Hestia

Hestia, or: In Which Anne-Lauren Sees The Light, Praises Its Splendor, Then Dissolves Into Its Radiance.
2010 | original 30″ x 40″ | mixed media on acid-free paper vellum

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Hestia was goddess of the hearth, and in ancient Greece the hearth fire was not allowed to go out, unless it was ritually extinguished and ritually renewed, accompanied by impressive rituals of completion, purification and renewal.

The working title of Hestia was “The Light,” and so of course I explored some luminescent realms while painting this one.

I experienced a backwards déjà vu of sorts, as if I’d dreamed about this work before ever conceptualizing it. The dream-memory brought me to a strange timeless place, and it was from there that I put pen to paper, drawing out this eternal energy of the macrocosm.

At the same time I was reflecting on images (below) found online of bursting light sources. This phenomena occurs prevalently on both macro and microcosmic levels, i.e. galactic formations and neural pathways. The omnipresence of this life (light?) force convinced me that we’re not separate from the Source, and it was during a moment of experiencing this truth that Anne-Lauren raised her arms in praise.

There are 45 definitions for “light.” Here are some of my favorites:

light/laɪt/noun, adjective,-er, -est, verb,light·ed or lit, light·ing.
–noun 1. something that makes things visible or affords illumination: All colors depend on light.
2. Physics. a. Also called luminous energy, radiant energy. electromagnetic radiation to which the organs of sight react, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 700 nm and propagated at a speed of 186,282 mi./sec (299,972 km/sec), considered variously as a wave, corpuscular, or quantum phenomenon. b. a similar form of radiant energy that does not affect the retina, as ultraviolet or infrared rays.
4. an illuminating agent or source, as the sun, a lamp, or a beacon.
5. the radiance or illumination from a particular source: the light of a candle.
6. the illumination from the sun; daylight: We awoke at the first light.
7. daybreak or dawn: when light appeared in the east.
10. a device for or means of igniting, as a spark, flame, or match: Could you give me a light?
18. spiritual illumination or awareness; enlightenment.
20. mental insight; understanding.
31. to cause (the face, surroundings, etc.) to brighten, esp. with joy, animation, or the like (often fol. by up): A smile lit up her face. Her presence lighted up the room.
35. to become illuminated when switched on: This table lamp won’t light.
36. to become bright, as with light or color (often fol. by up): The sky lights up at sunset.
37. to brighten with animation or joy, as the face or eyes (often fol. by up).
—Idioms 38. bring to light, to discover or reveal: The excavations brought to light the remnants of an ancient civilization.
43. light at the end of the tunnel, a prospect of success, relief, or redemption: We haven’t solved the problem yet, but we’re beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
44. see the light, a. to come into existence or being. b. to be made public. c. to begin to accept or understand a point of view one formerly opposed: Her father was opposed to her attending an out-of-town college, but he finally saw the light.
45. shed/throw light on, to clarify; clear up: His deathbed confession threw light on a mystery of long standing.

Photo cred to the amazing Rose Barling (www.rosebarling.com) !

(detail):

I see the future is less and less there
And the past has vanished in the air
And I’m left in the now with a wonderous glow
I think I’m still me, but how would you know?

I can see the light between me and my mind
I can feel memories fall behind
And the light is growing brighter now
And the light is growing brighter now

It takes a few moments of whirling around
‘Till your feet finally leave the ground
And fending off fears, and hearing the call
And finally waiting for nothing at all

I can see the light between me and my mind
I can feel memories fall behind
And the light is growing brighter now
And the light is growing brighter now

~Phish