Transforming the Dream
by Ellen Levinson
Title
Transforming the Dream
Artist
Ellen Levinson
Medium
Painting - Watercolor
Description
This is a preliminary painting of a mask I'm planning to make which will have crystals incorporated into it. I made a similar version of this years ago out of red clay my children dug for me near our home. But my son and dog broke it. This time I plan to use paper mache and modelling clay and it will be much larger.
According to the Medicine Cards (by Sams and Carson) - butterfly symbolizes transformation. There are four stages:1) egg stage wherein an idea is born
2)larva - when you choose to bring the idea into reality; 3)cocoon - this is the "going within " part of the process when the idea or project is worked on and developed (this includes aspects of personality or character that one wants to work on as well ,not just tangible projects); 4) birth - bringing"the colors and joy of your creation into the world". This is a never ending cycle both for personal growth and artistic creation. (from page 23)
Lizard is the medicine of dreamers."Lizard medicine is the shadow side of reality where you review your dreams
before you decide to manifest them physically." (Medicine Cards p181)
Dreams and day dreams can be very significant. There are many books on dreams and dream symbols.Many times my ideas for my artwork comes from these states!
A mask is an object normally worn on the face, typically for protection, disguise, performance or entertainment. Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes. They are usually worn on the face, although they may also be positioned for effect elsewhere on the wearer's body, so in parts of Australia giant totem masks cover the body, whilst Inuit women use finger masks during storytelling and dancing.
Ritual masks occur throughout the world, and although they tend to share many characteristics, highly distinctive forms have developed. The function of the masks may be magical or religious; they may appear in rites of passage or as a make-up for a form of theatre. Masks may be used to disguise a penitent or preside over important ceremonies.In some societies masks may be used to help mediate with spirits, or as protective role for the society .
The use of masks in rituals or ceremonies is a very ancient practice throughout the world,Some masks can also be worn for protection, as in hunting and sports, And some are simply used as ornamentation.Some ceremonial or decorative masks were not intended to be worn. Although the religious use of masks is not what it once was. Masks are used sometimes in drama therapy or psychotherapy, and other forms of shamanic healing.
Woodland tribes, especially in the North-East and around the Great Lakes, cross-fertilized culturally with one another. The Iroquois made spectacular wooden "false face" masks, used in healing ceremonies and carved from living trees. These masks appear in a great variety of shapes, depending on their precise function.
In more recent times, masking is a common feature of Mardi Gras traditions, most notably in New Orleans. Costumes and masks (originally inspired by masquerade balls) are frequently worn by krewe members on Mardi Gras Day. Laws against concealing one's identity with a mask are suspended for the day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mask
(c) 2012 Ellen Lynn Levinson (Ellyn)
All images are protected by U.S. and International copyright laws.
All rights reserved by the artist Ellen Lynn Levinson (Ellyn).
Uploaded
September 28th, 2012
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