BEAUTY OF THE STARS by Shelby
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” - Marcus Aurelius
Returning to my prayer flags seems especially timely. Viewing the events of the last few days has been emotionally exhausting. But a quiet place to reflect and dwell on the beauty around us is always found when I begin any art project. For my next flag I selected the Eternal Knot from the Artistcellar Tibet Series.
The interlacing design of the knot is found in many cultures. It represents the concept of duality and the search for the interweaving of qualities of wisdom and empathy, as well as femininity and masculinity. The ultimate objective is to acquire the necessary stability to allow us a clearer path to enlightenment.
I couldn’t wait to stat the project. This time I decided to use a heavier 100% cotton duck fabric. I wasn’t sure how the acrylics would work, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the results. The colours are vibrant and blend as I intended. The heavier weight also made the flag easier to adhere to the card I sprayed with adhesive.
To compliment the Knot I selected the Shooting Stars and Celestial stencils from the Artistcellar Arabian Nights series. What could be more inspiring than observing the sky at night? Working with various shades of blue and green, colours traditionally representing unity and balance, I enveloped the shooting stars with a grand blanket of the cosmos. The flag was finished with a selection of multicoloured Halftone Dots and Diamonds. As in life, it’s the compliment of colours that unites and enhances the entire composition.
I, as well as many of my friends, have experienced great dismay at the world events surrounding us. Sometimes we opt to step back as a way to make sense of the insanity. But there are moments when we need to make our voices heard. Beauty in life includes thoughts and actions. I choose to focus on the people who in my mind are the stars. They are the brave that shine. They speak their mind with wisdom and empathy. They are the stars I aspire to run with.
MATERIALS USED:
- ARTISTCELLAR: TIBET SERIES STENCIL (Eternal Knot), HALFTONE DOTS (Highlight, Midtone, Midtone 2, Shadow), ARABIAN NIGHTS SERIES STENCILS (Celestial, Shooting Stars)
- HAND CUT STENCIL: Diamonds
- BLEACHED 7 OZ. 100% COTTON DUCK FABRIC – WHITE
- BEST TEST REPOSITIONAL ADHESIVE
- CARDBOARD
- PLAID ACRYLICS: Blue Sapphire, Amethyst, Blue Pearl, Pure Orange, Sunflower, Aquamarine, Plum, Bright Red
- DECOART: Splendid Gold, Sea Glass, Teal, Desert Turquoise
- DINA WAKLEY: Lime, Lapis, Ocean, Sky, Blushing, Ruby, Cheddar
- REEVES: Gold, Bronze, Rose Red
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