The Yin and Yang of Elephants by Visionary Imagist

Visionary Imagist
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Added 26 Nov 2007
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To see the beauty of the light of day I must first travel some distance through the darkness. To know the taste of the sweetness of this life I must sample some of the bitter fruits of my being. To experience the grandeur of my existence I must bear witness to the deaths around me. Such is this titanic struggle for balance. This Yin and Yang of the circle of life. The peace that I seek is deep within the circumference of this circle. It is where I find the still point where all struggles cease and a rest so peaceful and comforting exists. It is as if the two Behemoths of the duality of survival have reached a peace treaty, a truce, and they coexist in a beautiful harmony that only the understanding fortunate know of. This peace is in the center of the very being of my life. It is where my Beloved resides. This elusive center is everywhere and it's circumference is nowhere. Such is this paradox, this Mystery, I speak of. A Mystery that I desire and long for. This Mystery whose path I seek and have caught brief glimpses of when I resolutely set my compass to discover It's munificence. There within It's loving embrace I cease to struggle and I cease to compete in climbing the "ladder of success". It has been has been my experience to witness that it is most disheartening to climb to the top of the "ladder of success" only to find out that the ladder is on the wrong wall. So, here I remain resolved to continue my quest for this balance, this balance that brings peace. As I end this little dissertation I am reminded of the children's fairy tale of Goldilocks who sought the perfect bowl of porridge, the perfect chair, and the perfect bed only to be startled and awakened by the reality of the bears. I think I know now how little Goldilocks must have felt when reality broke her perfect afternoon nap. At times I too have had that wonderful slumber that she was experiencing only to be awaken by my own "bears". visionary imagist "Joey"

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Faun Holmes 09 Feb 2008

What a wonderful piece Vis,love it

Nikolay Semyonov 02 Dec 2007

amazingly creative work, my friend.

Artist Reply: Nikolay: I always appreciate you taking the time to stop by and comment on my little oil painting. Thanks for sharing with me.

annette steens 30 Nov 2007

A super wonderful expression for yin and yang! An incredible nice painting!

Artist Reply: Annette: Thanks for commenting on my little take on the Yin and the Yang of life. I do so appreciate your wise insights.

Gabrielle Stahlie 29 Nov 2007

Joey, to climb the ladder of succes on the wrong wall is a strong metaphore. And so is the story of Goldilocks . The bears of reality can walk into one's life suddenly, without knocking on the door and without warning. It is a heavy (as you called it titanic) struggle to keep the balance. Pure perfection and a pure balance we do not find here, we can only try to come near it and as close as we can. A very strong, beautiful captured image, you have shared here.

Artist Reply: Gabrielle: Thanks for those wise and profound thoughts. i really enjoy seeing and hearing your words. Thanks you again my friend.

Ann Fawssett-Atkin 28 Nov 2007

Another superb entry VI. You just amaze me with your range of subject matter.

Artist Reply: Ann: I love to paint and explore new vistas and themes. i never grow tired of exploring. thanks for noticing my work.

Jessica Courtley-Rose 27 Nov 2007

Joey...what a wonderful powerful piece of art and your words are always so inspiring. I thought you might like another another totem but on elephants, because I believe the images you paint come to you for some reason! Although it may not all pertain to you! Hope you like: The Elephant Throughout history elephants have been prized for their power and strength. They are extremely intelligence and honored by many cultures. Elephants are the largest land animals and among the longest lived, with life spans of 60 years or more. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha chose the form of a white elephant as one of his many incarnations and the rare appearance of a white elephant is still heralded as a manifestation of the gods. The Hindu god Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, is depicted with the head of an elephant. Despite their great weight elephants walk almost noiselessly. Their stride is exceptionally graceful and rhythmic. Their hearing, smell, taste and touch is acute. This compensates for their poor eyesight. Their eyes are small in relation to the enormous head, which can only turn slightly from side to side. This limited movement results in restricted side vision. Those with this medicine feel things deeply and respond to those feelings from a place of inner knowing. Because their peripheral vision is limited they have a tendency to look straight ahead and not always see what is around them. Learning to shift ones focus to encompass the whole is helpful. Loyal and affectionate elephants are willing to risk their life for the sake of others in a family group. Wild elephants have been known to grieve and even shed tears over the death of a family member. They have excellent memories and when mistreated they often seek revenge. Elephants have a total of four teeth, all molars. The first pair of molars is located toward the front of the mouth. When they wear down, they drop out and the two molars in the back shift forward. Two new molars emerge in the back of the mouth to replace those that have moved forward. Elephants replace back molars six times throughout their life. When the last set wear out, they are unable to chew and die of starvation. Teeth have great symbolism. They are considered receivers and transmitters of energy linked by connecting paths throughout the astral body. Because the elephant is highly intelligent those with this totem make excellent researchers and alternative scientists. The complex study of numbers, energy meridians and the tie in between the physical brain, the teeth locations, and the major and minor head chakras is fascinating as well as beneficial. Elephant tusks point backwards and are used as weapons and for digging edible roots. From a spiritual point of view this suggests an ability to uncover the secrets left behind you and bring them to the consciousness for evaluation and healing. This beautiful creature hold the teachings of compassion, loyalty, strength, intelligence, discernment and power to name a few. If this is your medicine these virtues are a part of your natural character. By applying these gifts in your life soul evolution is achieved.

Artist Reply: Jessica: Thank you for taking the time and commenting so nicely. It was very informative. I always look forward to seeing your name and comments appear on my screen. Thanks again my friend.

Renata Cavanaugh 27 Nov 2007

Beautiful work

Artist Reply: Renata; I always appreciate and look forward to your comments. Thanks again.

John Fish 27 Nov 2007

Very original and, as usual, you have painted this very dramatic scene beautifully. Have you thought of putting together a book? You're writing and images would make a terrific inspirational illustrated book.

Artist Reply: John: I have had some inquiries about my art and words. Thanks i am pursuing that very endeavor just looking for the right offer.

joe valcourt 27 Nov 2007

really fine work--engaging commentary

Artist Reply: Joe: Thanks. i am glad that you enjoy my artworks. I do enjoy painting and writing.

Chris Roukema 27 Nov 2007

Great Words of Wisdom and an Awesome Painting, Joey! Always enjoyable and refreshing to see Your Work!

helen tyralik 27 Nov 2007

wonderful artwork

Artist Reply: Helen: Thank you sharing with me. i am a fan of your art as well.

joe black 26 Nov 2007

elephant fang = similar 2 clouds = double white thunderbolt. animal figures are simbol 'power of storm'. clear and clever abstract art. elephants to tap together= make rain. The Blue is typical Joeyblue.

Artist Reply: Joe: I really enjoyed reading your comments. I do like the color blue too. thanks for your stopping by and stop back anytime.