"Freeing The Soul"

I've been in creative limbo since I've not yet received my watercolors.. I can't even begin to describe how much I'm wanting to use them! I'm so excited!! But... patience, I must tell myself. 

Instead of doing nothing while I wait, I thought it'd be a good idea to get some new projects underway. I'll have to eventually, and I am very inspired lately! So I really have no choice. Hecate is still as you last saw her and she'll stay that way until I can paint. 

I have began the conception of a new piece though! It seems controversial in my head, although, really.. it's not. 

The back story is.. 

I am friends with the librarian at my university, and recently her husband left this earthly plane. So I've been wanting to create something for her to show my condolences. Ever since she saw my art she seems to like it so I am excited to present her with something! Although I'm also very nervous, because it was born out of such a tragic event.

My granny who's husband, my beloved granddad, passed away several months ago told me I should draw a picture of my librarian's husband. When I told her "I couldn't do that" she said "Ok! Well draw!" she's always urging me to practice and I'm so grateful for her interest.. anyway I digress. 

I never got to explain why I couldn't draw her husband. But I will here. I don't want to draw her husband, firstly because I'm sure she has multitudes of photos of him, so in a practical way it's just not interesting to reproduce a photo. In the more emotional, spiritual sense, I don't want to draw those who've passed because I feel that it connects the concept of their passing with the image, so whenever it's seen, it just awakens that sadness that could be felt. Perhaps that doesn't make much sense to others. But to me it does.

My painting will be of a woman releasing a butterfly.  This is the basic concept. Here's a beginning study. It'll surely change a lot before the final incarnation. 

I apologize for the bad quality, it was taken with a webcam. The whole thing is 11x14 inches. This will hopefully be a very stirring piece when finished, but I can't really plan that. I just hope people understand what  I'm trying to convey.

The butterfly is a symbol of the soul in many cultures, so that was a simple choice for me to make. They also represent freedom, and metamorphosis, due to their cycles in which they transform from caterpillars into the beautiful faeries they become! I much like that as a metaphor for human growth and transition. After much learning, reflection and meditation we (caterpillars) metamorphose into enlightened beings (butterflies). Also, the butterfly's life could represent death and rebirth. Although we know they don't die per se, they enter into their temporary chrysalis and after time emerge alive and beautiful! So to me the butterfly also represents the Soul's ascension to the afterlife and transformation into a new being. The woman's face is peaceful, but not overly emotive. The eyes closed, representing contentment, and slumber. The slumber at the end of a cycle. 

Most importantly I hope it brings my friend comfort. That's my wish. 

Thank you for reading!

Have a blessed day! <3