This artwork is basically trying to convey the 'leap of faith' element of the transition into adulthood. The making of this artwork came at a time of changing attitude and perspective on my behalf. At the initial process of developing this painting, i had applied a fearful persona as i had feared the aspect of finishing high school and becoming independent and taking on a wide variety of responsibilities.
However, midway through this artwork, i went on an excursion to the university of Sydney. towards the end of the excursion, i had realised how much i had enjoyed the idea of going to uni. even though it wasn't the same as studying at uni, it did reduce some of my fears and anxieties about making that change. this change of emotion and perception is what drove the final manipulation of the artwork. the use of the loose brush strokes and the not-so-precise edges translates the freedom and the weight lifted off my shoulders.
It should also be noted that the artwork is in the form of an eagle. This takes a symbolic meaning of renewal and a sense of fearlessness. In spite of its enormous size, the eagle still takes flight, seemingly effortlessly, taking on the meaning of not allowing the illusion of limitation to ground us in our flight. It serves as a mental liberation. The Alchemy symbolism of the eagle is a representation of prime matter; the start of an alchemical operation. The eagle spreads its wings over the step into creation and fans the fire, encouraging growth of new matter.
The Aztec and Mayan meaning of the eagle is affiliated with the dawning sun, and is a magnificent celestial power, able to shine light into our world.
The Celtic symbolism of the eagle is associated with the symbolism of water, and the intuitive oracle water serves as. The Celts invoked the eagle for assistance in "diving in" for treasures of wisdom.
The Christian eagle meaning is associated with Christ himself. The eagle seems to easily ascend the skies, looking into the sun with unblinking focus. we relate symbolism of Christ's unblinking faith in the Way, the Truth, and the Light. We also see themes of renewal (baptism) as the eagle plunges the soul of man into the sea, and lifts them out renewed and cleansed.
The Greek meaning of eagle is symbolic of authority, rulership and virility. It's warrior status (energy, thrust, courage, bravery, fearlessness) is evident by Zeus's strong affiliation with the eagle in Greek mythology.
Painting 2
This artwork was basically an experimental one as i didn't really have a prior concept of what i wanted to convey, but i was driven to paint through the feelings and emotions in which i had encountered at the time. i wanted my thoughts and feelings to drive the brush and form an artwork based on my perception of childhood vs. adulthood.
As i looked at the artwork from afar, i had realised that it reminded me of the image of an ultrasound scan a mother gets of her unborn baby. it slightly resembled a foetus awaiting birth. to me, it had a symbolic meaning of my current state in life. it resonated with the act of making that transition into adulthood from the edge of seventeen.
Further documentation
