“Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.”
There is Within.
The Contemplative Crouched Figure as Story and Metaphor
The crouched figure silhouettes above are an amalgamation of life drawing sketches of two friends. For some time (like the eye image doodles) the crouched figure became a preferred image when atmospheric, moody, and contemplative art pieces were created.
At other times as an artist creating (or expressing) in the moment, using a familiar and repeated image encouraged me to freely focus my attention on art materials, surfaces, textures, and layers … expression and exploration through play and discovery … in essence, a creative prompt.
This familiar pose can suggest contemplation, reflection, questioning, protection … whether restful or restless states of being ... and states that are ever-changing and evolving related to the mood and lens of the viewer and witness.
As an artist this figurative image often suggested to me growth through contemplation of struggles and life transitions, provided comforting hope as possibilities were imagined, and quiet introspection as life experiences were internalized … in spirit a restful and resilient pose.
The title ‘There is Within’ for the black and white linocut was used to capture the introspective and unique personal histories that connect us to ourselves, suggesting a foundational and internal strength to navigate our life journeys, and inform who we are in the present ... when contemplative moments occur. The wall of stick-like figures and carved marks behind the crouched figure suggest those rooted layers of connection boldly scratched into the histories and communities that inform who we are.
“Life is an experimental journey undertaken involuntarily. It is a journey of the spirit through the material world and, since it is the spirit that travels, it is the spirit that is experienced. That is why there exist contemplative souls who have lived more intensely, more widely, more tumultuously than others who have lived their lives purely externally.”