Searching. Searching.. Searching...
The first image in the series I am trying to find deeper, historical, etc. meaning in (atleast within the symbols within) can be found here. Or, alternatively, it is the image posted a few entries back.
I am not sure if my research in to the symbolic meanings of these objects within the images is mearly an attempt to justify my art, or an attept to search out and find what makes me tick inside, the human condition. In any case, the search into the symbolism does give me a basis on which to draw conclusions about the use of these objects in other visual implimentations of them. In finding there meanings, it brings to my mind the questions of awarness of the meanings of these and all other symbols within art or advertising, musical lyrics, or even in the adornment of the home or body with them.
Lets start at the beginning of this image. For me it was an investigation into my spirituality. I feel that it is something that I have been given, not something that is taken. I feel that my spiritual beliefs have shaped my thoughts and ideas and is something that I have not consciously sought to believe in, but is something, a way of seeing, that has made sense to me. I found myself in the company of people who have similar beliefs and ideals, either in a religious context, a simple fact of life, or a combination of both. There is a division of five into which this spirituality readily adopts, five essential elements. What makes the most sense to me to use as a symbol of each of these is a childhood memory/fantasy. One I believe that is of the culture that I grew up within.
The main subject being a Jar of Lights (Christmas Lights, that are in themselves very representational and symbolic). But this was not where I would have them go. The lights are to be seen, in my mind, as Fireflies. My childhood memories bring this back to me as a warm summer night's experience full of wonder and harmonious enjoyment. This inner light of the fireflies has always seemed magical, even after the knowledge of the biochemical processes that make it possible. But the fireflies also holds a spiritual symbolism to me. As the element of fire and light.
I only have an intrinsic understanding of what this means and represents. A warmth found in the heart, the passion and magic of childhood, content ignorant adolescent happiness, raw and uninhibited emotion. Freedom of thought and feelings that bind.
The remaining objects can be taken as either mundane or scientific (or both) forms of inspection. They were each choosen with investigation in mind.
The jars or vials in the back. Used to hold small amounts of things. Used to hold things together yet seperate them out from the rest, so as to avoid contamination. Found in many kitchens and laboratories alike. They perform a function of grouping and seperation at the same time.
The compass. Used the draw a circle and take measurements. A form perfect in itself and used in measurement. The analysis of many things, geometricly is to be found often times within the use of such. An architect's tool and a child's toy.
The closed book. Empty yet full of pages to be filled. The information within is held secretive to all except the reader. A means of recording, the place in which to write, plan, read, remember. A scientific journal and a diary, secretive and personal introspection into matters.
The open dictionary. Used in interpretation. Filled with information, in this case on historical symbolism, a dictionary of symbols. The page that is turned to has the subject of the Sun clearly present. A clue into the meaning and focus of this investigation. A Reference for meaning and background. The first stepping stone into understanding. Students, teachers, politicians, lawyers, writers the list is almost endless. A language societies guide to understanding the signs of communication.
The knife. Used to seperate, take apart, cut through. The knife is a tool that can cleanly and precisely divide, yet it has limitations as to the size of which it can cut. Some can handle larger seperations, with the loss of precision on smaller ones. Where as smaller more precise knives can only seperate things that are already well divided. Kitchen and laboratory alike.
Mortar and pestle Used to pulverize. To make things into a very fine form. Finer than the knife, but again, its capabilities of taking things apart, making them smaller can only be used for objects that are already smalle nough or digested enough to be ground into a pulp or powder. Certain characteristics and abilities of objects can sometimes only be gotten to when that matter is in this fine of a state. Used for spices, medicinals and compunding ingredients. Again, kitchens, laboratories and often viewed as being within pharmacies.
Canning Jar. Not just typical of the containment of the "fireflies", but also in the containment of something to be perserved for use later. Something that is typically made and needs to be sealed so as not to be spoiled by outside elements. Again, a seperation of an object from its environment, yet the glass is clear so the viewer can see it contents. Sealable jars are also comonly used for the preservation of specimens in scientific laboratories.
This is the beginning of the analysis. What I think and how I feel about my art. But what I am looking for in terms of more "enlightenment" of my own thoughts and beliefs, will come from other contexts. As I have been influenced by those around me, family friends, lovers, enemies, I will also find more and more of where my "truth" comes from in history, and start to be able to see the misgivings of myself, my society and my history.
I am not sure if my research in to the symbolic meanings of these objects within the images is mearly an attempt to justify my art, or an attept to search out and find what makes me tick inside, the human condition. In any case, the search into the symbolism does give me a basis on which to draw conclusions about the use of these objects in other visual implimentations of them. In finding there meanings, it brings to my mind the questions of awarness of the meanings of these and all other symbols within art or advertising, musical lyrics, or even in the adornment of the home or body with them.
Lets start at the beginning of this image. For me it was an investigation into my spirituality. I feel that it is something that I have been given, not something that is taken. I feel that my spiritual beliefs have shaped my thoughts and ideas and is something that I have not consciously sought to believe in, but is something, a way of seeing, that has made sense to me. I found myself in the company of people who have similar beliefs and ideals, either in a religious context, a simple fact of life, or a combination of both. There is a division of five into which this spirituality readily adopts, five essential elements. What makes the most sense to me to use as a symbol of each of these is a childhood memory/fantasy. One I believe that is of the culture that I grew up within.
The main subject being a Jar of Lights (Christmas Lights, that are in themselves very representational and symbolic). But this was not where I would have them go. The lights are to be seen, in my mind, as Fireflies. My childhood memories bring this back to me as a warm summer night's experience full of wonder and harmonious enjoyment. This inner light of the fireflies has always seemed magical, even after the knowledge of the biochemical processes that make it possible. But the fireflies also holds a spiritual symbolism to me. As the element of fire and light.
I only have an intrinsic understanding of what this means and represents. A warmth found in the heart, the passion and magic of childhood, content ignorant adolescent happiness, raw and uninhibited emotion. Freedom of thought and feelings that bind.
The remaining objects can be taken as either mundane or scientific (or both) forms of inspection. They were each choosen with investigation in mind.
The jars or vials in the back. Used to hold small amounts of things. Used to hold things together yet seperate them out from the rest, so as to avoid contamination. Found in many kitchens and laboratories alike. They perform a function of grouping and seperation at the same time.
The compass. Used the draw a circle and take measurements. A form perfect in itself and used in measurement. The analysis of many things, geometricly is to be found often times within the use of such. An architect's tool and a child's toy.
The closed book. Empty yet full of pages to be filled. The information within is held secretive to all except the reader. A means of recording, the place in which to write, plan, read, remember. A scientific journal and a diary, secretive and personal introspection into matters.
The open dictionary. Used in interpretation. Filled with information, in this case on historical symbolism, a dictionary of symbols. The page that is turned to has the subject of the Sun clearly present. A clue into the meaning and focus of this investigation. A Reference for meaning and background. The first stepping stone into understanding. Students, teachers, politicians, lawyers, writers the list is almost endless. A language societies guide to understanding the signs of communication.
The knife. Used to seperate, take apart, cut through. The knife is a tool that can cleanly and precisely divide, yet it has limitations as to the size of which it can cut. Some can handle larger seperations, with the loss of precision on smaller ones. Where as smaller more precise knives can only seperate things that are already well divided. Kitchen and laboratory alike.
Mortar and pestle Used to pulverize. To make things into a very fine form. Finer than the knife, but again, its capabilities of taking things apart, making them smaller can only be used for objects that are already smalle nough or digested enough to be ground into a pulp or powder. Certain characteristics and abilities of objects can sometimes only be gotten to when that matter is in this fine of a state. Used for spices, medicinals and compunding ingredients. Again, kitchens, laboratories and often viewed as being within pharmacies.
Canning Jar. Not just typical of the containment of the "fireflies", but also in the containment of something to be perserved for use later. Something that is typically made and needs to be sealed so as not to be spoiled by outside elements. Again, a seperation of an object from its environment, yet the glass is clear so the viewer can see it contents. Sealable jars are also comonly used for the preservation of specimens in scientific laboratories.
This is the beginning of the analysis. What I think and how I feel about my art. But what I am looking for in terms of more "enlightenment" of my own thoughts and beliefs, will come from other contexts. As I have been influenced by those around me, family friends, lovers, enemies, I will also find more and more of where my "truth" comes from in history, and start to be able to see the misgivings of myself, my society and my history.
posted by poweredbyantitrust at 4:07 PM
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