Joyful, Joyful, by Leada Wood, Contemporary Texas Artist

This is the painting I was working on when my retina tore loose in my eye. It was very emotional working on it again and finishing it.  I am so thankful that I am able to work and post on my blog again. We take so much for granted! 

 This painting is filled with symbolism and is very special to me. I have decided to keep this painting in my collection but reproductions are available. 

Butterflies represent freedom, growth, change and rebirth. The colors of the butterflies are also significant...yellow represents wisdom and black creativity.

The cocoon represents incubating, protecting creative ideas, needed withdrawal during times of transition. In the Christian religion, the metamorphosis a butterfly undergoes is symbolic of the spiritual evolution all Christians go through. In ancient mythology, the butterfly stands for wisdom and everlasting knowledge.

 
In ancient Greek the word for butterfly is "Psyche", which means soul. We are all small and appear to be the same (like the Caterpillar) , but as we grow older our true beauty shows ( like the butterfly). Like a butterfly, we are all different, and beautiful in our own way. 

Doves are symbols for love, hope, a symbol of divinity, as it is the representation of the Christ, unity, peace and as a symbol of creation. The color white projects purity and  innocence, freshness, cleanliness. It is the color of the awakened Spirit, the light of perfection, the Divine Light.

Gold symbolizes good health...relaxation...enjoyment of life. Red symbolizes life and vitality.

I will be on the Art Trail in Lubbock Texas on February 1st at Varsity Book Store, from 6-9. Please stop by and visit and see some of my new work. Thanks for stopping by!

Peace by Leada Wood

by Leada Wood ©

This is another Little Jewel, 5x7 with lots of layers. I make my own collage papers and a lot of my stamps so that it will give an original look to my art. I love adding embelishments to my work.

This is the begining of this little jewel. 

Happiness Symbols by Leada Wood, Artist Of Texas

Happiness Symbols by Leada Wood ©

This is a new little Jewel, only 5X7 with a powerful punch and message.  There are various symbols for happiness incorporated into this painting as well as the Japanese Kanji symbol for hapiness. This symbol can also be translated as blessed, welfare, well-being or fortunate.
I used the symbol of a man and woman, as I believe that one completes the other thus bringing happiness to each other. I used the coins for good fortune and prosperity.
The spiral is associated with the cycles of time, the seasons, cycle of birth, growth, death and then rebirth. Some also consider the spiral a symbol of a spiritual journey. Life doesn't progess in a straight line, it resembles a spiral. We seem to pass the same points over and over again with a different perspective each time.
The circle is an unbroken line which has no beginning, and no end which represents completeness.
The color orange is a power color! It stimulates creativity and enthusiasm. People who like orange are usually sincere and thoughtful. Lady Luck's color is orange.
The color turquoise is a friendly and happy color. It controls and heals the emotions creating stability and balance.
Can you believe one little Jewel has so much symbolism?




 

Totems by Leada Wood

Totems © Leada Wood, Mixed Media

Eleven.....I had a dream and when I woke up the words "Pray for 11/11/11" were still lingering in my mind. I have thought about this...a lot! I usually don't remember many dreams and certainly not words from my dreams, so it has caused me to do lots of soul searching and reseach.

The number 11 is a prime number, and in a 12 step program, the 11th step is usually the step of mediation and courage. Eleven is my totem number, according to my birth date. The spiritual meaning associated with it is: Eleven brings the gift of spiritual inheirtance, gifted as the "Light Bearer". Strengthened by the love of peace, gentleness, sensitivity and insight. Eleven is a symbol of higher ideals, invention, refinement, balance, fulfillment, vision, strong will, pure energy, equality, kindness, tact and purity. HMMMM....Who knew!

Maybe someone is telling me I need to seek balance in the new year of 2011, and balance is always a good thing in life. As we are in the 3rd month of the year 2011, I wish you all to have balance in your life, along with health, love and happiness.
Anyway, my dream got me to meditate on the new year and that sparked me to do a painting containing the number 11 and some of its symbolism. Hope you enjoy looking !