. It’s a mystery. Let me know if you have the answer.
PS – No Friday Freebie this week, but if you are around, don’t miss tomorrow’s Show and Tell at the Studio from 2-4 – it’s definitely free, and you’ll get all kinds of free tips and techniques from the participating artists. The resident chef will be there, too, to show you a cool culinary trick. Hope to see you at Show and Tell!
Beautiful Lyn! I am so sorry that I cannot come tomorrow, other commitments! Have fun!
I’ll miss you – thanks for the nice words, Mary 🙂
It is a mystery, but this altar was definitely “supposed to be.” And it is also a reminder to all of us working in mixed media that sometimes, less is more.
Oh, Lyn, both your shrines have such a powerful sacredness about them, and yet they’re so vividly different. There is such serenity in the starkness of Luminosity. What a wonderful juxtaposition!
As to your mystery, if I knew the answer to that I’d be holding the key to all the secrets of the universe… and that’s far too much power to put in the hands of any one mortal! I’m content to enjoy the beauty that has come from your embrace of the Mystery!
Just curious…What are the dimensions of the shrines?
Gloria, thanks so much for responding – I must agree with you about the “why’s” of creativity. Best just to enjoy and not agonize about answers.
The shrines are generally about 14″x20″ – each invited artist receives one to complete as he or she wishes and they are sold in a silent auction to raise money for Celebration Circle, which is a non-denominational spiritual group. It’s always so much fun to see how the other artists finish their shrines. I’ll be sure to send photos from the event when it opens in September. ♥
This is one email I don’t delete before I open it. I love the ideas and suggestions for other sites.
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After seeing the alter you did last year, I couldn’t think of anything more perfect. You always amaze me , because you’ve out done yourself again !