There you are

There You Are
Encaustic by Edie Morton

"Deer's medicine includes gentleness in word, thought and touch, ability to listen, grace and appreciation for the beauty of balance, understanding of what's necessary for survival, power of gratitude and giving, ability to sacrifice for the higher good, connection to the woodland spirits, alternative paths to a goal. "

Labyrinth at Dreaming Bear's

Dreams From the Labyrinth
Encaustic by Edie Morton

My friend, Dreaming Bear, lives on a beautiful, lush and wild property in North Georgia. There is a labyrinth, on the land, recently created and continuing to grow with sacred objects . There are stones from the creek, shells and crystals from other parts of the earth, bones, and turtle shells. Ganesh, Hindu deity and remover of obstacles, sits at the doorway to the path.

Walking a labyrinth is a meditative practice with intention of being fully present. I found the experience to be nourishing and grounding, bringing more awareness to each step. Living in an urban environment, I find all too often, I am focused on the destination of my intentions, goals and tasks. I realize that many of the gifts I pass by, due to preoccupation, go unnoticed or are never received. The experience of the labyrinth at Dreaming Bear's touched me and continues to reside in my spirit.

Encaustic Workshops

Stripes Totem (detail)

encaustic by edie Morton

I am now teaching encaustic workshops in my studio in Atlanta. The first class was last Saturday and we all had big fun. The day flew by for all of us and students suggested I offer a 6 week session as well as the intro class. I am making plans for that in the future.

Beginners workshops cover the following topics and demonstrations: safty, making clear wax medium and mixing with color, preparing the surface , surface texture, incising, collage, Xerox transfers and stencils.

Contact me at ediemorton@earthlink.net to inquire about or register for upcoming workshops.

Saturday's class

Red Birds

Oya's Birds
encaustic by Edie Morton






Summer Solstice
encaustic by Edie Morton


Inspired by my friend Jerry Lee Davis . He wrote a verse about a Blue Heron.

Blue Heron medicine or as an animal totem, can remind one to follow their own path. "The way of the heron people is not a structured way, and does not seem to have a stability and security to it. It is, though, just a matter of perspective." From "Animal Speak" by Ted Andrews

LEGS
" Legs enable animals and people to move about on the earth. They are symbols of balance, and they represent an ability to progress and evolve. Also the longer the legs, the deeper the blue heron will feed in. The deeper life can be explored. The long thin legs of the Heron reflect that you don't need great massive pillars to remain stable, but you must be able to stand on your own. "



I am the blue heron by Jerry Lee Davis

I am the blue heron. I stand alone amongst the Canadian geese and the mallard ducks. The baby ripples of the pond push against my legs, and I raise one and steady myself on the other. I never wonder if I belong or not, for where I land is where I am. Cautious but confident, I move around the banks. Once the grassy area gets too crowded, I flap my wings and speak. “Give me my space,” I proclaim. The geese and the ducks hurry to the water. I am not a bully if that’s what you are thinking. I let the others have free reign most of the time. Only when I feel it’s my turn do I demand equality. No. I am not an oddity. I am unique, though. I don’t travel in flocks, and I’m rather reserved but not shy, making myself known and announcing my presence whenever I see fit. Accepting my individuality, I am secure, yet I am also aware that I am a piece of a greater whole. The water feeds me, and I spend most of my time wading the inlets and shores. Full from so much nourishment, I crouch my neck and squat, and then I take to the sky. My wings spread, the wide span of blue and gray marking my connection to all life that came before me, I share all that I am with whomever or whatever chooses to see me.

Critical Feedback with Kay Walkingstick

Wind and Water
encaustic by Edie Morton

A number of workshops were available after the encaustic conference. I applied for the critical feedback session with Kay Walkingstick . Ten applicants were accepted based on a statement of intention and a CD including images of recent work. I was thrilled to have this opportunity. We had an extensive group critique session. Kay encouraged all of us to push beyond our present limits or comfort zone. She strongly recommended spending time each day drawing and keeping a journal. Kay suggested that art is more interesting when the artist incorporates symbolism and imagery meaningful to the artist. Journal keeping can help with this process and unveil clues to answer the question “what do I want to say or evoke in my work?”

I brought the painting above, “Wind and Water”, to the critique. The elements of wind and water often occur in recent works. The changing weather patterns are an influence. It feels as if the earth is trying to heal herself and return to a more balanced state while catching our attention with frequent and drastic storms.

Aphrodite and the Ravens

Aphrodite and the Ravens
encaustic by Edie Morton

The swan awakens inner beauty. When using bird totem medicine the swan has the ability to link different worlds and dimensions.The ravens teach one to be the enchantress of one's own life. The raven is linked to the strong creative force which can be used to work the magic of spiritual laws within the physical plane.

This particular painting began as a vehicle to find my way back to the light, my spirit and re-connect with the heart. The swan , raven and lotus images were persistant, so I followed and listened.

"Aphrodite and the Ravens" will be included in the inaugural exhibition at the Kryder Gallery in Dahlonaga, Georgia, opening June 1, 2008 and runs through July 15. "Stillness", a group show assembled to support our search for time and space quite enough to hear our inner voices. Purrrrfect coming out party for Aphrodite and her Ravens! There will also be a sanctuary installation in the second gallery. A tranquil space with floating gardens, luminaires and medicine objects.

http://www.ediemorton.com/sanctuary/index.html

Ginkgo Biloba, The Maidenhair Tree

Red Ginkgo Forest
encaustic by Edie Morton

This painting resides in the collection of The Fulton County Arts Council.

I have been working with plant and animal imagery for as long as I can remember. A few years ago I began to work more specifically with the symbology, medicine or healing that comes with certain plants and animals. Two years ago one of the persistant images was the Ginkgo leaf. I collected two garbage bags full of fallen Ginkgo leaves and poured them on my living room floor creating a beautiful blanket of golden yellow. Then I pressed hundreds of them to use and stored the rest in my freezer along with my feather collection.

The Ginkgo Tree is a mystical and healing species with leaf fossils dating back to 270 million years ago. That is one strong species. It has built in resistance to diseases, insects, air pollution, fire and radioactive radiation. A 3,000 year-old ginkgo has been reported in Shandong province in China. So they do deserve their symbology of longevity.

"The Ginkgo tree is a phenomenon, an object of veneration, a sacred tree of the East, a symbol of unity of opposites, by some seen as a symbol of changelessness, possessing miraculous power, bearer of hope and of the immeasurable past, a symbol of love. Because of all its properties it is associated with longevity. It may be the oldest living seed plant. "


"The Ginkgo is also thought to protect against fire and therefore it is still planted near temples. During the great fire after the earthquake in Tokyo in 1923 many Ginkgo trees survived while other trees died. A temple was saved because of the many Ginkgos that surrounded it. The bark and leaves are thought to secrete a sap that acts as a fire retardant. "

Ginkgo is the most popular healing herb used in Germany and highly popular in North America.

Why Do People Use Ginkgo?

To improve mental function
Alzheimer's disease
Age-related memory loss
Macular degeneration
Sexual dysfunction
To enhance blood circulation