some notes about my art show this saturday (2-5pm~you’re invited!)
In anticipation of the reception this Saturday for my recent paintings (and more) based on the theme God’s Eye, Third Eyes, and Evil Eyes, I thought I’d share some facts/thoughts on these three subjects.
(Also, remember our Holiday Sale is happening simultaneously–10% off gift certificates and purchases of 3 or more retail items–super-fun gifts, most for under $20!)
GOD’s EYE:
These I remember learning to make as a kid at camp, and I think I made them with my Grandma Irene, though this fact has not been confirmed by my mom. They are really meditative to make, winding around and around–somewhat like other forms of yarn-work, knitting or crochet, but really more like weaving. I think perhaps it is very hard to make one that is not beautiful. This wikipedia entry has some interesting notes on their possible origins. I like the idea of making a new ring for each year of one’s life. Given my recent birthday, I would have to start my own god’s eye chronicle with 32 rings! I may need something bigger than chopsticks to create my loom. . .
THIRD EYES:
You’ve probably seen some sort of “third eye” image before. It’s a chakra, a point, an area of the body which denotes your intuitive sense. It’s where you connect with your own inner wisdom. The spot is between your brows. And come to think of it, it reminds me of a Shel Silverstein poem my brother once gave me as a gift:
The Voice
There is a voice inside of you
that whispers all day long,
“I feel that this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong.”
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
Or wise man can decide
what’s right for you–just listen to
the voice that speaks inside.
EVIL EYES:
This is another fascinating concept. It shows up in many cultures of the world, and usually works along the lines of a curse or wish of bad luck that is cast by one person on another. I’ve read about in the book Sastun, in which a Mayan medicine man heals people with streaks of bad luck attributed to someone casting an “evil eye” upon them. I also have a lovely glass evil eye, called a Nazar, which my neighbors brought me from Turkey. These glass charms are meant to ward off the evil eye and serve as a form of protection. This is the aspect of the evil eye I was working with in these paintings. So don’t worry, the paintings won’t cast an evil eye spell on you! ;) Hopefuly only a pleasing eye spell on you.
I hope to see you Saturday! If you can’t make it, the artwork will be up at Chakra Khan through February.
Enjoy!
–julie