Wednesday, June 2, 2010

'My world' Canvas & Mixed Media Monday 'Personal Symbols and Myths'





Hi everyone, this week I've been busy on this painting. It is inspired by Mixed Media Monday's theme which was 'Personal Symbols and Myths'. What seems to pop up in your work. A recurring theme in my pieces is 'family'. I think my family influences alot of my work especially my boys. This painting is actually from a tattoo that I designed for myself a few years ago. It represents my husband, myself and my boys and how I feel about our family unit. Another thing that keeps popping up in my work is Dragonflies.
This is a quote from something that I found about the meaning of Dragonflies:
"The main symbolisms of the dragonfly are renewal, positive force and the power of life in general. Dragonflies can also be a symbol of the sense of self that comes with maturity. Also, as a creature of the wind, the dragonfly frequently represents change. And as a dragonfly lives a short life, it knows it must live its life to the fullest with the short time it has – which is a lesson for all of us".

I've noticed that dragonflies seem to pop up in my work from time to time and I think they fit perfectly with the theme of my painting, I'm trying to enjoy my young family to the fullest even though sometimes the boys test my patience. They won't be little forever and one day will grow up and leave home and I know I'll be missing these crazy hectic days.

I glued tissue paper and patterned paper to the canvas, then I painted it black, then on top of that I painted my picture. The photo (taken by Rhys my 7 year old) is of my tattoo which is hard to tell from this picture but is on my shoulder and not overly big, it's a constant reminder of my family unit which i hold very dear to my heart!

22 comments:

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Nice tatoo, Nicola. I have Pegasus on my lower back. :) It hurt like hell, I tell you. :) I haven't seen this style of painting from you before and I like it. You should do it more often.:)

Faith said...

Love it. This is such a loving pic every time i see it on your shoulder i think what a wonderful loving family.

Anonymous said...

Love the painting, love that tattoo. ☺ That painting would take me days, tell me your secret!

Penny said...

Beautiful Nic - love the texture and the colours you've used. Lovely! xxx

pinkglitterfae said...

Nicola I really love this style of painting from you, it's not what I expected-which is a good thing. Nice to change it up and surprise folks.
I like how you got yourself a tattoo that meant something.
Family is indeed one of the most important things in our lives
xoxo

Tiffany said...

Gorgeous painting and I LOVE the tattoo!!

Annette Q said...

Hi nicola!
This is oh so beautiful! Love your symbol, its so thoughtful and heartfelt. I love the idea of painting on a black background. i must try it
:-)

Shirley said...

Oh Nicola! Happy June to you - and what a beautiful piece celebrating family. I'm always so happy to visit and see what you've been up to..boy you are one busy lady. And so very multi-talented...I always get inspiration from your ability to take risks, try new things, and just following your heart. I have been away for so long and finally able to visit my favorite people (you are one of them!). Now will you be hanging this in your home..it is sooooo wonderful!

Sandy said...

Oh wow this is fantastic.
So great idea. Your tattoo is beautiful.

Unknown said...

oh how wonderful!!! this is a great symbol!!! I love this ...the painting and the cool tattoo!!!

Dear Fireflies said...

Aah, I see that those little muses have got a hold on you too?? Hehee... You know, you are such a model when it comes to family! Yes, kids can be testing sometimes and I can't imagine my life any other way! Bless your heart, Nic! oxx

Lisa Lectura Creations said...

Hi Nicola! Your painting is beautiful! I love what it symbolizes too! What a special tattoo to have as well! Thanks so much for your sweet visit! I really appreciate your comment on my latest piece. I enjoyed reading your interpretation of it. I love the Twilight saga! Creative Blessings to you! :)

Jess said...

I love that dragonflies are a symbol of positive force and renewel, they are beautiful creatures and look lovely in a painting. I like your family symbol too, very stylish and makes me think of loving and caring.xx

Diane said...

What a beautiful, meaningful piece, Nicola! Diane

Kelly Berkey said...

Lovely painting and so meaningful! I love dragonflies also. Fun to read what they are all about. I hope you have a creative weekend dear!
hugs,
Kelly

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

Oh darling this is soooooo beautiful and full of meaning! This is great!

Shirley said...

Ah, Nicola - you are so kind. My little ones are now out of school and so I can now SLEEP IN! YAY! I hope to do more "little kids" and people this summer..thank you for your kind words as it really helps my self-esteem in the kid-illustration department! They're hard!! Anyway, I hope you are enjoying your weekend and creating, creating, creating. Hugs to you!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Nicola! I have chosen your beautiful painting as art of the week on Mixed Media Monday this week! Diane

Unknown said...

Lovely painting and I love the meaning of your painting too! Thank you for visiting me and your always uplifting comments! :D Patti

Julia Christie said...

Hi Nicola,

I really love the simplicity of this piece. Great job. This post really resonates with me as I am in the same situation - I sometimes have to remind myself that these are golden times for me and my little ones, but worth treasuring every moment.
Great post.

Smiles

Serena Lewis said...

A beautiful and meaningful painting, Nicola...love your tattoo also!

Birgit said...

Hi Nicola,

I love the canvas -- beautiful painting!

I finally got around to post a photo of your "Perfect Wave" pendant on my blog. Thanks so much again -- I love it! :)

Hugs,
Birgit

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