Friday, April 13, 2012

Yeehaa!!! Celebrating Pagan Culture’s 3rd Blogoversary Party

BECAUSE it's Friday the 13th & it's about time I posted!



Well I have soo much to tell you, but I have decided to not blab away your ENTIRE day because you busy bloggers have places to go, parties to attend & art to see... so the story of the 12 foot python in my living room will have to wait (it's TRUE, wrapped itself up around my... hang on I'm getting way off track)... 


I got to tell you those interested in some good great reading & super (megaloads) of giveaways get on over to my pal (& wickedly talented) Magaly's Sexy, Dark & Bloody Fiction Party I have hosted one of the many prizes on offer (here) along with some of the sweetest darlin's in blogland, such as my bestie Stacy from MagicLoveCrow, the gorgeous Mina from Green Witch with Sprinkles, but those are only appetisers because...THERE'S A SMORGASBORD of prizes at this WICKED party AND enough reading to have you enthralled all weekend :)


I have been away, so I will be back visiting ya-all this weekend... spent time at one of my fave places... WooliA slice of paradise, truthfully, like being beamed back in time to the sixties (maybe 50's?), no internet, ocean just over the dunes & river at the back door, flora & fauna in abundance... I was looking for my muse, she took off a couple of weeks before me...  


Now, Magaly's party theme is Stereotypes... I wrestled with the concept, I don't & never have fallen for the 'stereotypical' image, whether it's related to age, occupation, wealth or social status it's makes life 2 dimensional when it should be 4, it's simple, it's lazy, takes away complexities & rainbows of colour that make life so awesome... 


So, how to turn around the witch stereotype? I had Disney images dancing in my head, and then I finally realised what I wanted to do... The witch BEFORE she was made into a stereotype... 


Soo, My muse whispered in my ear - The below artwork is done on a washed up, sea ravaged piece of driftwood the ocean offered me as a canvas last week, and I painted yesterday... yes I left it to the last minute, that flighty muse was elusive ;)






Many witches were burned to death, tied to a wooden stake, on top a pile of kindling - real or imagined abilities such as levitation, apparitions, visions, these people were branded 'false saints' - witches... one of these was Joan of Arc... St Joan of Arc... so the talents & powers of a witch was also that of a saint... sort of makes that evil Disney version a little off base?


So witches aren't just those little old hooked nosed women, casting evil spells, eating children, turning milk sour and flying around on a broomstick & saints aren't always cloistered nuns (bless 'em) they can be warriors, they can be witches... 


These (mainly) females, were mothers, siblings, and far from the images we see portrayed in popular media the only thing they really had in common, was they were all victims of prejudice & injustice and campaigns to make them seem evil, I wanted to show the human face, the face of hope, despair, courage, because I think the making of the 'witch' stereotype made it easier to forget the human tragedy of their plight.



OK have a great weekend & also anyone who makes a comment here on this Party Post... goes into barrel (well randomiser anyway) to win a $20 voucher at my SunshineShelle Etsy shop :) 
Winner drawn Wednesday 18th April
Oh don't forget as well as Pagan Cultures 3rd Blogoversary Party it's Paint Party Friday where the lovely Eva & Kristin as your ever lovely hosts!



44 comments:

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Super posting Shelle. I know #1 never wins on the randomizer but I do know that I need to tell you that you must have had Genevieve in mind when your muse visited you for this creation. She is lovely. Thanks for your beautiful words and sweet encouragement. Theres a bit of frozen forgettings in the freezer as I type....thanks love, Oma Linda

Unknown said...

hi hot stuff(:

i really love the painting on this post.

i'm verrry very tired tonight so i don't think my comment will make a lot of sense. i apologise ahead of time for that because i think i'll just ramble and we'll get caught up....
did you check your email? check it and say yes.
also. i'm moving next week. i think that's part of why i'm tired.
also i think i'll toss in my 2 cents on the witch stereotype and that is that a wise woman once told me that the reason a witch is depicted as so ugly and haggard is because in reality she was a woman beaten, accused, hated and feared.
yikes i'm tired. i'll come back tomorrow to read this and see how much sense it made.
and p.s. i love this painting - i love the blues that you use in shadows. i think if i spent more time gazing at your work i'd figure out a few things about color and light values.
now for REAL. i'm going to bed....

xxa

Helen Campbell said...

Beautiful painting! The colors are wonderful. Happy PPF!

peggy gatto said...

powerful and beautiful!

Tracey FK said...

your painting is really wonderful and evocative... lovely tonal work in the colour... love it...xx

Anonymous said...

firstly, i think i want to move to that place-it sounds idyllic! especially when the sea provides you with wonderful driftwood canvasses on which to paint! i like how you interpreted the stereotype and turned it on its head. this is a stunning piece. the colours you've used are amazing.

Netty said...

Oh wow this is such a powerful face, love it. But now I want to know about the python........please tell....Happy PPF and enjoy the weekend, Annette x

froebelsternchen said...

gorgeous!beautiful painting!

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Fantastic interpretation of the theme. I love this painting! Have a great time in the 50's Shelle! :)

Giggles said...

Captivating piece! Just love the close up photo too! Strong and brave woman for sure!! Love it!

Happy ppf!

Hugs Giggles

Nordljus said...

Beautiful, gorgeous painting! I love the colouring. Happy PPF!

carlarey said...

She's beautiful, such an expression of resignation on her face.

Zue said...

Haunting...clever painting!
xx

Anonymous said...

Shelle, this is so gorgeous, and sad. Your colors, her expression, really get your point across!

Even though I love the witches in the pointed hats, hags with crooked noses, and flying on their brooms whih a gorgeous full moon as a backdrop, I feel sorrow, and shame for the treatment of witches that history tells us about. These were "wise women", midwives, and healers. What thanks did they get? They were hung, burned at the stake, stoned and drowned...very sad.

Now! Please tell us about the python!!!

Hugs,
Jan

Anonymous said...

OOPS!!! That should have been "with"...not, whih :D
Jan

Art From The heart said...

Absolutely beautiful painting !
Hugs

Magaly Guerrero said...

Okay, so I looked into your J's eyes and now I'm in tears. I can see the sadness, that look of Witch and Saint that is feeling not just the pain to come, but the torture of years of ignorance. Those eyes, Shelle, my gods.

*Takes a deep breathe and rereads*

I'm always wondering why some think fictional witches are obsessed with milk. Seriously people, if a witch--or any person--had to power to make anything sour, you should be wearing about a fluid that is more crimson and with a slightly different pH.

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! Dynamic creation ~ love the illustration and colors are wonderful ~thanks, namaste, ^_^

Gloria j Zucaro said...

Really beautiful expressive artwork. To me her face shows such sadness and hope that is lost. Such intelligence, too.

Toriz said...

That place sounds perfect; no wonder your muse went there ahead of you. ;)

And well said about witches; most people have forgotten the person behind the witch charge.

Anne Manda said...

Striking and thought provoking! Happy PPF!

GlorV1 said...

Very powerful piece and very interestng. Nice! Happy PPF!

Alicia said...

yay - more driftwood art! I don't know if you've heard the one leonard cohen song about Joan of Arc but your arresting painting reminded me of it. Gorgeous.

Mary C. Nasser said...

Beautifully haunting portrait painting!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Once again you have created a beautiful piece of art while educating at the same time. I would say your muse has returned full force! I love that this is created on (drift)wood--the very thing that aided in the demise of so many innocents.

Magic Love Crow said...

Shelle, now I am so behind in everything! LOL! Was there really a 12 foot python in your living room?? I hope not! I have to tell you, you are an amazing woman! Your post is so beautiful and heart breaking! And, your painting is absolutely breathe taking! So much feeling! Well done!! Big Hugs! xoxoxoxo

Magic Love Crow said...

Shelle, now I am so behind in everything! LOL! Was there really a 12 foot python in your living room?? I hope not! I have to tell you, you are an amazing woman! Your post is so beautiful and heart breaking! And, your painting is absolutely breathe taking! So much feeling! Well done!! Big Hugs! xoxoxoxo

Unknown said...

Ms. Magaly picks some of the coolest people round the Web to keep close in her circle! I love your upbeat "bouncy" writing and especially your art! The woman you drew could very well BE my Jillian (Beware the Captive Innocents story for Magaly's party-versary) when she held her head high and proud against her accusers. Your work bursts with emotion!

Jenn Girl said...

I love love love this piece!

Unknown said...

I meant to ask...is this piece for sale? It simply pulls at me.

Unknown said...

Absolutely stunning. Her face has so much depth and emotion.

Reba said...

Wow, an absolute gorgeous painting! Choosing a piece of weathered wood as your canvas, was an awesome idea! Loved your post! Perfect :)

Unknown said...

Very beautiful and emotional painting. It's very intresting to me.. about the witch hunts. In my country most of those who were burned on the stakes were men. Well..in Finland there is a long tradition of shamanism. But it's very different than in other countries in Europa and U.S. but it's still extremely sad to know how many lives were lost due the scare of witchcraft. Thank you for visiting my blog. It was nice to have you there.
Niina

Felicity said...

So glad I popped on over - a rich history and love your fabulous art.

Happy day gorgeous!
x

pauline said...

So beautiful and haunting... yes, so many innocent lives were lost to this paranoia. I LOVE her expression and the fact that you painted her on driftwood. Even more precious. xoxo

Unknown said...

oh wow!!! what a super strong painting....wonderful work!!!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful witch you really caught her essence - all women have a little 'witch' in them - it speaks to our most sacred magickal self.

Petrea said...

Love your painting- and the colours! Crossing my fingures that I am randomly picked for a voucher - love your work!

Ayala Art said...

OOOOH Myyyy Gooosh Shelle, You need to write a book, I swear I love coming to your blog, you are such a great writer!
A pyton??? agh!!
And your art, can't find the words to say how lovely, mysterious and wonderful it is....
And on top of that, a giveaway!??
Can't find them any better!
PS
Don't you love those capricious muses? We need a rope to tie one of their fee to a chair! hehehehe

HeARTworks said...

Oh dear I feel for her! She's beautiful and full of pathos! Patsy from
HeARTworks

Gina said...

Oh my Shelle!!! I had goosebumps reading your words...and I nearly burst into tears when I saw your final image....defiant dignity. What more can we hope for in the face of bigotry?
Beautiful image!!! :D XXX

Anonymous said...

Oh Shelle, you are such a goddess in the flesh. First I must thank you for saying such a precious thing about me. I grinned like a fool!

Your portrait is beautifully haunting. You captured the true essence of an innocent woman being condemned for nothing more than judgement, intolerance, and/or superstition. I cannot tell you enough how it stirs my soul. I just keep staring into her face of courage and injustice.

This entire post has me spellbound. So glad you enjoyed your time and egad! A 12ft python? I am shuddering and not in that good tingly way either. ;-) Hugs to you sweetie!

Unknown said...

lovely and passionate art. Id love to be a winner...Ive been losing a bit lately and I need all the hope I can muster

have a great week

- KAT -

Unknown said...

Shelle, I'd still love to purchase this particular piece from you if it is available.

In the meantime, though, I've listed you as a winner of the Wonderful Web Witches Award for April 2012. You may place the small award graphic if you choose to. Details here: http://paganbydesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/wonderful-web-witches-april-2012.html