Wild spirit

"Wild spirit," 5 x 5 acrylic on canvas

We hear a lot these days of people who are "spiritual" but not "religious."

Given the turmoil and politicalization with many organized religions, it's no wonder, and the more I read and study of different cultures, a question comes to mind.

What is spiritual? Depends on you you are, your culture, your beliefs and much more.

I can't help think again of Native American cultures and the way they, and others, hold certain parts of creation as sacred. 

Thus, today's little acrylic, another sacred icon. I believe it is also important, in these over-regulated and political correct times,  that such a creation is also a symbol, a beckoning,  of wildness, of freedom. This is my second of the subject. There will be more.

Soon available at In Your Eye Studio & Gallery in Paseo Arts District.

Old and new - looming

Snowy Sandias at Sunset, 30 of 31 December 5 x 7 watercolor card

A new year looms before us, an old year looms in memories. 
An icon looms in my memories, the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
I've written about them often, and painted them some. A drawing of my Dad's looms over my desk as I write this. I did so earlier this month in an earlier card: Towering Memories
Memories of growing up  with them dominating the eastern skyline loom in my past. When I see a photo of them on digital media, I often save, hoping to paint them again. Hope for returning in the future looms in my mind.
How can something past loom? If it's something or someone with powerful positive or negative memories or perceptions, it can become an obsession that looms over our existence--constructively or destructively.
But living in the past negates the present and future. The happiest people I know are those who have left the past behind, no matter how unpleasant. It doesn't loom over them.
The hope for the new year, even our New Year Resolutions,  is that what looms in our consciousness will be of beauty...like the Sandias.