Scarlet Wistaria
Affirmation: I am rooted in an infinite capacity to expand and empower.
Red Jasper: Root Chakra; Aries; “Supreme Nurturer” stone; Grounding; Courage to be authentic and assertive; Stimulates imagination; Empowerment
This relic first took form as a bolo tie, back in the early collection of relics. I was living in Saskatchewan and inspired to pay homage to my rural upbringing - cowboy boots and bolo ties. But the bolo ties weren’t all that popular, so back to the drawing board I went.
As I took apart the bolo tie, a sense of disappointment washed over me, a thought that my idea was a failure because it wasn’t well-received. As Artists, I think there is value in acknowledging those moments of “failure”. It’s an opportunity to be honest with that tender part of our Self, to learn to separate from the thought and reach a higher perspective that reframes judgement.
As my Human Design would attest, I’m naturally driven to process through “trial and error”. For me, I find this builds grit, courage and resilience. - invaluable qualities of us prairie folk.
As I wove this relic to shape, natural tendrils unfurled, resembling that of a vine.
My time working on a permaculture farm taught me about the aggressive nature of vines, often judged as a nuisance when intending to manage desired growth in vegetation.
Vines have this pure, undivided passion for growth and expansion, every obstacle is an opportunity to regenerate, regardless of the cost of life it wraps around. At first glance this seems ruthless and invasive, however in the final stages of life, the blooming flowers of vines are quite pleasing to the senses and serve useful for species of pollinator. Through their sacrifice, new life is sustained.
In the end, I’m pleased I had the courage to trust in the process of deconstruction and transformation of my work. This stone was destined for a greater lesson: outgrow the comfort zone and embrace the art of intuitive weaving.
A passage from Rumi:
Every leaf that grows will tell you: what you sow will bear fruit, so if you have any sense my friend, don’t plant anything but Love
With love and learning,
Amber
*Photo by Teress Molzahn, Wild Illumination Arts
