Bone Singer Studio Blog

Lest We Forget: Remembrance Day

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:01:00 +0000

There is evidence poppy cultivation dates back to the Stone Age. Potions to induce sleep, transformation, and ecstatic dreams were probably the source of one of the plant’s names, "the flower of forgetfulness". Even the poet Homer was known to succumb to the poppy’s potent charms.

In Greek mythology, Hypnos, the god of sleep, created a poppy drink to quell the grief of the corn goddess Demeter whose daughter, Persephone, had been abducted to the underworld. While Demeter mourned, famine covered the land. Hypnos’s drink forced Demeter into a state of gentle slumber and healing. She awakened comforted, and the world was made green again. To this day some farmers sow poppies among the corn plants to ensure a healthy harvest.

It is little wonder then the poppy was used to ease the pain of battle wounds. As long as there has been war, so too have there been stories about the poppy as a symbol of sacrifice and memory. From the raids of Genghis Khan to the heart of Flanders Fields, blood-red poppies nod in silent prayer over the graves of many brave souls.

(from my essay, The Storied Garden, Planting the Seeds of Myth)

Apep, The Egyptian Dragon of Chaos

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:41:00 +0000

(from my website: http://www.bonesinger.com/essayapep.html, for purchase inquries please follow this link http://www.bonesinger.com/apep.html)

Apep, The Egyptian Dragon of Chaos by Susanne Iles

Throughout the ancient mythological texts of Egypt, the theme of resurrection and rebirth can be found time and again. In one such myth, we are introduced to the mighty and dangerous dragon, Apep. A mysterious creature bearing many names, Apep was also known as Apophis, Aaapef and Rerek. Some people, however, preferred this serpent-like dragon to remain Nameless. Whatever his true name may have been, it was kept secret so as not to grant any further power to this tremendous being. The power contained in Apep represented the chaotic elements of the universe, the destructive and dark side of Nature.

Although later mythologies described Apep as evil, the early myth-tellers were aware life was the coexistence of all opposite values. True power could be seen in the contrasting elements of Apep as the destructive darkness, and Re, the heat and light giving sun-god traveling through the sky in his solar barque.

Death and Rebirth

Each day Apep attempted to disrupt the passage of the solar barque carrying the sun-god Re, as it traveled from east to west across the sky. Storms, darkness, rain, eclipse - all were weapons used against Re's fiery presence in the heavens. The dying god Re made his way to the Underworld as night shrouded daylight, only to be reborn each and every morning at sunrise. The battle between Re and Apep was played out daily as a very visible symbol of the natural cycle of life and death.

Protective Entourage

Many ancient hieroglyphs show Re in his solar barque surrounded by a protective entourage of gods and goddesses. The gods Set and Mehen battled the dragon with knives and spears. Osiris, Lord of the Underworld, along with his wife/sister, Isis, and the goddess Nephthys, used prayers and supplication as an affirmation of their protective powers. On Earth, the Egyptians and their priests would recite spells and prayers to help ensure Re's continued victory over the darkness.

May the Victory over Darkness continue.

My Cheese Wheel Has Arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:31:00 +0000

Okay, so it wasn't a Swiss cheese wheel. But it could have been. Look at the size of the bag the postman brought me recently! I'd won a selection of books from Al Libris and had been waiting with great anticipation for their arrival. Those of you who know me, know I am a bibliophile who would live in a library if I could. I had so much difficulty deciding on titles, but thought I would go for esoteric ones I wouldn't generally consider purchasing because of their cost. My choices?

1) Alchemy & Mysticism from the Hermetic Museum, edited by Alexander Roob
2) The Hermetic Tradition- Evola
3) Magic Power Language Symbol- Patrick Dunn
4) Three Books of Occult Philosphy- Henry Cornelius Agrippa
5) The Complete Magician's Tables- Stephen Skinner
6) My Neighbour Totoro Picture Book- Hayao Miyazaki
7) Sengoidelc-David Stifter
8) Worlds of Amano- Amano

Bestill my heart!

To top off my bookish bliss, the amazing Ellen over at Keynoter sent me a surprise in the post a day ago. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. It's a funny and tender book and a nice balance to the heavier research books I spend most of my time exploring.
Chewy got something in the mail too. (Doesn't he look excited?) Unfortunately for him I don't think it is either a cheese wheel or books.

Somnia a Deo Missa

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:48:00 +0000

I'm very excited to be part of an International Moleskine Sketchbook exchange. Our group, moly_x_45, is a facinating group of artists from around the world who will be creating artwork in a Japanese fold Moleskine sketchbook. I can't wait to see what kind of art will emerge as the books travel around the globe!

I finally received my lovely little moleskine and created a sketch entitled, "Somnia a Deo missa" which translates into English from Latin as, "Dreams sent by God". My dreams often shape the artwork I do; I feel compelled to draw and paint them to try to make sense of the symbolism that fills my sleeping hours.

What Would You Add to Your Library?

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:51:00 +0000

I woke up to an amazing email and am beside myself with bibliophile's joy! It turns out I won a shopping spree over at Alibris. It's a great place to purchase used books, rare books, out of print books, audio books...you get the picture! (have I mentioned I love books?)

I started making a wish list and am considering a translation of the Book of Abramelin, the Complete Magician's Tables, hard copies of Agrippa's works, Mr.Funky's Super Crochet Wonderful (just had to throw that one in!), maybe even the Death Note series ...I just don't know where to start!

Please feel free to email me with your favourite recommendations!

*So many books, so little time...I feel faint.*

World Tree - Thought and Memory

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:58:00 +0000

In Norse mythology the god Odin has two ravens named Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory). Each morning he releases the birds to fly through the skies and across the face of the earth, returning in the evening to tell him about all the sights they'd seen and all the news they'd heard. In one of the mythological poems of the Poetic Edda, the Grimnismo l, Odin reflects on the birds saying,

Stanza 20:
"O'er Mithgarth Hugin and Munin both
Each day set forth to fly;
For Hugin I fear lest he come not home,
But for Munin my care is more."

As I move through life I wonder and wander between both thought and memory. Which one do I value most? One belongs to my mind, the other belongs to my heart. I can't decide between the two; I'm afraid I would be entirely lost without them.

"Memories"

Josh Cassidy - Olympian

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:37:00 +0000

Today's blog entry is a heartfelt wish of good luck for my cousin, Josh Cassidy, who will be representing Canada in the Wheelchair 800m, 1500m, and 5000m races in Beijing.
We'll be watching and cheering for you Josh!

Releasing My Inner Nerd

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:57:00 +0000

Well, the secret is out. It appears I have taken the final step into Official Nerdism. I'm not only a symbolist painter, but at times I am also a nerdist. Nerdism generally afflicts males, but I know there are many females out there who are proud to embrace their inner geek.

What started out as a child's Poppet, quickly evolved into a retro-look-manga-esque-SuperSpaceGuyCute doll. My mind must have been wandering as I was listening to the LocoRoco theme song, and wondering when my Crisis Core order was going to arrive. This little fellow is hand sewn and painted, and is awaiting both a space ship and a robot companion. Who knows? Maybe I'll add some aliens and cyborgs into the mix.

My personal theme song (on so many levels, I have to admit) is this song by Weird Al Yankovic.
(Play it loudly for maximum effect :) )

Painting Genesis

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:19:00 +0000

There is something about the longer stretch of daylight that inspires a creative burst of energy for the artist. In the dark days of winter I will methodically stick to a single task and see it through to its end. There's a silent and meditative quality to the shortened day.

In summer however, my sketchbooks burst with life, the radio is on in the studio, and several paintings are lined up to dry against the wall. I am still attentive to each painting as they come into being, but my actions are more circular as I move from piece to piece. Painting in the summertime becomes a dance.

The following photographs show the raw beginnings of three paintings currently coming to life in the studio: Dissolution, Persephone and Uncegila. Thank you for being here as their stories unfold.

Here Comes the Rain Again

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:30:00 +0000

Painting: Strait by Susanne Iles

I once read that Saint Agricola of Avignon was the Saint to pray to for rain. We had so much dry weather I'm sure the farmers were begging him for some relief. Their prayers were answered. Now I wish they would ask him to turn off the tap! ...or at least intersperse the deluge with a wee bit of sunshine.

Our summer has been cast adrift in a sea of rain...it is fine when one needs to be productive indoors...you know how it is...all that house cleaning, projects to finish, books to read, paintings to paint etc. And the garden is looking lovely, lush and green. Except that most of the green is now coming from a joyous explosion of rain-loving weeds.

They say like attracts like. Perhaps it's just mind over matter? (thinking sunny thoughts, thinking sunny thoughts, thinking sunny thoughts....)

Mimameid, Axis Mundi, The World Tree as a Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:37:00 +0000

When I was very small the gift I treasured most in the world was a black,fine-tipped magic marker. It was even sweeter when accompanied by a cheap multi-pack of rainbow coloured felts. When they ran out of colour you could pop the ends off and trickle warm tap water into them to extend their weakly colourful lives for just one more day. Such bliss!

As a teenager I loved drawing with dip pens...a collection of handles and nibs stained my walnut desk. Even to this day I love the feel of dip pens, technical pens and fountain pens. My fingers always seem to be stained with ink.

One day I swear I am going to splurge and get myself a Mont Blanc fountain pen, or "fine writing instrument" as they say. (sigh) ...the things that dreams are made of....

Sweet Indulgences~Coffee and Chocolate

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:54:00 +0000

(painting "Reflection Blue" by Susanne Iles)

Ah, there's nothing like a roaring wet and windy day to have an excuse to stay inside and indulge in a little laziness. Paintings call, sculptures wink, books beckon, and the enormous garden demands attention...but it is storming outside. Time for some good coffee and chocolate I say.

Now I have to admit, I do have a weakness for very strong and sweet coffee with a nibble of dark chocolate on the side. I try to assuage some of the guilt by buying fair trade and organic beans. My absolute favourites at the moment are Kicking Horse Coffee ( I get it from Canada whenever I can..it is so rich and robust...delicious!) and a locally purchased bean called EqualExchange (their dark roast coffee beans smell marvelous first thing in the morning!) A little Green & Black's dark chocolate.....and I'm good to go.

My favourite coffee recipe has to be Vietnamese Coffee. It's wonderful to drink hot on a misty wild day like today, but on a sunny day it is delectable on ice. Here's what you need to indulge:
Vietnamese Coffee Recipe

1) 6 ounces of strong, brewed coffee (make mine espresso please)
2) two tablespoons of condensed milk (make sure it is condensed, not evaporated milk)

Pour the two tablespoons of condensed milk in the bottom of a mug or glass. Carefully, carefully add the strong coffee while trying not to disturb the milk. Stir gently, then sip. The darker the coffee the better it tastes. You want to balance the strong, almost fruity taste of a dark roast (french roast works nicely too) with the sweet coolness of the milk.

Pair the coffee with a square of dark chocolate....try to buy 70% or more cocoa content, it melts at body temperature.....yum!

When you visit I'll be sure to put the coffee pot on for you. :)

Symbolist Art: Painting as Puzzle Box

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:49:00 +0000

"Without symbols our lives would be as spiritually impoverished as sleep without dreams..." – Tom Chetwynd

According to the Oxford Dictionary, symbolist art seeks special symbols to express the essence of things by suggestion. It engages the viewer by appealing to the heart, personality and unconscious mind, as well as the intellect.

I'm often asked "what kind" of art do I do? I consider myself a contemporary symbolist because each painting unfolds like a puzzle box. I'll use the painting "Calcinatio Angelus" as an example. This is the first painting in my alchemy series, starting with Calcination. An inspection of the painting reveals many secrets and correspondences to the first operation in the alchemy of transformation.

we are both Divine and Human
"It's Father is the Sun"
Angel is holding Saturn, lead, six-pointed star (painted gold first, then painted over in black ground with obsidian)
re: Jacob Bohme (De Signatura rerum) "Behold in Saturn a Gold lies enclosed..."
Matter, Malkuth, signified by a young woman
Symbol for Aries was initially in ram headed sandals, but I liked the idea of her feet being exposed, so the symbol for Aries is now at her chest
Saturn-prima materia
Her eyes are closed because she has been overcome
The entire painting was initially primed with magenta;the initial sketches were done in lead and silver point.
Overcoming hubris
The landscape in the background is a village close to my house called Ardgroom (in Irish it is An Rath Chruinn Dhá Dhroim) Dhá Dhroim may be translated into "two backs". The sacrum is considered one of the physical correspondences to Calcination.
Where the angel will ultimately land is the centre of a stone circle which contains a burial cist, a stone box with human ashes within. An Aries correspondence may also be found here as the physical location had a ram's skull on the altar stone decorated with flowers.
Purification by fire, burned to ashes
When burned away, "primal" substances are left
Her dress is painted with cobalt, cobalt (60CO) is a high energy gamma ray emitter, in high doses it can cause severe burns
Cobalt is unstable and has similar properties to meteoric iron...thus her plunging to the earth like a meteorite
Conversely cobalt is also essential for healthy nerve cells, red blood cells etc.
Cobalt enhances oxidation, which is the next step to my second painting in the series, "Dissolution"

I'm ever hopeful that the symbols in my artwork act as stepping stones to self-discovery...or keys to gently prod the memory open...or maybe even slightly pointy sticks to provoke curiosity.

Aido Hwedo, West African Creation Dragon, Painted by Susanne Iles

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Wed, 28 May 2008 08:30:00 +0000

(My original article entitled The Dragon and Creation: Reclaiming the Sacred in Our Lives may be found here: http://www.bonesinger.com/essaycreate.html)

Human "...consciousness has lifted the transcendent ever higher and farther away from actual life. The bridgeable chasm has become a cosmic void." It is our duty to recreate the bridge if we are to evolve. In West Africa the tribal peoples were aware of this rift and incorporated the dragon, Aido Hwedo, into their creation myths as the co-creator of the physical world.

Before the Earth was formed the genderless Creator God, named Nana-Buluku by the Fon people of Dahomey, created a companion dragon called Aido Hwedo who was both male and female. It was a dragon able to move with ease between Heaven and Earth who carried the Creator in its mouth. They travelled together into the physical realms to create the world as we know it. Each night when Aido Hwedo and the Creator rested, the dragon’s dung piled high making mountains filled with hidden treasure, nourishing the Earth so plants and great trees could grow. As the dragon writhed back and forth across the face of the Earth, it carved twisting valleys and coursing waterways. With the Creator’s direction (ie. the Word) and the dragon’s actions, the Earth was formed through hard work and spirit, the very essence of co-operation and co-creation.

Our Bountiful Earth

When the work was finished the world was bountiful, but heavily laden with trees and large animals, mountains and villages. The Creator feared the Earth would collapse under its own weight. Aido Hwedo offered to support the world by coiling under it in a circular fashion, its tail in its great mouth. The Creator knew Aido Hwedo detested the heat and created a great cosmic ocean for it to sleep in. Red monkeys who lived in the sea were directed to attend to Aido Hwedo’s needs by feeding the dragon iron bars whenever hunger came. In this myth it was important for the monkeys to keep the dragon eternally fed, otherwise it would start to eat its own tail and the world would surely be destroyed.

Like the red monkey’s with the iron bars, we must remember our responsibility to nourish the link which bridges our transcendent and physical natures. When spirit and action meet our world can begin to heal and sustain itself.

Irish Stone Spirits

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:09:00 +0000

Remember when you were little and you found the perfect stone? You would run its roundness up and down, through your fingers, and carry it in your pocket like a talisman. Your worry stone. Your lucky stone.

Sometimes you would put it in your mouth to tumble its smoothness over your tongue. Of course your mother was appalled! How dangerous! Hidden in your hand it could make you feel invincible.

Back then a stone was a little piece of forever.

Liquid Lust

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:42:00 +0000

What is the most delicious thing you can get an artist as a gift? Here's a hint, it's something sexy and exciting. Can you guess?

That's right....new art supplies!

I've discovered the best way to get out of the box is to use new "toys" that are fresh and unfamiliar. I usually paint with tiny brushes and acrylic paints, but wanted to try something different. This time around I've decided to play with some fat brushes, splashes of water,India ink and ink pencils. So much fun!

The following pictures show the progression of my new painting entitled, "Kimono". You can see how the colours were allowed to pool and bleed before adding the woman painted in black ink. Using a fat paintbrush gave the painting a more organic, free flowing movement and shape. Spontaneity and surprise made this piece a lot of fun to paint!

Here's a look at the finished piece entitled "Kimono". The flowers on her kimono were painted to contrast the liquid look of the rest of the artwork.

Lif - Extended Reach

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Mixed Media Painting by Susanne Iles entitled:
Lif-Extended Reach

Haec aqua a corpore im puritates modo simile plumbo mutando ad aurum eluat.

May this water cleanse my body of impurities, as lead is changed to gold.

A Robin Sang and Thought it was an Angel

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:05:00 +0000

Last week the sky wept. It wailed and keened,"Ahh no, Ahh no!", as it rent the earth and threw ashes in its hair.

Great tears flowed from above as it cried out. It clutched its heart and the tears flew as a blizzard to the earth.

Frantic tides of white horses plunged blindly over the rocks and collapsed in the crevices and hollows of the stone walls, standing stones, and thorny gorse.

Sorrow-spent the sky fell to its knees and whispered its sadness, exhausted. The sun held its cold hands as the hills embraced heaven and quietly listened.

In the distance a robin began to sing.
----------------------------------------------------
The Beara Peninsula was touched by tragedy last week. During that time the weather turned so suddenly it was as if the heavens were reacting with such immense grief and sorrow, while the community itself mourned with dignity.

My family and I offer our deepest sympathies to those families who suffered such terrible losses.

The Octopus

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:15:00 +0000

Sometimes a creative thought bursts out from the most unexpected places. I dreamed an undersea dream and woke up thinking, "So ugly, it's beautiful, that curious cephalopod." (I actually thought the word "octopus" but isn't cephalopod somehow more poetic?")

There is just something about the lowly octopus that delights and dazzles. Shapeshifter, dancer, a living kaleidoscope of colour! How could an octopus not tickle the imagination?

Calcinatio Angelus Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:17:00 +0000

Introducing The First Painting in my Magnum Opus Series

"Calcinatio Angelus" is the first step of my journey through alchemical correspondences, colour, dreamscapes and discovery.

As I moved from rough sketches, to early painting processes, and through to the completed painting (shown here), layers of my old self slowly burned away and turned to ash.

Although the finished painting has the overall appearance of serenity, the process of Calcination left me feeling vulnerable and raw.

Sketches for the next painting "Dissolution" are already being prepared. The second painting in the Magnum Opus series will expand on the raw energy I'm feeling; an unbridled quality that should culminate in a piece wilder by nature, with a deeper, unconscious influence.

(Update: If you would like to learn more about some of the symbolism in this painting, please see my blog entry entitled- Symbolist Art:Painting as a Puzzle Box.)

Non-Fiction Interests Meme

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Iles) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:26:00 +0000

My fascinating cousin Janet (of "Janet the Researcher" fame) tagged me for the Non-Fiction reading interests meme. Bill West at West in New England tagged her; Bill was tagged by Lori Thornton at Smoky Mountain Family Historian blog , who was tagged by someone else.

What issues/topic interests you most--non-fiction?

My non-fiction reading interests include ancient history, western mystery traditions, quantum physics, alchemy, esoterica, as well as the myths, folklore and traditions of international cultures. (This list just scratches the surface; my bookshelf overflows...)

Would you like to review books concerning those?

Yes. I love sharing ideas with others, especially as it pertains to books.

Would you like to be paid or do it as interest or hobby? Tell reasons for what ever you choose.

I would do it as a hobby. (I already review fiction as a hobby.) On second thought, reading great books, writing in-depth reviews and receiving a pay cheque certainly has its appeal. It would be like having one's cake and eating it too.
If you have already done something like this, link it to your post.
I've yet to review a non-fiction book, but when I do I will post the link here. In the meantime I've recently discovered the non-fiction writing of philosopher, historian, biographer, travel writer and poet Peter Marshall . I'm currently reading the very interesting "The Magic Circle of Rudolf II: Alchemy and Astrology in Renaissance Prague" and recommend it highly to those interested in this type of biography. I will write a review when I'm finished and share it here.

Tag! You're It!
It's time for me to tag someone. Who should I choose? (so many amazing people, so little time) I will pick three very interesting people.....
1) Debra Anderson : Award-winning Canadian author and performer
2) Cile Bailey: Photographer, Artist and Writer
3) Logan: Philospher, teacher, actor, creative conundrum