The Collective: Tina's Gold Circle
March 2019
Dear Laura,
When you receive this next addition to The Collective it will be delivered in person while we are in New York City! I am so thrilled to be traveling with you to see and discuss art. I have some big ideas coming your way about our work.
I have been reading the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which this particular text dates back to around 400 CE, however this wisdom possibly dates back to 500 BCE. I took a class at my yoga studio a year ago about correct alignment of the poses, but more importantly the mental work of yoga which I was less familiar with. What I have learned is that yoga is not simply exercise, but a way to focus one's mind to our essential essence. I am fascinated that these ancient texts still relate to my life now in the 21st century. There is something important here that I am starting to dive deeper into.
I began thinking about what you wrote in your last letter about seeking wholeness. While you wrote about being light and frolicsome, I am perhaps headed towards something a bit heavier about the soul. Hang on!
The yoga sutras (book one, number four) speak about energy appearing in various forms in this world. We give it different names- tree, water, rock- but these are just different versions of the same energy that is within us. According to Patanjali and many modern scientists (I realize I am not going to cite this scientific work here...just go with this thought...but if you doubt it look up systems biology) "behind the different forms of energy is one unchanging consciousness". We can tune into this as humans if we choose to.
Working out where to put this feather with the gold circle.
In thinking about wholeness and a common energy in our world, I decided to create a gold-leaf filled circle. I have seen these gold circles in religious paintings above the heads of important people. What that represents to me is that unchanging consciousness. Many spiritual people are seeking the same thing.
I then decided I would sew on a found object from nature rather than draw or paint it. This actual object represents the similarities to the energy that flows in me. The object (our bodies, a feather, a pine needle, etc) is simply a manifestation of this energy. That energy connects us. You might say that energy is our spirit, our soul, our God.
All this inner work I am doing right now is propelling my bigger project "Small Moments". I will keep you updated on those ideas as I expand on them this year.
Can't wait to talk more about this with you but also be light and have a ridiculous time running around NYC!
Tina
"Halo" 6"x6" gold leaf on paper, blue jay feather, thread
March 2019