Product vs Process: The Light Warrior

It is not my intention to make products, though some might see my art that way. I see my creations as journal entries, and exercises in presence. When I allow the materials to be drawn to me, and I to them, a story unfolds. These stories are not an overt expression of my journey. They are parables with meaning tucked away in their odd little details, or the way they are pieced together. I observe myself as I make them and give them a voice once they are ready to speak.

I call this one Light Warrior.

I was pretty sure I had nothing far eastern in my stash that would be suitable for embellishing this vintage red building block and the plastic head and hands I removed from a souvenir doll, so I went to the jewelry box. A beaded watch band screamed “Arms!” At me. Before I knew it, other parts and pieces began to draw my attention. I had no idea what to use for legs, so I let go of that particular problem, and within seconds, I gravitated toward the case of vintage silver-plate flatware, and there were two demitasse spoons waiting for a purpose.

Lately, figures like this androgynous light warrior have been practically making themselves before my eyes. It feels like I am the hands of some Greater craftsperson who wants these beings to emerge. It’s certainly an odd calling. I nearly broke this one’s neck as I was guided in the assembly process, but that necessitated the brass choker. Now, I can’t imagine the figure without that perfect added touch.

I have many questions for this non-binary doll. Its androgyny causes me pause every time I want to speak of it, so out of respect, I decided to refer to it as “them” and “they”.

Why is the crystal at the naval? Aren’t clear crystals usually associated with the crown chakra? When the third chakra is out of balance, a person can suffer from confusion, worry, a lack of confidence, and self doubt. The clear crystal is used to balance the crown chakra fostering connection to the Divine. Perhaps the healing of the third chakra brings about a feeling of Divine connectedness, and the grace to find true purpose and calling.

Spoons? Really? Could they suggest digging into the earth, or feeding off of it? What better way to become somehow rooted than to feast on the nourishment of the earth?

Why did that Greater Craftsperson allow the neck to crack? This does seem rather personal. The crack at the throat chakra may actually point to a crack in the narrative about my takeaway from being raped as a young adult. I still claim I lost my voice because my neck was craned causing a blockage at my throat. I may hold a bad memory there, but I don’t necessarily need to hold on to that memory so tightly that it becomes lodged in my body. The crack could signify an opening through which my voice can finally be heard. “NO!” This message seems timely because I have been hesitant to write this blog and actually launch this site.

All of the figures coming into form on my worktable are flawed in some unique way. In this case, the flaw makes this warrior rather fragile. Isn’t that interesting? Maybe fragility is only part of their nature. Vulnerability may be a better term. I see vulnerability as a great virtue and part of the process of coming into one’s true self, whereas fragility breeds excuses for staying small and hidden. If they are truly a warrior, their vulnerability makes them strong, not weak.

I now offer a haiku:

Vulnerable one,

Heart Shielded by faith

Feasts on groundedness.