In my mind Butterflies and humans have much in common. They both have humble beginnings, can be somewhat unattractive and destructive during the early stages, but almost always turn out to be beautiful.
At least Butterflies always do. Even the lowly moth has a quiet elegance.
I once was fortunate enough to observe a butterfly emerge from its cocoon. As I freed it from the jar which contained its chrysalis incubator it remained for a moment perched before my eyes on the tip of my forefinger. It was a lovely soft black with blue highlights.
I watched entranced as it slowly moved it’s tiny wings. It did not fly away. I fancied in my mind that it stayed perched on my finger in communion with me to say thank you for freeing it from the jar.
Latter, I learned it was just drying it’s wings before it flew away and disappeared.
Imagine being so small and creating so much wonder.
Because of my love and fascination for these amazingly beautiful creatures I feature them often in my art. I didn’t notice I was doing this at first, but after awhile it became obvious. ( See my Etsy Gallery)
Perhaps by including butterflies (and other lovely insects) in my designs I am affirming my belief that there is the opportunity in life for all of us to grow and redeem ourselves.
The Ephemeral Butterfly
Celebrating Technology
In this post I want to celebrate the technological advances and the diverse opportunities and freedoms which have become available because of TECHNOLOGY. Everyday I benefit from computers and the internet. My life as an artist has been greatly enhanced, and yet, I am still troubled.
I believe the general agreement is that the world has been made smaller by technology because it is so easy now to communicate across great distances in a short amount of time. For me, however, it has made the world so much larger and has given me a greater perspective of the scope of human effort to find significance.
The internet with all of its social networking sites, can be overwhelming to me at times. So many people, like myself, trying to get noticed. Each one looking for some degree of validation. I feel like I am wandering through a crowded mall or trying to make my way through a congested airport. I can’t help but feel more alone at these sites. Everyone is so busy trying to promote their own agenda it is difficult to make and sustain any real connection.
The freedom of expression being exercised through one forum or another further exposes the reality that dark and ugly emotions and crippling prejudices are running rampant in our cultures. It is my opinion that, as a race, we are still spiritually stunted.
That said, today, I will open my design software and get out my magic pad and pen and make something beautiful, all courtesy of technology.
