A Beautiful Time Gone, Is Like A Moment That Never Happened
Sometimes there is a beautiful journey just waiting to happen….
Searching for the ferry on the docks
A journey has its moments. A beginning, a middle, and an end. Sometimes it is a physical journey, but most often it is one of internal longing and desire. A journey of memories. It is a beginning where we once believed in something, someone or someplace. Then perhaps a middle, when while living in the present moment, we believed time stood still, and there was no tomorrow. Or perhaps a tomorrow we could come to love. And then there is the end. An ending. A final moment. Magic and lost, beauty and longing for what was. The memory of beautiful times gone, like the fleeing of dreams in the waking of a new day.
I often see things through the spectrum of my experiences, while questioning the meaning of it all. But desiring to have no grounded answer to mislead me.
Sometimes in our awareness the journey has long since come to an end….
Lake Rock Sky (An Electric Ladyland Remix)
Sometimes an image reflects things that exist only in the mind….
A moment with lake, rock, and sky in retrospect ... An Electric Ladyland Remix
What do you do with a memory that occurs suddenly while creating a piece? Or after the piece has been produced? I really did not have any definitive path for this piece. I just wanted to explore form, color and process utilizing photographic images from a lake, a sky and a mountain. Process is important to me and sometimes an abstract work can reveal a lot about process. It then occurred to me after its completion that it had both an organic and electrical feel to it. And the image that came to mind, while deepening my contemplative view of the work was Jimi Hendrix. Yes—Jimi Hendrix. Why Jimi, now that is a good question? You really do not see any real connection to Jimi at all in the piece. Or so it seems. Perhaps if you are thinking like I am—in that moment; or after having similar life experiences, you would see Jimi as well. But it is ok if you don’t. It’s your art as well as mine. I am just the physical creator of it. To you, it is what it says and reflects from your life experience. But I digress. Getting back to Jimi and how he relates to this piece, is in itself abstract. In 1970 while visiting my older cousin and sifting through his record collection, I came across two beautiful album covers and titles. Both were mysterious and beautiful. They were Band of Gypsies and Electric Ladyland. This was my introduction to his music and rock music in general. I was 13 years old. I never looked back. The two albums and the music recorded on the discs would have significant influence on my future art. An introduction to psychedelic colors, experimental structures and abstract forms.
So I saw Jimi, in this piece, and it began with a lake, a sky and a mountain. And I called it “Lake Sky Mountain (An Electric Ladyland Remix)”
I can hear Jimi say … groovy….
Park Sky Mountain (A Kinetic Design Remix)
When we observe nature from a design perspective, we often see her in a different light….
A day full of wonders
a place…
to find young love
with green grass
and warm days
– park
a view…
to dream
of far off lands
and nightshades
– sky
a trail…
to discover one self
on barren summits
and snowy slopes
– mountain
The Silence Series: Chakra Colors For Meditaiton – Vishuddha (Pale Blue)
Colors that bond us with our imagination and All That Is….
I believe that this chakra truly applies to all of us, but especially to the heart of the artist, writer, poet and all individuals who love to create. It is the motivating energy source for self-expression. We as artists and writers live our lives searching for our voice; manipulating images, dancing through forms, designing structures, solving equations and imploring words, searching for the right combination to get our ideas across. And in the process we discover new things about ourselves. We learn to share with confidence. This is the power of the 5th chakra.
The Sanskrit word for the 5th chakra is Vishuddha which is translated as meaning pure. When this chakra is in balance you feel confident in speaking your truth. Some of the keywords associated with Vishuddha are creative expression, knowledge, abundance and flowing manifestation. It is governed by the thyroid, metabolism and the immune system. The location of this chakra is the area surrounding the throat. The sense is hearing and the sound associated with it is HAM.
Slowly bring your attention to the throat area and silently repeat the mantra … HAM … HAM … HAM…
The 5th chakra Vishuddha
Peace be with you on your journey inward….
Namaste
I Thought You Might Like To Meet Me There
Just over the summit we can see the things we dream of….
Through the optical lens, sky and mountain
With the wind behind us, we were heard speaking to one another….
it is here that you first knew
how I truly understood.
Every Artist Deserves A Look Back (A “Best Of” Remix)
This has been a fantastic weekend. I am the featured artist at the dVerse poets pub. Many of the poets that participate and share their poems have given me a lot of positive response. And I certainly do appreciate it. It is motivating and inspirational. Late last night, it came to me that I should share some of my most popular posts. I have only been blogging for 13 months, and have explored a host of themes, concepts and ideas. Below you will find links to the 5 most popular posts so far. They were determined by the number of comments and likes by my readers. I have included thumbnails of each image in the posts. They are in the order of their popularity.
Enjoy
To the right side of my design (a force of nature remix)
Weekly photo challenge - between
The silence series: urban meditation
The path to everlasting consciousness and love (a yellow brick road remix)
We are the everlasting consciousness (a centered moment remix)
A Tribute To The Family (A Full Of Grace And Love Remix)
The love of family is vibrant and colorful … enriching the very essence of our union with life….
A family reunion celebrating my Aunt Mary's 81st birthday
The centerpiece of love is the family….
I have been thinking lately about the legacy of my family. Both on my mother’s side and my father’s. The lost of a child (my daughter) can bring these thoughts and memories to bear. This evening I found myself asking, how can I celebrate the love of family?
– Our Family.
How can I bring together the many cousins, children and grandchildren that are all a part of the love we have as one large family? We are the Thorne Family. My Grandmother Aline Pearl Thorne gave birth to my mother, her three sisters and her brother. Now over several generations there are children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
My aunt Wilhelmina was a painter and my “uncle Bubba” as well. They both were inspirational in my pursuit to be an artist. In honor of them as well as the family as a whole, I am beginning a new series that will celebrate the many facets of our family; a celebratory life, a life full of giving and receiving in the bond of love. It is my hope that members of my family will collect some of the work created for this series and pass them down throughout the generations creating a legacy of remembrance.
Together we can do all things….
Peace and Love to Family and Friends alike.
A Different Kind Of Day (A Turning The Page On Tomorrow Remix)
Sometimes in the waking the mornings with you….
The memories you leave behind when we wake
a morning glow
thoughts of you
– linger
with soft anticipation
a morning light
– embracing
dreams of you
and
unrelenting rays of sunshine
turning the page
– on Love
in a different kind of day….
Moments In Time (A Yesterday Video Remix)
Sometimes moments in time are like the possession of precious jewels only remembered briefly…..
My latest video entitled “Moments In Time (A Yesterday Video Remix)” starts off with clips from previous videos and a multimedia performance before evolving into my most recent ventures of 2012; finding new forms in the mountains of Western North Carolina. My early video work began back in 1988. Of course there were no digital cameras, and we had to use those large, bulky, VHS Cameras. At the time I was fortunate to have some rather unique video editing software, and hardware courtesy of my Amiga 1000 digital suite and the third-party supplier of a video mixer called the Genlock. Now with a HD digital camera, there is much higher resolution, creating a more definitive, sharper image. I recently purchased the Avid Studio Pro video software, and hope that the quality, and versatility will yield several levels of high performance (within a modest price range).
One of the major traits in the processing of my previous video work, has been my ability to layer video sources. So I am looking forward to using this new capability (the latest digital hardware and software) to continue this process. In the end I hope to create thought-provoking video imagery that is abstract, ambient. and minimalistic.
So I hope you enjoy what I think may be a transitional video on the path to new ideas, and processes.
Moments In Time (A Yesterday Video Remix)….
The Silence Series: Chakra Colors For Meditation – ANAHATA (Green)
At the core of All That Is … is the Heart….
I think this is my favorite chakra. It seems to resonate with me in a deep and profound way. While meditating I reach out towards the heart within; rejoicing in its beating pulse, embracing the connection to my life’s blood, and falling in love with the healing energy. This is ANAHATA, the Heart chakra. The principles guiding this chakra are Love, Faith, Duty, Awakening and Devotion. The energy source of this chakra provides healing and functionality for the respiratory, circulatory, and immune systems. It’s related sense: Touch.
With gentle ease and focus bring your attention to the 4th chakra which can be found in the heart region. Breathe in the rich sustaining color of deep green. This is the source of unconditional love (in giving and receiving) and the home of profound openness. When open, you feel the power of love and the willingness to go forth without fear or resentment. There is a great sense of peace and harmony with yourself, life, and All That Is….
It is a good practice to try to maintain your focus on each chakra for about 5 to 10 minutes.
The sound of the 4th chakra is … YAM.
Breathe in the rich color of deep green and repeat the mantra … YAM … YAM … YAM …
The 4th chakra ANAHATA
I want to give a special thanks to Deepak Chopra, whose teachings are a major source of my inspiration and information for this series.
Namaste….
The Silence Series: Chakra Colors For Meditation – Manipura (Yellow)
Moving through the moments in life we are empowered by … All That Is….
It is important to maintain your attention on your breath as you move into the energy surrounding the third chakra. Bring your focus to the area above the naval and envisioned the rich hue of yellow. This is the solar plexus chakra known as Manipura, the place of the shining jewel. This area governs how you digest your life, and focuses on empowering your life, and fostering confidence in meeting ones aspirations and intentions. When blocked one has a feeling of frustration, anger and digestive unease. The third chakra controls the liver, stomach, gall bladder, spleen and relates to the sense of light.
Bring your attention to the color yellow and let go of all of your frustrations and fears. Feel the energy propel you, transforming negative and unwanted emotions into positive and life affirming possibilities.
Breathe in the color yellow and repeat the mantra … Ram … Ram … Ram….
Namaste….
Breathe in the color yellow
The Silence Series: Chakra Colors For Meditation – Svadhisthana (Orange)
As we look within the centered Self, we find … All That Is….
The second chakra is closely associated with the Self or Soul. It is an energy chakra that promotes the reproductive system and assimilation. This chakra’s location is centered in the pelvic region. It governs our sexuality, sensations, appetite and our family associations. Svadhisthana means the Self’s dwelling place. This is a powerful energy center that promotes our sexual expression and creative impulses. It is associated with the sense of taste.
As you continue your practice, move your attention from the first chakra into the second. Visualize the color orange and quietly repeat the mantra Vam … Vam … Vam.
Namaste….
Breathe in the color orange
Peace, Love, and Light to All….
The Silence Series: Chakra Colors For Meditation – Muladhara (Red)
Our Mind, Body and Spirit is of one Source … All That Is….
Over the next week, I will be working on a series that will be revolving around the beautiful spiritual essence of the various chakras. And how through a meditation practice we can access their vital energy for harmony and healing. I am going to post each chakra individually, as I build towards a concluding series of all seven chakras. As I progress I will be making different visual versions of each chakra. In the end, I will choose seven that I believe have the greatest continuity as a whole for a meditation practice.
Each chakra represents a core dimension of human life.
First up is the Muladhara (Sanskirt) chakra. It’s color is Red and its sound is Lam. This chakra is associated with basic survival skills. It affects the skeleton, lymph, and elimination elements of the body. The sensory component associated with it is the sense of smell. It is in this chakra center that we are released from uncertainity.
When beginning a meditation practice, it is good to be in a relaxed position. Make sure you are comfortable and have your eyes closed. Quiet your breathing by focusing your attention on your in-breath and out-breath. Then bring your awareness to the first chakra at the base of the spine. Bring your attention to this energy center and visualize the color of deep red and begin to repeat the mantra Lam … Lam … Lam.
Namaste
The Path To Everlasting Consciousness And Love (A Yellow Brick Road Remix)
The obstacles we find on the path to Everlasting Consciousness….
The road we travel is often paved with the things that stand in our way.
as I started my journey….
i looked
to the memories behind me
– only once
as i walked along the path
i remembered
the things I’ve forgotten
– only yesterday
as you join me
i embrace
what we share together
– only forever
on the path to Everlasting Love….
We Are The Everlasting Consciousness (A Centered Moment Remix)
In a centered moment. in a vision of clarity, I saw the “I” am as All That Is….
Towards the moment of clarity
a future moment of being
is here
an everlasting presence
to seek
and embrace
– the soul is free
to wander
– the Spirit Is Always….
When We Look Skyward An Everlasting Consciousness (A Sky And Earth Remix)
Sometimes I feel as if the universe is not beyond my reach….
A hidden name found in earth and sky
art as improvisation
and
a hidden name –
inside
the universe within….
When We Are Born With Everlasting Consciousness (A Hidden Name Remix)
When we are born the mystery of who we are is in our hidden name….
The mystery found in the Consciousness unaffected by the intellect
The Feeling of I-ness….
“In the absence of intellect, only the feeling of I-ness is lost. “I” am always present.”
“Just as the sun is reflected by water poured into a jar, Consciousness is reflected by the intellect housed in a body. And just as the sun is not affected by movements of the water, Consciousness remains unaffected by movements of the intellect.” – Swami Parmanandji Maharaj
Feburary 7th 2012 Featured Artist of the Day at ImageKind.com
Dear friends, family, fellow artists and bloggers….
I recently began to showcase my digital art, which is for sell, on the online store ImageKind.com. I was quite surprised and very pleased to find this email in my mailbox telling me of my selection as the “Featured Artist of the Day.” I would like to thank all those who over the past year have inspired and supported me. Below is a copy of the letter I received.
You can access my store at the links provided on my blog or website, or just click the link below.
http://www.newdigitalscapes.imagekind.com
“Congratulations! You have been selected as the Featured Artist of the day at Imagekind.com!
Imagekind is the fastest growing online art site and it is our privilege to showcase your work as being outstanding amidst a field of so many other great artists and photographers.
Did you know Imagekind is the only art and photo site where artists can set their own prices?
Our success is entirely about you, our creative community. Please tell your colleagues, friends and family about the #1 place on the web to discover and purchase original art.
Have a great day and we wish you continued success! ”
Walter W. Smith
First You Make A Roux (A Window Shopping Remix 03)
The city series….
First you make a roux
Yes we are still cruising down Magazine Street—just seeing things from a different perspective….
Vintage Clothing On Magazine Street (A Window Shopping Remix 02)
The city series….
Nothing quite compares to finding a unique place to shop and browse.
Stopping to check out what's inside
We stood at the entrance as a glimpse of what was inside called us to enter….
Magazine Street – New Orleans (A Window Shopping Remix 01)
The city series….
New Orleans is famous for two distinct areas; the nightlife and party vibe of the French Quarter with its Bourbon Street, and the rather cool, hip, and very left of center (in a moderate way) Magazine Street. M St. runs parallel to its more famous counterpart, Charles Street. But unlike C St., with its two Universities (Tulane and Loyola), trolley cars, beautiful homes and churches, Magazine Street has a rather unique quality about it. Interspersed with its numerous art galleries are small vintage clothing and antique shops, various ethnic restaurants and small corner parks. I really enjoyed this part of New Orleans and would consider living in this neighborhood than any other. If you visit New Orleans, you will find that this is a great place to hang out and enjoy the day.
Window shopping on Magazine Street
Hope you enjoy this three-part series, a short stroll down Magazine Street….
January 21. 2012. 05:59 PM (A Heavenly Slideshow Remix)
2011 and now 2012 promises to bring to the forefront—images and ideas for the contemplative and visionary mind.
Here is just a sample of recent work.
Music by Tomasz Bednarczyk
Water For Meditation (A Contemplative Thought Video Remix)
On a beautiful afternoon, at a moments notice with camera in hand…
A peaceful discovery
Water and meditation….
Music by Molly Berg and Stephen Vitiello
Water for Meditation is a study in video minimalism. I am again, working with environmental and organic imagery to present an ambient setting for quiet contemplation.
I Love A Place When It Becomes A Part Of Me
The memories of a place in time brings the heart such joy….
Table Rock State Park in South Carolina
waking up this morning, I could not free my self from the thoughts that surround me
like the stream that flows so fluidly
my mind embraces and caresses the rock of my salvation…
nurturing the journey within….
n e w d i g i t a l s c a p e s 