Monday 10 January 2011

Gateway to a New Year

North East artist Ingrid Sylvestre The Oak Tree Grey Towers Nunthorpe Cleveland UK Ingrid Sylvestre mixed media Durham artists UK North east
At last I am satisfied that I have finished my painting of the Oak Tree! (See earlier post for beginning of painting).

The Oak, symbol of strength and endurance, stands like a Guardian of the Forests, and I was interested to read that to the early Celts the Oak was a 'tree of doors believed to be a gateway to other worlds'.

I'm very rarely inspired to write poetry, but I felt moved to do so when looking at the finished painting and thinking about the significance to me of this particular tree, it's location, and the beginning of a New Year.

Ingrid Sylvestre

21 comments:

Jasmine said...

Such a beautiful tree. I admired it when you showed it in an earlier post. Love the poem. xJ

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Jasmine. I don't really know anything about poetry, just try to express what I feel!

Paulie said...

Your artwork is truly a blessing! The poetry ain't half bad either!!!!!!

Esther Montgomery said...

Rather impressed by the idea of being transparent before this solid.

Esther

Phoenix C. said...

Paulie, thank you - glad you like it!!

Phoenix C. said...

It really feels like that there, Esther!

Rune Eide said...

This is something a photograph can't express. Or at least I can't.

We are more of the moment - you are more of the longer view.

Anna said...

I should feel cold looking at your beautiful painting but I don't. What a glorious tree. I like the new moon in the corner and your poem. You should scribe more often!

Phoenix C. said...

It's an interesting debate, RuneE, the difference between phography and painting and other art forms! Personally I think photography can express the long term and I think many of yours do.

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Anna! I don't feel cold either looking at the painting - I wonder if it's because the the tree (maybe) won't be feeling cold? I shall ponder this!!

Maureen Walsh said...

The finished product is glorious. I am fascinated by trees and people as artistic as yourself. Really enjoyed your poem too. It justs gets better! Thank you
Maureen X
http://wwworphanstones.blogspot.com

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Maureen! Trees are a subject of never-ending fascination for me on so many different levels.

Crafty Green Poet said...

what a wonderful painting, the light in it is amazing. I enjoyed reading your poem too, particularly 'The snow weighed boughs stir and quiver / swaying'

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Needlewings!

Phoenix C. said...

Crafty Green Poet, thank you - especially honoured that you like my poem!

The light in that area of land is very special, and some almost seems to come from within the oak tree.

Diane AZ said...

The Oak Tree looks so magical! I love your painting and Gateway poem.

Phoenix C. said...

Diane, thank you - it's a truly magical place!

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

The painting is beautiful, it does look like the gateway to the path behind it.

Phoenix C. said...

Catherine, thank you. I'm looking forward to doing more paintings of the path to the woods during the year!

Prospero said...

Ingrid, your tribute to the sempiternal oak, both visually and lexically, is edifying.

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Prospero, your words are greatly appreciated.