Friday, February 15, 2013

Many Portals

Time and Space (Stacy Wills, 2013)
digital, mixed media from a source image

Hodie Aperuit

Today a closed portal has been opened
that which the serpent suffocated
in the wise-woman
is revealed to us.
Now the flower of the Virgin
is alight in the dawn.

-an Antiphon by Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)

During this season of Lent, I am traveling with Hildegard of Bingen and a blessed company of kindred spirits, through an online retreat  led by Christine Valters Paintner at Abbey of the Arts.  Creative expression is an important part of this journey, and  I hope to share here some of  the art that  is bubbling up  in me as a result.   As it so happens, it feels as though many portals are opening all at once in my life right now!

Although I knew of Hildegard because of  her connection with mandalas, I truly "met" her for the first time this past year during another Abbey retreat, Women on the Threshold, and came to appreciate more fully the scope of her vision and understanding.    The visual meditation, Creation Two Ways, was inspired by her.

Time and Space was created using the alcohol ink painting below as a source image.

    Bubbling Up  (Stacy Wills, 2013)
3" x 4" alcohol inks on yupo

Here is a recording of Hildegard's beautiful antiphon:  Hodie Aperuit  
(As you listen, I invite you to click on Time and Space for an enlarged view.)

13 comments:

Mystic Meandering said...

Beautiful fluidity in Time and Space :)

Can you recommend a book on Hildegard of Bengin? I had no idea she did Mandalas!

Stacy Wills said...

Thank you, Christine! Here's a link to a website that has some good biographical content on Hildegard, along with a bibliography:
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/med/hildegarde.asp

Currently, I am reading The Creative Spirit: Harmonious Living with Hildegard of Bingen by June Boyce-Tillman.

I've also heard good things about this book by Mary Sharratt, Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen, but I've not read it yet.

Here is a link to a blog post that shows several of her mandalas:
http://sfmosaic.wordpress.com/2010/11/20/hildegard-von-bingen/

Mystic Meandering said...

Thank you Stacy for the links! Will check them out now. I have also heard a wonderful review about Illuminations from a blogger who read it. I tried to get it in our local Barnes and Noble, but I will have to order it on line. Blessings! :)

Laura said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Laura said...

exquisite art stacy... so glad you are on this adventure! beautiful wisdom shared... blessings as your journey continues:-)

Stacy Wills said...

Thank you, Laura! I'm feeling oh so blessed and grateful these days for so many things.

Kel said...

ethereal jewel blues
and such music
in awe

Stacy Wills said...

Thanks, Kel! I was just thinking of you this past weekend. :-)

Edith said...

A beautiful mandala accompanied by the wonder and exquisite joy of your beautiful words. I love your blog Stacy. It offers so much respite to weary souls.

Stacy Wills said...

Edith, thank you so much for the kind words. I am glad to know it offers respite...that has always been my hope! Blessings to you, dear one!

froebelsternchen said...

wonderful Stacy!
xxx from Austria
ART-JOURNAL-JOURNEY

Anonymous said...

I am familiar with Hildegard Von Bingen through her music which I play almost every day while I sit in front of my window watching the birds at my feeder. Did you ever see the German movie called "Vision" about her life? I liked it a lot. She certainly was way ahead of her time. I see your wonderful art on the FB page, Alcohol Ink Art. This piece is very lovely. and relaxing to look at.

Stacy Wills said...

Susi - thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving an encouraging word!

Joan - yes, I did see it, and enjoyed it very much. So glad you are part of the AIA group! :-)