Merging with Nature through Art and Archetype
by Marcia Snedecor
“Truth did not come into the world naked, but
it came in types and images. One will not receive the
truth in any other way…” ~ The Gospel of
Saint Philip recording the words of Christ
People often ask artists about their source of inspiration
or the meaning of a particular painting, and for me,
those can be difficult questions. I can easily say that
I am inspired by Nature, archetypes and the Divine Feminine;
however, the source of true inspiration is, in whatever
form, enigmatic, mystical, and elusive. It’s difficult
to put into words what begins as a feeling, beyond language,
and sparks the inscrutable creative process. I heed
the call, mysterious as a dream yet familiar as an inner
voice, and begin to paint.
As the process unfolds and the image takes form, so
does the design behind the siren’s song. However,
it is usually after a paintings completion that its
message is more fully revealed. Although I have brought
forth the image, it is for me, in some ways, a misty
mirror so that viewer’s insightful comments help
unveil meaning. I am truly enriched when others share
with me the significance they find in my work, especially
when it harmonizes with their own experiences.
Each of us ascribes meaning to an image from our own
inimitable perspective and symbols may be uniquely personal,
but the archetypes belong to us all. They resonate with
our souls and draw us into the mystic.
My Mystic Forest series seeks to illustrate that we
are divinely inspired by Nature and empowered by archetypes
to discover the truth of our own divinity. Using symbols
as psychic touchstones, these images have emerged as
visions from the soul. Archetypal images speak a universal
language that transcends barriers and borders to enter
directly into hearts and minds.
Symbols and myths encapsulate psychic energy and, I
believe, gain power and influence over time and usage…hence
the archetypes. Like well-worn pathways in our collective
psyche, archetypes express unconscious wisdom –
esoteric knowledge accessed through imagery. As symbols
are the language of unconscious dreams, so archetypes
spring from a deeper well, a place where language lapses
and image attempts to bridge the infinite…a glimpse
of the unknowable…Divine wisdom.
Through an archetype we may discover the wellspring
of our collective soul and the light of our own divinity.Certain
symbols and archetypes have inspired and sustained my
creative life. One that is a delight for many artists
is the tree. With its roots drawing life from the soil
and its leafy branches nourished by the sun, it is the
perfect link of earth and cosmos. It lives and flourishes
in world art and mythology. The Tree of Life, of Knowledge,
World Tree, Kabalistic Tree and myriads of related imagery
illustrate the richness and scope of this blessed archetype.
As an archetypal symbol, the tree represents both humanity,
our place in the cosmos and our link with the Divine.
The Mystic Forest series is intended to honor of the
tree and all of its mythic manifestations. It is a celebration
of the Divine hand evident in Nature. My intent is not
to favor one gender, but the feminine aspect embodies
nurturance and lends itself to a gentle merging with
Nature. When we speak of Mother Earth or Mother Nature,
we acknowledge the feminine half of life’s equation
as that which tends and nourishes. The Greenman, an
equally powerful yet somehow more elusive and quixotic
archetype, stands as guardian of the fecund feminine
forest.
Each Mystic Forest image is intended to inspire the
viewer by tapping into or resonating with their own
archetypal and transcendental energies, as with The
Labyrinth Tree.
For permission to reprint this article contact: Marcia
Snedecor, PO Box 124 West Jefferson, OH 43162 email:
ethereal--art@columbus.rr.com
Marcia Snedecor lives in central Ohio with her husband,
Jan, and an assortment of feline friends. She has a
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Miami University and
has been painting and exhibiting for over 30 years.
She is also a Registered Nurse, Licensed Independent
Social Worker and Reiki practitioner, all healing occupations
that have shaped her life and informed her art.
Marcia’s beautiful and highly original oil paintings
are widely collected and have received numerous awards.
Her art and illustrations have appeared on book and
magazine covers, including SageWoman and The Beltane
Papers. Over 60 beautiful archetypal images are available
as high-resolution full color laser prints and on note
cards. Digital images are available for websites and
marketing materials. See the entire Mystic Forest series
and many more inspirational images at http://www.etherealart.com