Tag: death

A.I. reviews “Between Worlds: Connection & Transformation”

A.I. reviews “Between Worlds: Connection & Transformation”


A.I. , review this collage!

This is a beautiful and dynamic mixed-media collage that feels rich in texture, color, and symbolism. Here are some observations and interpretations:

1. **Left Page:**
– It features a geometric, almost architectural composition with torn paper revealing illustrated windows. The windows show figures reaching out, possibly symbolizing connection or isolation.
– The mix of sharp, angular lines and organic, textured elements creates contrast.
– The color palette is vibrant, with yellows, blues, and reds that give an urban, nighttime feel.

2. **Right Page:**
– This page has an organic and surreal quality, blending nature and decay.
– Elements like real leaves, textured paper, and butterflies create a tactile, natural aesthetic.
– The skull and the Monarch butterfly suggest themes of life, death, and transformation.
– Handwritten words and sketches add a personal, intimate touch, possibly hinting at memory or inner thoughts.

3. **Texture & Materials:**
– The piece makes excellent use of different materials—fabric, paper, dried leaves, and layered paint or ink—giving it a multidimensional quality.
– The bottom right edge has wrinkled, dyed paper that enhances the sense of movement and depth.

### Overall Impression:
This feels like a journal-style artwork, potentially exploring themes of human connection, transition, and impermanence. The contrast between structured (left) and organic (right) elements suggests a balance between order and chaos, or urban life versus nature.

 

ping:

A.I. reviews “Ephemeral Echoes: Life, Death, & Transformation”

A.I. reviews “Ephemeral Echoes: Life, Death, & Transformation”


A.I. , review this collage!

This art journal spread is a stunning juxtaposition of life, death, and transformation, blending collage, illustration, and watercolor techniques to create a visually and thematically compelling piece.

Analysis & Review:

  • Imagery & Composition:
    The left page features a large, vintage-style anatomical skull with colorful cosmic-like textures filling its eye sockets, lending a mystical or otherworldly feel. A beetle crawling out of the skull’s mouth adds an eerie, naturalistic touch, while the dried flower above the skull suggests themes of decay and the passage of time. The background’s soft, rainbow-like watercolor splashes contrast with the dark subject matter, creating a balance between morbidity and beauty.

  • Right Page Details:
    The right side continues the theme with another smaller skull, a skeletal bird, and a bouquet of vibrant flowers. A striking monarch butterfly carrying an hourglass reinforces the motif of time and transformation, possibly symbolizing fleeting beauty or inevitable change. The handwritten text, which includes words like “Dark,” “Spring,” “Beauty,” and “Inspiration,” adds a poetic and personal touch, reinforcing the journal-like aspect of the piece.

  • Themes & Interpretation:
    This spread explores the interplay of life and death, nature’s cycles, and the ephemeral quality of existence. The elements of decay (skulls, skeletons, dried flowers) contrast with the symbols of renewal (butterfly, blooming flower, color bursts), creating a rich, layered narrative.

Overall Impression:

This piece is a captivating meditation on mortality and rebirth, executed with a thoughtful and artistic hand. The balance between dark, gothic elements and bright, lively hues makes it emotionally engaging and visually striking.


PING

A.I. reviews “Santa Muerte Birds”

A.I. reviews “Santa Muerte Birds”


A.I. review this collage!

This collage has a surreal and haunting vibe, combining various images that evoke a sense of mystery and curiosity. The torn edges and layered arrangement give it a raw, chaotic feel, enhancing its emotional intensity. Here are some observations:

1. **Visual Elements:** The use of skulls, body parts, and eyes creates an eerie, almost macabre atmosphere. The central image of the man holding incense suggests a ritualistic or spiritual context, possibly hinting at themes of life, death, and the supernatural.
2. **Color and Composition:** The purple and pink background contrasts sharply with the darker, more ominous imagery, giving a dreamlike, otherworldly effect. The use of blue outlines around some cutouts adds depth and draws attention to specific areas.
3. **Text and Symbolism:** The phrases “Santa Muerte” and “Beware the Birds” add layers of meaning, potentially referencing cultural or spiritual beliefs. Santa Muerte is often associated with death and protection in Mexican folk religion.
4. **Emotional Impact:** The collage is unsettling but captivating, inviting viewers to explore its symbolism and narrative. It feels like a visual exploration of mortality, spirituality, and perhaps even fear or anxiety.

Overall, it’s a powerful, thought-provoking piece that effectively uses surrealism and symbolism to engage the viewer. 

Ping:
Lost in Limbo, diving deeper

Lost in Limbo, diving deeper


Meditation/Intention:
I AM:
in media res
in statu nascendi
connecting with the malachim

Oracle:

Lost in Limbo:
“…enter a hidden cave…where old woods took root…Muse meets you here as you descent into a period of isolation”

Diving deeper:
in between
confused
leaving youth
waiting for a new hope
initiation
lonely thorny road
carry on!
meet and greet
Santa Muerte

ping:

CHAT GPT: write a personal poem on Samhain for me

CHAT GPT: write a personal poem on Samhain for me


**Samhain Nights**

When Samhain’s mist rolls thick and near,
I feel the thinning of the veil—
the hush of leaves, the crisp night air,
whispers that old ghosts regale.

Candles flicker on the sill,
a glow for those who’ve gone before;
I welcome them with quiet will,
as wind sweeps leaves across the floor.

I hear the voices, soft and low,
a thread that weaves through fading light.
They tell of seasons’ steady flow,
of shadows deep and stars so bright.

Tonight, I gather what’s been lost,
their memories warm against the cold.
In darkened skies, a life recrossed,
an ancient story retold.

Samhain nights bring death and birth,
a time to mourn, a time to grow.
Through roots that sleep within the earth,
our past and future gently sow.

PING: 

Herinnerdingen 01…vervolg…

Herinnerdingen 01…vervolg…


Guan Yu (krijger-literaat) :  beschermheer van krijgers en literati,  lijfwacht van Guanyin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guan_Yu

Guan Yin (godin van wijsheid en genade):  toen de missionarissen naar China kwamen, werd Maria herkend als verschijningsvorm van deze godin.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanyin

Tokeh (gekko):  bij het horen van deze hagedis in Indonesia voelde ik mij meteen verwelkomd, en herinnerde ik mij hoe sommige mensen de roep van het dier gebruiken als een ja/nee orakel.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokay_gecko

 

Eleggua/Eshu/Legba (opener en bewaker van de kruiswegen) wordt ook wel geassocieerd met Sint Petrus die de sleutels tot de werelden bewaakt.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papa_Legba

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eshu

ArtJournal
: Voor mij is dit een soort intuitief dagboek, als ik ermee begin weet ik nog niet waar het naar toe leidt. Dan kan het veel later pas blijken wat mijn onderbewuste mij te vertellen heeft.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_diary

HappyStone/Runen

Tijdens de Covid Lockdown in de twintiger jaren nieuw millenium, begon ik runenstenen te beschilderen, waardoor ik meer inzicht kreeg in de energie van de runen.
https://www.thekindnessrocksproject.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runes

Trouwring van mijn vader, overleden 10 december 2009.  Mijn moeder had beide trouwringen om bij haar overlijden 26 november 2015.

yogya zilver ring: herinnering aan java, verloren vrienden.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotagede#Silver_crafts

sjamanenspiegel: Deze gebruik ik healing, scryingfengshui:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_magic_mirror
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toli_(shamanism)

kris (javaanse rituele dolk): deze heb ik ooit ontvangen als dankgeschenk, en zal dan ook een erfstuk worden voor degenen die na mij komen.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kris

talking stick  (Batak sjamanenstaf): deze heb ik gebruikt bij trance-rituelen, door het vasthouden van de staf maak ik verbinding tussen de drie werelden.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talking_stick

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunggal_panaluan

wayangpop Irawan: dit was de  eerste authentieke wayangpop die in mijn bezit kwam, een bijzonder krachtige aanwezigheid.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayang_golek
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iravan

The Dreamquest of unknown Kadath: de sleutelroman die me hielp tijdens trancereizen door de werelden.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dream-Quest_of_Unknown_Kadath

Florida water: Dit gebruik ik vaak als middel voor rituele zuiveringen, voor mij werkt dat beter dan salie branden

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Water

Kristallen schedel: Voor mij is dit een object waarmee ik connectie maak met de voorouders.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_skull

Inwijdings schilderij : De kunstenares die dit maakte, had eerst een uitgebreid gesprek met mij, waarna ze intuitief aan het werk ging. Het resultaat was een bijzonder schilderij dat me hielp bij trancereizen.

Lyke Wake Dirge:
Een toegezongen reisgids door de benedenwereld, een korte Europese versie van het Dodenboek.

Magische boom:
Bij visualisaties helpt deze mij tijdens trancereizen naar de andere werkelijkheid

Chinees Taiji zwaard: Deze gebruik ik wel eens in rituelen: ruimtes afbakenen, energiekoorden doorsnijden, energie richten.  Voor mij werkt dit beter dan een athame.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jian

Inanna in de onderwereld :

De shamanistische reis door de benedenwereld is een thema dat me regelmatig bezig houdt, voornamelijk om onderbewuste emoties onder ogen te kunnen zien: angst, woede, verdriet.

Malachim
De Engelen blijven me bezighouden, soms als beschermer, en op andere momenten als psychopomp.

Ganesh
Doorbreekt barrieres en bewaakt de poort.

Symposion
Heren op middelbare leeftijd filosoferen over de (Platonische) Liefde onder genot van wijn …was Aristophanes de comediant wel serieus met zijn tweelingziel verhaal?

Atlantis

Weer een mythisch verhaal van Plato over een paradijs dat door hubris ten val kwam..
Het beeld van de opkomende zondvloed die de tempel van Poseidon verwoest, blijft me ontroeren.

Ping:

Flight  to Gotham

Flight  to Gotham


After the Authority took over the Garden,  the Rebels scattered to the four corners of Gaia

Honora the Guardian escorted Bondi to a new save haven:
Bondi remembered a friend mentioning a safe space at The Sisters of Our Lady:
‘Ask for Sister Margareth!
On the road you will see the ruins of the war rumoured to hide many artefacts of the old times but also invested by several gangs.
Beyond that are the hunting grounds of the Mohawk who are at war with the Authority’s Vigilante Corps.
Avoid the main road!’

They decided to avoid the ruins…
…cursed by fire from Heaven during the War…
At the sight of the ruins in the distance, Bondi remembered nightmares of the battles…
A road block…

Toll collectors!

Bondi and Honora tried to escape through the woods, but a couple of the  thugs followed their trail…
Confrontation at the ford: one thug down, one fleeing away to call reinforcements!

Evading the thugs, our heroes arrived at a Mohawk warcamp…

Using sign language, Honora started a palaver with the war-chief.
Apparently they had a very ill tribe-member.
Bondi offered some healing…
Looking at the patient, they discovered some bite marks
As soon as Bondi put her holy symbol on the patient’s head, he started twitching as if having a seizure, apparently a vampiric infestation!
They had to put the patient down…

The tribe was grateful for the help and were willing to listen to our heroes
Honora warned the tribe of approaching bandits…

Within an hour the tribe went packing!

Our heroes continued their journey, while they heard the sounds of a distant battle…
Did the tribe confronted the bandits or the vigilantes?

Escaping through the woods, arriving at a clearing…
They found some traces of a boy scout party that recently made camp at this place:
Scattered teenage clothing, as if just lest behind!

Almost nightfall, time to rest.
Honora decided to take watch most of the time…

A sneak attack from behind…
The attacker already tried to put its claws around Honora’s neck, but was surprised by the opponent’s martial skill!
In a smooth move Honora grabbed the monster’s arm and threw it to the ground, following up with a quick axe swing through its neck!

After neutralising the monster, our heroes investigated the mystery of the vanishing boy-scouts, wondering what happened here..
Suddenly Sister Margareth appeared!

‘Come with me quickly! I will explain later!’

…To be continued…

Ping: Escape from the Garden – Dreamquest

24XX – Gotham Tales of future past

24XX – Gotham Tales of future past


Teenage wannabe Ghostbusters adventures in steampunk New York.

Almost midsummer, still a clouded sky at noon…
Patrolling the city, four teenage scouts discovered a body in an alley in the bad part of town.
It was April, the up and coming new show star! Did she have a falling out with her (ex?)lover Lou the mobster?
Her body was already cold and very pale, and she had two small punctures in her neck, maybe bite marks?
Now what?
Considering the fact that one of the scout was a second generation immigrant from Cuba, it was not a good idea to go to the corrupt police who would immediately blame a person of colour.
The teens decide to carry the covered body in a wheelbarrow to their headquarters.
After reporting to their mentor, they decided to investigate further.
Arriving at the theater, where April was supposed to perform, the billboard announcement showed the banner ‘canceled’!
Apparently April did not show up for rehearsals since a few days, dismissal letter was already issued by the director Michael.
Sneaking into the theater, the teens discovered a grisly item in a hidden corner of Aprils dressing room!

A voodoo doll!
Investigating the doll with psychometry,  the psychic teen discovered a link with a witch, but at the same time there was the feeling that the sighting went both ways! Hurriedly the teens left the room, leaving the doll alone.

After reporting at headquarter, they heard the news that another aspiring star, Beverly, was found dead!
The tabloids were already blaming the minorities.

The teens consulted their Cuban connection, the santero ‘uncle Juan”….
‘April was killed with blood magic!’
Juan was willing to help them further with a price: 
‘My grandmother clock was jinxed during my spiritual battle with a witch, can you fix it?’
The nerdy teen tried his best, but destroyed the clock during the process, the jinx transferred itself to him!
Juans price went up: ‘get me the most powerful weapon from the witch Rita’


Discovering the fact that Rita was an ageing star who was supplanted by younger starlets, the teens decided to raid her house.

Bingo! On the altar they saw a magic statue!
‘Grab and run!’

Uncle Juan was very happy with this trophy:
‘Yes, this confirms the witch had a strong connection with Lady Death, enabling her to use blood magic in rituals! She needed to sacrifice three young women, two were already taken, still one to go…you are running out of time, what are you waiting for?’
April and Beverly were already victim of the witch, who’s next?

Apparently Janice, a friend of April, was also part of the theater crew!

The teen quickly approached Janice, offering her sanctuary in the headquarter.
Recently Janice was dating Lou the mobster, but she was not sure if he would be willing to protect her ‘it is complicated’

Uncle Juan said: ‘to catch a tiger you need a goat!’


They set up an ambush:
Janice announced a press conference ‘to uncover some findings on the recent killings of young women’

The night before the press conference, the witch invaded the headquarter!

A chaotic battle ensued….

Uncle Juan chanted his protection spells, while the teens took the witch down…
The coupe de grace was finally delivered using Juans holy weapon!

Death and Rebirth – Ritual Art Festival – terugblik.

Death and Rebirth – Ritual Art Festival – terugblik.


Omstreeks Samhain 2022 deed ik mee aan de workshop Memento Mori ; Daria leidde het geheel in met een passend ritueel waar ik graag aan meedeed met mijn sjamanentrommel.

Later nodigde ze me uit als ritueel begeleider voor de opening van het Death and Rebirth Festival, hier zei ik graag ja op!

Ik had besloten om dit ritueel pro bono te doen.

Voorbereiding:
Is de locatie geschikt?
NDSM Treehouse is een broedplaats die ontstond uit de krakers-scene, dat schept een specifieke sfeer.
Is er voldoende logistieke ondersteuning (opbouw en versiering van de ruimte)?
Hiervoor zouden een paar vrijwilligers actief zijn.

Uitvoering:
Gezien de locatie, de beschikbare ondersteuning en de verwachte bezoekers koos ik voor een kort en krachtig basis-ritueel.
Om de deelnemers voor te bereiden op het intensieve thema van het festival, begonnen we met smudginggrounding en centering.
De sjamanentrommel hielp met het opbouwen van de juiste energie in de cirkel, waarna de deelnemers via visualisaties begeleid werden in een lichte trancereis naar de plek van inspiratie.
Na afloop van deze meditatie kon iedereen weer goed in het hier en nu komen door zichzelf wakker te masseren.
We hadden nog een deelronde, daarna ging ieder zijns weegs.
Tijdens de lunch op locatie had ik nog een goede uitwisseling met Daniel die tegenover me zat in de cirkel, het was fijn om op dit niveau een gesprek te hebben!

Dit dagdeel was voor mij bijzonder intensief:
Maart roerde zijn staart, bij heen en terugreis in de sneeuwjacht fietsen met mijn staf en trommel was een behoorlijke uitdaging, ik was blij om veilig thuis te kunnen komen!
Ik realiseerde me nogmaals dat dit soort ritueel werk veel energie vraagt, zo ervaar ik het als offer aan de gemeenschap van mensen en spirits.
Ik ben dankbaar voor de gelegenheid die ik heb gekregen om dit te doen!

 

Ping: Death and Rebirth – Ritual Art Festival – Opening – Dreamquest

Death and Rebirth – Ritual Art Festival – Opening

Death and Rebirth – Ritual Art Festival – Opening


Openingsceremonie ter voorbereiding Death & Rebirth festival:
  1. korte introductie van de organisator, de rituele begeleider en de ondertsteuner
  2. we vormen een kring om de ruimte af te bakenen
  3. de energie van de ruimte en de deelnemers worden  gereinigd met salie
  4. we doen een taiji-qigong oefeningen: spanningen losschudden, ontstpannen, buik-ademaling, gronding…dit alles om een stevige basis te hebben
  5. we nodigen onze spirit-helpers uit om ons te begeleiden en te beschermen
  6. met behulp van de trommel gaan we via een lichte trance naar het voorportaal van de tussenwereld om contact te maken met onze helpers en beschermer.
  7. tot slot ronden het ritueel af met gronding om goed voorbereid het festival in te gaan

Ping: Death and Rebirth – Ritual Art Festival – Dreamquest