Tuesday, December 06, 2005

December Evening
9x12, oil/canvas panel
We're never really aware of it but this planet we're on is hurtling through space at an incredible speed, orbiting the sun on an ancient path. This yearly journey is puncuated with changing seasons and each season has a mood. December in particular and winter in general is a time of stillness and quiet darkness. We are still two weeks away from the winter solstice but the prevading darkness is already apparent. Ancient peoples feared the growing darkness. The glorious sun they depended on for light, life, crops etc. was slowly being overcome. We hardly notice this, nor do we have this fear in our modern world of artificial light. But perhaps we would do well to remember that darkness, often a metaphor for ignorance, hate, selfishness and wickedness is still dangerous to us. Darkness in humanity, in our own souls is to be feared. The peace and calm and quiet of December and the winter months is a time for reflection and contemplation. It's a time for longing to see the goodness and power of the light return.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but over come evil with good."
"O Daystar, splendour of light eternal
and sun of righteousness:
Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of the earth."
author unknown, ninth century

2 comments:

Kathleen Pequignot said...

These winter scenes you are doing are so serene. Lovely work!

Jan Blencowe said...

Thanks Kathleen...winter does have a special stillness to it.

Cheers,
jan