VENUS EXCELSUS
Before the soul can stand in the presence of the Masters,
its feet must be washed in the blood of the heart.
– Mabel Collins
My lastest series Venus Excelsus speaks to the evolution and maturation of Love. In astrology Venus is exalted in Pisces, which sees the transformation of Eros (Erotic Love) into Agape (Universal Love). The feelings of self-centered love (in which you love to get something in return) become an inlet to the ocean of Unconditional Love. These alchemical works explore the journey to realise Divine Love and the barriers within to experiencing this powerful universal force.
In essence these handcrafted collages are autobiographical but they also speak to the transpersonal and universal path of awakening. The snake symbol references the Kundalini energy and the expansion and transmutation of consciousness through practicing Buddhist Tantra and Alchemy. During this process of awakening one gradually releases patterns, conditions and delusions of the separate self. Dualistic states of consciousness are transformed and integrated, leading to experiences of union and wholeness.
My creative work is influenced by my spiritual path, particularly my work with native teacher plants, alchemical elixirs and the practice of Buddha Dharma. These works give expression to the rich inner landscape of my experience, including some of the most profound experiences I have had while on silent meditation retreats during recent years. This work illustrates my journey to wholeness and it is dedicated to the journey we are all taking to the source of all things.
March 2018