The serpents eyes glaze over, and her skin pulses with the acceptance of her former self. The longer she lingers in the mist of her gaze, the more swiftly her old skin seems to shed. She glides through the depths, only to awaken reborn.
The Avian Deity embodies flight, craving the heights to observe. Her companion, a guardian burdened by the weight of solitude. Their daughter, akin to an elephant, deeply rooted in the present, connecting with each leaf and branch. What transpires when the guardian clings to seclusion, while the bird yearns to soar? How does the Elephant translate to fitting into the Hermit’s shell or taking flight into the skies?
He gazes at her with fervent adoration, his love for her running deep. Motivated by an innate drive to shield her, he often interposes himself even in situations where her protection is unnecessary. She acquiesces, a pattern persisting over many cycles, where the semblance of safety and shelter takes root. Yet, this semblance has morphed into a pervasive belief that she requires safeguarding, eroding her confidence in decision-making out of fear of errors.
The Goddess places her companion on a pedestal, diminishing her own stature in the process. Enveloped in this delusion for so long, she has diminished herself. The birds’ melodies beckon her, reminding her of her kinship with them. For too long, she has trodden rather than soared, her inner being ensnared in a vortex of incomprehensible despair.
Why does she plummet into this abyss? The threads of her destiny intertwine with the graceful dance of the pink flamingo’s wing, urging her to sing. She must trace these threads to her lineage, to extricate herself from this darkness. Her reliance on her companion has been profound, yet this darkness compels a self-initiated transformation, as only she can guide herself. For how can a hermit, confined to his shell, instruct a bird in flight? And how can a hermit, outgrowing his sanctuary, focus on anything other than securing a larger refuge, knowing that without a sense of protection, he cannot provide it for his family?
Interpreting intuitive artwork is deeply personal; what one sees may differ from another’s perception. Yet, this divergence imbues it with profound uniqueness. Intuitive art serves as a conduit for your inner self to communicate, each stroke conveying a message meant solely for you. While sharing my art and interpretations, I offer insights into my personal understanding. Often, these messages resonate with others, illuminating pathways to interpret images from the higher self.
This piece harbors a potent message, its creation a seamless flow of expression. The intertwined faces exude an intimacy that captivates; they share a connection exclusive to them. The woman’s gaze elevates the man, her love placing him at the forefront of her thoughts and decisions. Yet, this isn’t his imposition but her choice. Positioned behind him, symbolic elements manifest, not as his thoughts but integral aspects tethered to his being, carried through time.
Dolphins often symbolize protection, exemplified by their instinct to safeguard lives, whether human or marine. They’ve been observed rescuing drowning individuals, shielding them from predators like sharks, and guiding stranded whales back to safety.
During the creation of this artwork, my husband was amidst a harrowing flood situation in his town, where he tirelessly assisted for 32 hours, even as the waters inundated his workplace. His commitment to the safety of others, evident in his actions, mirrors the protective nature of dolphins. He prioritizes the well-being of his family and community, sometimes to my frustration, yet I’ve come to embrace this aspect of his character.
The presence of the hermit crab in his traits signifies his inclination towards security and protection, reinforcing his inherent nature to shield those he holds dear.
The hermit crab finds solace in its secure shell, a sanctuary of safety and warmth. Like the crab, the male depicted in this artwork retreats into his own space when seeking refuge, insulating himself from external influences. His shell, impenetrable and exclusive, shields him from the chaos of the outside world.
In our nomadic lifestyle, resembling the crab’s journey, we traverse from place to place, yet always anchored by my husband’s steadfast job, akin to his protective shell. Any disruption to this security undermines his innate trait of safeguarding, causing him to withdraw into his shell, bearing the weight alone.
The recent damage inflicted by the floods on his workplace may signify the shedding of his current shell and the quest for a new one, symbolizing a shift in the environment of security while retaining its essence. As the crab carries its shell, he carries the remnants of his former security, navigating the transition with resilience and adaptability.
Three birds grace the male’s side of the painting, each symbolizing distinct aspects of his character. Two among them, nestled among his traits, embody the essence of observation and foresight. These birds, though possessing the capability of flight, opt for stillness, utilizing their keen senses to assess their surroundings.
Perched atop lofty vantage points, birds gain unique perspectives, offering insights beyond ground-level observation. Their rapid head movements exemplify their acute awareness, capturing every detail of their environment. Similarly, the male’s traits mirror this vigilant observation, particularly epitomized by the trait of foresight.
Much like the birds, he exhibits a penchant for gathering information and conducting thorough research before embarking on any course of action. This trait stands in contrast to spontaneity, aligning closely with the pursuit of security. Armed with knowledge, he feels empowered to make informed decisions, fostering a sense of stability and assurance within himself.
The third bird, symbolic of myself depicted in the painting, stands out amidst the flying birds surrounding my side. With its wings spread wide and an almost fiery aura, this bird embodies the essence of momentum, propelling towards the unknown with instinctive courage.
For me, represented by my own artwork, this soaring bird epitomizes my embrace of change and my fearless dive into uncharted territories. It reflects my resilience in the face of uncertainty, thriving amidst the flux of my environment.
As I defined the faces of the female and the male in the painting, I sensed a profound message intended specifically for us, resonating deeply with our current material and emotional realities. This is the transformative power of intuitive art—it speaks directly to the soul, offering clarity and guidance.
The significance of the flying bird extends beyond the canvas, as it mirrors the tattoos adorning my body—a constant reminder of my journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. This painting serves as a beacon, guiding me towards greater compassion, particularly towards my husband.
In the upcoming exploration of my side of the painting, I will delve deeper into how this artwork facilitated my journey of self-reclamation, illuminating my path out of a period of profound disorientation and isolation.
Next to the flying bird, there’s a baby elephant, representing our daughter’s spirit animal. The elephant visited me and my mother numerous times, appearing in dreams, social media posts, and various items during my pregnancy and afterwards. I won’t delve into the specifics of how I’m certain the elephant is her spirit animal, but it’s an undeniable connection I feel, and this painting serves as my instinctive link to it. Thus, I understand that the baby elephant symbolizes our daughter. Placed alongside my bird symbol on the male’s side of the painting, we, as significant parts of his life, naturally belong there. While I won’t discuss the symbolism of elephants here, it’s not about the animal itself, but rather its representation of our daughter. The baby elephant appears to gaze down at a rabbit and a snake.
On my husband’s side of the painting, there’s a puppet among the traits, representing a unique aspect of his relationship with our daughter. This puppet holds significance because it’s a tool he uses to entertain our daughter—a rabbit puppet she adores. Whenever my husband controls the puppet, our daughter interacts with it as if it’s a separate entity. Despite knowing it’s her daddy’s hand behind the puppet, she treats it as its own being, talking to it, asking it to participate in her activities, and even greeting it in photos.
The puppet symbolizes their special bond, a shared element that enhances their father-daughter relationship. It’s heartwarming to witness how our daughter breathes life into the puppet, imbuing it with personality and individuality. This serves as a poignant lesson in perception—we have the power to infuse objects, situations, and people with energy and meaning. We can choose to see the world in a way that aligns with our desired energy, attracting positivity into our lives. Ultimately, we have control over the influence of surrounding energies and our perception of the world around us.
The serpent in the painting holds a powerful presence, its connection to the Earth’s vibrations evident as it gracefully extends its body, head held high in observation rather than aggression. Positioned diagonally across the canvas, it signifies a message encompassing our entire family unit. The elephant and the human figures, though close, have yet to fully perceive or comprehend its significance.
Snakes, in their shedding process, symbolize rebirth and renewal. This snake, with its darkened top layer and serene demeanor, is in the midst of shedding its old skin, entering a phase akin to a shamanic journey between worlds—simultaneously alive and dead, shedding the old to embrace the new. Its message resonates deeply, urging us to confront that which no longer serves us, surrendering it to pave the way for a transformative journey into a new path.
For me, taking control of my life holds profound implications for everyone in the household. Lately, my emotions have been tumultuous, intensifying beyond measure. The strain of motherhood and marriage, coupled with a sense of imbalance and emptiness, weighs heavily on me. I find solace in moments of introspection, yet the loneliness of facing my inner self is daunting. Reluctantly, I realize that I alone prolong the shedding process by resisting this necessary transformation.
Exploring the female’s half of the painting, a representation of myself, may shed light on the aspects of my life I’m drawn to and illuminate the struggles inherent in shedding the snake’s skin, ultimately guiding me towards a path of renewal and self-discovery.
The woman’s head and body are bathed in blue, symbolizing the throat chakra—an indication of her desire to voice her need for flight, movement, and change. Yet, her lips are sealed, tethered by a piece of string connected to a dancing pink bird. Her words, if unleashed, might disrupt the vibrations of those around her, causing discomfort. However, it’s not her place to judge what’s in alignment with others; instead, she must seek what aligns with her own truth objectively.
Her trio of birds tells a story of migration and freedom. One dances with joy, another perches and preens, while the third soars through the sky with vibrant feathers trailing behind. All birds gaze in unison towards a migratory flight path, beckoning her to follow. This path echoes her inner longing for movement and exploration.
It was her choice to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, freeing herself from the constraints of mortgage and debt. She moved her husband into this way of life because she craves constant change, yearning to explore, to experience, to be spontaneous without the weight of consequences. She thrives on the energy of the moment, forgotten amidst the burdens she allowed herself to carry.
In embracing her true nature, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reclaiming her spontaneity and embracing the flow of change that defines her essence.
Once the pink bird dances, I’ll be led to the preening bird—a time to perch and tend to my feathers, preparing for flight. This bird, brown and soiled, must confront its shadows before its true colors can shine and it can take to the skies. If I’m to embark on this journey of self-discovery, I must clean my feathers, facing each shadow and allowing healing to take place.
Positioned between the male and female figures, the preening bird symbolizes her personal journey, one that involves both but is ultimately hers to undertake. The challenge lies in determining who will accompany her on this path, or if she’ll journey alone.
Though uncertain whether to share this interpretation, my heart aches with each word, for I’m beginning to realize the daunting truths I must confront to become the person I’m meant to be. A person who, like the birds, will soar freely, each feather bearing the unique stories of its life’s journey.
The elephant in the painting symbolizes the significance of family—a theme that has overshadowed my own desires for far too long. Lost in the pursuit of meeting the needs of my immediate family, I neglected to consider what I truly want. It took reaching a state of emotional turmoil, where sadness and frustration consumed me, to prompt introspection and the shedding of old ways.
In this dark moment of reckoning, I realized that my yearning for happiness extends beyond the confines of my household. I long to reunite with my larger family—my parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and close friends. For the past seven years, I’ve been separated from them, residing across the country to be closer to my husband’s family in regional NSW. However, our recent move to the coast of NSW has left us isolated, with only our small family unit and my husband’s brother’s family nearby.
As a mother, I crave the connection and support of extended family—the shared moments, celebrations, and the simple joy of cousin playdates. I want to be able to rely on family for respite, to allow myself time alone without guilt or financial strain. Just hours ago, I found the courage to voice my truth to my husband—I want to return to my family in Perth, WA. His response surprised me; he agreed to go wherever I felt happiest, recognizing the importance of my well-being.
This revelation taught me the power of speaking my truth, despite the fear of its consequences. For too long, I held back, afraid of losing my husband or disrupting our relationship. Yet, with each major life change, he has chosen to follow me, thriving in the face of uncertainty.
During our conversation, news of another flood in his town underscored the urgency of embracing change and facing our truth. As much is being washed away, we stand on the precipice of transformation, ready to embark on a new journey together. This painting, with its profound symbolism, has illuminated our path forward.