The Eyes of Spring

I created this mask for a young woman who works at the café to which I go almost daily. Her birthday is tomorrow and she will be 21 year old.

I titled the mask "The Eyes of Spring." There are so many eyes on the mask! I am particularly drawn to the girl on the forehead. That image captures qualities that I see in the woman at the café--fragility and gentleness coupled with determination and intensity.

I am not sure why I created a mask, but I love the fact that there are so many images of Spring--apple blossoms, grass, daffodils. There is a "knowingness" reflected in all of the "eyes." Something that promises new life and new hope even when the cold and barrenness of winter does not seem to want to release its hold on our hearts and our perspectives.

The Eyes of Spring know.

--Vicky :o)

"The Eyes of Spring"

Collaged Mask

© 2008 Vicky Lynn Macchione

Abstract #2 -- The Promise of Spring

Yesterday (Easter), I painted this abstract. It's the size of one of my collage cards. Originally, I thought I would use it as a background for a collage. But when I finished, I just loved it so much that I decided to keep it as is.

I have titled the painting, "Spring's Promise." To me it has the feel of flowers bursting, of Life emerging from winter's darkness, of newness, growth, and abundance.

I have been longing for Spring this year more than usual because the winter in Montréal has been quite long. We have come close to a snowfall record that was set back in 1971 (383 cm is the record). How very appropriate is this little abstract painting: a reminder to me that Spring always follows winter and the promise of new life awaits to burst forth!

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

--Vicky :o)

Spring's Promise
© 2008 Vicky Lynn Macchione

Celebrating Birth Days

My younger daughter had her birthday in February. She happened to look at my blog today and pointed out that I hadn't put any of the cards I have made for her on my blog. So I told her I would. :o)

This is the birthday card I created for her this year. The interesting part of the card is that it is in black and white. For several days before I created the card, I had the chorus of a song called "Shades of Gray" by the Monkees playing over and over in my mind. Here are the lyrics:

But today there is no day or night
Today there is no dark or light.
Today there is no black or white,
Only shades of gray.

It was these lyrics that led me to create the card in black and white. And, later I realized the only color on the card is surrounding the phrase "Be Yourself," which I believe is a message directed to my daughter from the Universe. This message correlates with the poem I wrote for her:

On this the day of your Birth
What messages will the Universe write?
Lovingly etched in the journal of the Soul,
Eternally recorded in black and white.

What Ideas whisper in your ear?
What Dreams below the surface lie?
What Desires inspire and stir your Heart?
What Visions await your perceptive eye?

Seek your answers deep inside. . .
It's there the truest Wisdom abides.

--Vicky :o)

Card and Poem
© 2008 Vicky Lynn Macchione

Slowly Wading into Abstracts

I was inspired by a documentary Michel and I watched to try some abstract painting. The name of the documentary was My Kid Could Paint That. While the documentary may not have been favorable toward its subject, Marla Olmstead and her family, I was inspired by watching the cute little kidlet applying paint to the canvas. So I decided to buy some acrylics and some 8 x 10 canvases and give it a try.

What I hope to do with the abstracts I create is to use them as backgrounds for my collages, which means I am slowly taking steps toward the realm of mixed media.

When I finished my painting (no title yet), I was quite happy with it. I feel like there is an organic quality about it that shows my desire for spiritual growth and abundance. At the very least, I know using the different colors brought me healing and balancing of my energies. And, painting it was extremely fun!!!! :o)

Abstract
Acrylics on Canvas
© 2008 Vicky Lynn Macchione