There are many symbols that I find potent both in a spiritual and a strictly visual sense. My friend Susan visited Asia and spent time in Laos recently and brought me back this beautiful little Buddha painting. I created a personal shrine with this and other elements. It was a grand bit of serendipity that this painting fit perfectly in the slots of this cheese box.
she watched an old Buddhist monk, sitting in an ancient wat painting Buddha's on these little leaves.
Anyone know...is this a lotus leaf?
I collected other symbols that hold intent and power for me;
the Goddess Ixchel, Goddess of Isle Mujeres, the Island of Women...my Goddess totem
Hamesh hand, the potent hand mudra found in many middle eastern cultures and holds ties to my familial history
the Zuni fetish, long believed to possess great power
a painted Mexican folkloric cross...colors, myths and culture that holds great interest for me
a tiny handmade Goddess figure...made by me, long ago
a Guatemalan worry doll, these tiny dolls can be asked to take on your troubles and worries
These along with heart and stripey stones...milagros, feathers and eggs...candles and flowers create a sacred space, to be, to hold, to give unto...
When I saw the leaf I thought I was looking through it to see the image. Very cool.
Posted by: Jenny F | August 26, 2009 at 05:25 PM
lovely shrine!
Posted by: caterina giglio | August 26, 2009 at 06:02 PM
I love your blog and your colorful artwork uplifts me, so I thank you! May I ask what type of camera you use? Your pictures are always so clear and beautiful!
Posted by: Goddess-essa | August 26, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Hey there cute smiley girl (love your photo). Remember me? I didn't forget you. I'm not the blogging nut I was, but I'm still a nut that loves your blog.
Perfect symbols. Love the Buddha painting.
Thinking of you and your mango studio.
xxoo K
Posted by: karen cole | August 27, 2009 at 08:21 AM
I love all your special treasures. Perfect photos of all of them as well. Thanks Stephanie for sharing. Have a great Thursday.
Posted by: gloria | August 27, 2009 at 09:15 AM
That is a thoughtful gift from your friend, Stephanie. She knows you well. And it's interesting to see where you find inspiration, especially through symbols. I'll be looking for them in your artwork.
Posted by: susanna | August 27, 2009 at 09:22 AM
I Love all your treasures!!!
Congrats on your great article in Artful Blogging.......it is beautiful and well deserved!!!!
Posted by: Lee Anne "Nikki" Ghilain | August 27, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Love your new shrine! The painting on the leaf is really beautiful and delicate...amazing. I love your new blog format. Easy to navigate, a very clean design! Looking forward to LST! xo frannie p.s. finally got the kdis back in school yesterday, so I am back in the blogosphere!
Posted by: Fran Meneley | August 27, 2009 at 02:39 PM
love your potent personal symbols, every single one dear Steph.
I am also loving the new look here- very *sharp*
Posted by: elsa | August 27, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Such lovely-NESS! You know I love all the vivid colors!!
Did you get the book? Good Mail Day ~ I got it yesterday... there is your pretty mail art on page 72. My work is in the book as well... a wonderful book!
Posted by: Holly | August 27, 2009 at 03:58 PM
So beautiful, so unique, such patience. Thanks for sharing it and the shrine it became. smooches
Posted by: Leau | August 27, 2009 at 07:12 PM
lovely; sigh... lovely. aren't those leaves from hawaii that they make necklaces out of and such?
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | August 28, 2009 at 04:45 PM
Hi, your leaf is a pipal leaf. The Buddha was supposedly enlightened while sitting under a pipal tree.
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=pipal+leaf&gbv=2&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g4g-s1g5
Posted by: Nancy | August 30, 2009 at 05:09 AM
yes - a bodhi leaf?
maybe the same as pipal
lovely with or without a name...
xox - eb.
Posted by: elizabeth bunsen | September 04, 2009 at 10:15 PM
that is not a lotus leaf.Its a banyan leaf. Very popular art in India. You should check Pillowtalks on etsy. She has some fantastic leaf paintings. Very detailed and bewitching.
Posted by: Gina | October 31, 2009 at 02:50 PM