March 2012 Art and MythThe inspirational power of dreams and myths is evident in Allyson Hollingsworth's sculpture, Daffodil Dress, in the exhibit "Outfitters: The Contemporary Art of Clothing," at the Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek, California (March 4 – May 13, 2012). Constructed of 13,500 dried and pressed narcissus flowers, tulle, and chiffon, the gown symbolizes Persephone, daughter of the Harvest goddess, Demeter, and the god, Zeus. Hollingsworth drew upon a personal dream that interwove her life with the events depicted in The Homeric Hymn to Demeter (7th century BCE). In Homer's tale, the maiden Persephone was in a meadow picking flowers when Zeus's brother, Hadês, kidnapped her and dragged her off to the Underworld. While Demeter searched for her daughter, none of the gods or mortals would tell her the truth about Persephone's abduction. Finally, Hekatê, Goddess of the Crossroads, approached Demeter and told her what she had heard. Together they sought out Helios, who revealed the truth. Demeter, in her shock and grief, shunned the gods on Mount Olympus and allowed no seeds to sprout on Earth. The ground became barren, threatening the survival of the mortals. Eventually, a deal was struck. Persephone would spend one third of the year in the realm of the dark mists, and the rest of the year with her mother. Hekatê would reside in the Underworld during Persephone's absence. In exchange, Demeter allowed the harvest to return. But when Persephone resides underground, the earth grows fallow until she returns in the spring. Where I live in California, the narcissus flowers are in bloom. Like nature, I am shaking off winter's cloak. Recently, I channeled the adventurous spirit of the maiden, Persephone, and ventured to PantheaCon. There, I explored rituals and lectures about the ancient world's gods and goddesses. I gathered new meditations and other tools to use in my shamanic Reiki practice. Rejuvenated, I now call upon the energies of the mother, Demeter, and coax seedlings from my fertile imagination. Time to focus on writing the sequel to my book, Spell Check. What project will you nurture into fruition? A book? An article? A painting? Like Hollingsworth, will you draw upon the power of myth and dreams to create something unexpected and wondrous? May the wisdom of Hekatê help you choose the right path and stay on course. May the Triple Goddess aid you in your creative endeavors. Welcome the Winds of ChangeMarch winds can blow with the destructive force of hurricanes and tornados, challenging us to rise from the destruction and build anew. Or March can bring gentle winds that stir our creativity. Invite inspiration to flow to you by crafting wind chimes from deadfall, twine, and found objects. Hang the chimes outside the window where you write, paint, sculpt, or pursue other creative activities. Let their clatter or ringing remind you to devote time each day to your art. Fearlessly change course if something no longer serves your highest good. Plant artistic seeds. Think outside the box. Reach beyond the mundane and clichéd. Discover what form your flowered gown will take. |