(OCTOBER 1, 2013) UPDATE FROM THE ARTIST

It's been awhile since I have had time or space to paint. I miss it. Lately, I've been dreaming about painting so it must be a sign to start up again.

Silk painting takes up quite a bit of room, at least it does the way I do it. I set up a six foot long table with lots of space all around to maneuver. The stretching frames for a 45x45 inch piece of silk are over five feet wide and long. Then there's the space to hang the silks, stores the dyes, guttas, brushes, frames, and store any pieces in process.

We've been busy with other projects these past five years as well, including a prison ministry, co-sponsoring a youth group, getting involved in the local activism, hosting a community garden, and starting a downtown homeless outreach program, to name a few. But the Wheel of the Year is turning toward the dark and I'm hoping that soon I will have time to make a studio place for myself again upstairs. That I'll be able to unbury the stretching frames and jars of dye and start painting again later this winter. In the past I've been inspired by goddess chant, sacred pilgrimage, the sacred elements, and stories of sacred trees. Now I have to find a new inspiration to spark the creative flow. Until then, I hope you enjoy the images you find here. Blessed be.

PS: A note about copyright... please do not use these images without my permission and especially without crediting me as the artist. I am fairly generous with my permission, as long you're not using my images for inappropriate reasons. It's been my pleasure to grant permission for my artwork to be used in ADO (Avalon Druid Order) publications, for a conference invitation with the non-profit Avalon Sexual Assault Centre in Newfoundland, in a Bellevue High School student's research paper and presentation, and as a part of a Jimi Hendrix tribute tattoo sleeve, among other projects. My email address is: phoenixspringwater@yahoo.com

THE DREAMING TREE [sold]

Tribal cultures in Brazil tell stories of a mystical dream tree - those who fall asleep beneath its branches will wake with special powers of healing and magic such as being able to speak with animals and walk between the worlds. Here the Earth Goddess dreams among the roots of the tree, releasing healing magic deep into the Earth.

©2007 Joan Medina – All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without permission of the Artist.

BUDDHA AND THE BODHI TREE [$400]

The Bodhi Tree provides shade to whoever sits beneath its branches. As Siddhartha dreamed under the tree, a brilliant light emanated from his head to shine over all of the earth. And though many distractions were sent to disrupt his meditation, he reached enlightenment and became a Buddha.

©2007 Joan Medina – All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without permission of the Artist.

AVALON-ISLE OF APPLES [$400]

Many locals of Glastonbury in England believe the Tor (hill) that rises above their town to be the Island of Avalon - the otherworldly place where King Arthur lies and the Holy Grail entices, the gateway to the realms of Gwynn up Nudd - King of the Faerie. Avalon is sometimes called the Isle of Apples, the place also known as The Summerlands or Heaven.

©2007 Joan Medina – All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without permission of the Artist.

JUNE 1st FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK & JUNE 2007 EXHIBIT - AT THE PAPER GARDEN

The June 2007 show at The Paper Garden in downtown Spokane is titled “Sacred Trees” -featuring images of world trees and other trees that are honored in various cultures of different lands and/or past civilizations.

Medium: Silk charmeuse fabric, hand painted with dyes and gutta resist, stretched on wood frame.

The Paper Garden is now located at 702 W Main Avenue, on the corner of Main and brick-paved pedestrian Wall Street in downtown Spokane, across from Macy's. (Formerly Homestead Birkenstock shop space.)

I will be in attendance at the First Friday Artwalk reception on the evening of Friday, June 1st and hope to see you there. Along with the new silk pieces from "Sacred Trees" there will be some wonderful musicians performing - Carlos Verde (The Tonight Show) plays flute and sax from 4-7 pm and Jed Wagner plays keyboard from 7-9 pm.

MAY 2007 EXHIBIT - AT NAMASKA

This show is titled “Sacred Elements” featuring images of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit.

Medium: Silk charmeuse fabric, hand painted with dyes and gutta resist, stretched on wood frame.

Namaska is now located at 421 W First Avenue in downtown Spokane, between Washington and Stevens in the Minnesota Building.

WATER RISING [sold]

Number 1 in "The Sacred Elements" series. An elemental or embodiment of Water rises from the depths of the ocean. Water energy is associated with dreaming, healing, and the emotions.

This piece is silk charmeuse fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta resist, approximately 33x33 inches, stretched and tacked to a wood frame.

©2007 Joan Medina – All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

EARTH RISING [$400]

Number 2 in "The Sacred Elements" series. An elemental or embodiment of Earth rises from the ground, spreading his branches widely toward the sky. Earth energy is associated with growth, prosperity, and strength.

©2007 Joan Medina – All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without permission of the Artist.

FIRE RISING [sold]

Number 3 in "The Sacred Elements" series. An elemental or embodiment of Fire energy rises in a blaze to dance among the flames. Fire energy is associated with passion, creativity, and vigor.

©2007 Joan Medina – All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without permission of the Artist.

AIR RISING [$400]

Number 4 in "The Sacred Elements" series. An elemental or embodiment of Air rises through the sky toward the heavens. Air energy is associated with mental clarity, communication, and the intellect.

©2007 Joan Medina – All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without permission of the Artist.

BOOTH AT MAR 24TH GAIA'S AWAKENING

I will be vending at a booth at the March 24th 2007 GAIA'S AWAKENING FAIRE at the UU Church - 4340 W Ft George Wright Drive. I'm currently working on a series of wheel thrown pottery and slip trailed wall plaques with goddess and nature images. The booth will also feature a good selection of photographs from spiritual pilgrimage to England, specifically images from the Chalice Well in Glastonbury, Glastonbury Tor, and stone henges such as Avebury and Stonehenge. For more information about the GA FAIRE please visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spokanecuups/

UPDATE: HEARTLINKS COVER ART

The Spring 2007 issue of the local publication HeartLinks will feature one of my silk paintings on the cover. Look for your free copy in local shops such as Namaska.

To see the cover art, visit: http://www.xploreheartlinks.com/hlcovers.htm

A NOTE ABOUT THE DEC 2006 SHOW AT ARTISTS TREE

I have a number of hand painted silks on display at the Artist's Tree, as well as various matted and/or framed photographs from a pilgrimage to England.

SILK: MADONNA OF THE SOLSTICE [SOLD!]

In the heart of the Winter season, people from many lands and cultures celebrate the birth or rebirth of the blessed sun/son and the beautiful holy lady that is his Mother.

This piece is silk charmeuse fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 35x35 inches, stretched and tacked to a pinewood frame. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA.

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

SILK: OSHUN ($280)

Oshun, the Brazilian water Goddess, adorns herself with the bounty of the rivers and streams in which she dwells. Perhaps it is possible to lose one's self in her sensual magic. It is said that her devotees move with a special grace and beauty that she bestows upon them.

This piece is silk charmeuse fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 42x42 inches, stretched and tacked to a pinewood frame. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA.

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

SILK: EARTH AND MOON (not available)

The Child of Earth reaches her arms up to the Moon, cradling the silvery energy. Blessings of love and joy radiate out from the union of body, mind, and spirit.

This piece is silk fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 12x30 inches, hung from a redwood stick and adorned with pearly beaded garland. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA.

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

SILK: CELESTIAL LADY OF THE DRAGON [SOLD!]

Sometimes in meditation or in ceremony, the artist visits this Goddess and rides with her dragon companion through the celestial heavens. The Lady is shown here stirring the waters and magick of the universe.

This piece is silk fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 12x30 inches, hung from a birch stick and adorned with red beaded garland. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA.

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

SILK: BLUE MOON WILLOW [SOLD!]

The Blue Moon comes but maybe once a year, when the full moon falls within the frame of the same month. Years ago, the artist stood beneath a willow tree on the night of a Blue Moon and this is somewhat of her journey.

This piece is silk fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 12x30 inches, hung from a birch stick and adorned with silk willow leaves. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA.

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

SILK: CALLING DOWN THE SUN ($120)

The Sun Maiden dances to music that pours from her flute. She dances upon the earth and awakens the planet's awareness. She dances beneath the sun and calls the power of its energy to come out and play.

This piece is silk fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 12x30 inches, hung from a redwood stick and adorned with beaded yarns. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA.

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

SILK: OH, ARADIA [SOLD!]

When the moon rises in the heavens, Aradia, Goddess of the Moon, draws forth her children. This painting is inspired by the following chant (author unknown to the artist, from the Museum of Witchcraft CD: Chanting II):

"Oh, Aradia, midnight on the water
Full moon shining bright, I am your silver daughter!"

This piece is silk charmeuse fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 35x35 inches, stretched and tacked to a pinewood frame. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA.

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

SILK: KORE EVOHE [SOLD!]

The Goddess Kore spends the summer months with her mother Demeter, and the winter months in the Underworld. When Kore rises in the Spring, the Earth along with her mother rejoices at her return, blossoming in celebration. And when Kore departs in Winter, the snows cover the ground and all is still and quiet while the Goddess dreams. This painting was inspired from a song from the Winter Solstice Singing Service that is performed annually at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane. (Words and music by John Schrag, based on a chant by Sabina C. Becker, ritual composed by Julie Forest Middeleton and Stasa Morgan-Appel.)

This piece is silk charmeuse fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 35x35 inches, hung from an oak dowel with drapery clips in the shape of black suns. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA.

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

SILK: LADY OF THE WILLOW ($180)

The willow is a tree of the Goddess and when She appears in nature, one of her many aspects is as the Green Lady - a nurturing spirit of the trees and green life of the forest. Her roots grow deep, mingling with the waters of Life, and drinking deeply of the power of the Earth. Her leaves fall back toward the earth, recycling the energies that surge up through her roots, through the strong body of her trunk, and out through the graceful arms and fingers of her branches.

This piece is silk charmeuse fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 35x35 inches, stretched and tacked to a pinewood frame. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA.

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

SILK: BRIGID ($180)

Brigid, also known as Brigit, Brigantia, and Brid is one of the most beloved Goddesses in the U.K. The locals in Glastonbury affectionately refer to her as "Bridey" and there are many sacred sites in and around the town that are dedicated in her name. The patron Goddess of smiths, healers, and poets, Brigid is associated with both fire and water. Many holy wells are dedicated to her and a carefully tended flame burns eternally at her temple in Kildarre, Ireland.

This piece is silk charmeuse fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 35x35 inches, stretched and tacked to a pinewood frame. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.

SILK: TOR-ISLE OF AVALON [SOLD!]

Glastonbury Tor is the hill that rises above the town of Glastonbury in England. It is a sacred place of power. It is said that King Arthur and Lady Guinevere rest within the Tor and that the Tor is a gateway to the realms of Gwynn up Nudd, King of the Faerie and Lord of the Underworld. On one side of the Tor the Red and White Springs flow forth with their healing waters. On another side, Gog and Magog, said to be the two oldest oak trees in all of England still stand as giant sentinels. Apple trees flourish on the Tor and it is believed to be the original Isle of Avalon, Island of Apples, a gateway to the other worlds.

This piece is silk charmeuse fabric, handpainted with silk dyes and gutta, approximately 35x35 inches, stretched and tacked to a pinewood frame. On display during the month of Dec 2006 at The Artist Tree - 828 W Sprague Ave in downtown Spokane, WA.

©2006 Joan Medina - All copyrights reserved. Any reproduction of this work, in part or in whole, by any means now known or hereafter invented, including photographic, electronic, or mechanical, is forbidden without written permission of the Artist.