RECOVERY
This
Tree of Life image is based on a cerebral angiogram
Iunderwent after suffering a brain aneurysm in April of
2002.After weeks of treatment and months of recuperation, I
finally felt healthy enough to address my illness through
my art.
The very shape of the X-ray image and the implied symbolism
of the Tree of Life legend (continuation, hope for the
futureRecovery) led me to create this personally meaningful
image. I have used the intertwining of the celtic knot work
as a metaphor for life’s journey. The knot work encloses
golden rosettes which are in the form of spirals,
symbolizing both the continuation of the journey and
eternal energy. The golden colour of the rosettes
represents the enduring optimism of the next sunrise and
the continuing odyssey, where one never ceases striving to
conquer the plains and mountains of life’s endeavours.
Life’s journey is forever heading towards the next sunrise,
never knowing what the future may bring.
Birds are representative of freedom from the physical
restrictions of earthbound life, and the ascent of the soul
to the gods, either through mystical experience or death.
Because they come from the skies they also assume the role
of messengers from higher powers, whether for good or ill.
One dark - and one light -coloured bird as seen here denote
the dual nature of reality (darkness and light, life and
death, etc.).