As we get older, in theory, we should gain knowledge due to the experience we have as we go through life. But sometimes this works against us and we can get stuck and stuck settling for something that is less than what we deserve.

I have been working on a piece where the main subject is a brightly marked butterfly that is trapped (protected) inside a bubble and in the background is an iron grating. The beauty of the butterfly is protected by the bubble and even more so by the iron grid at the bottom. If one looks closely, the body of the butterfly is replaced with a human skeleton.

History has shown that often when we come across something of great beauty, there is always the fear that one day it will go away or be taken away. We tend to hold on tight to prevent it from escaping. But often the same method of protection can also serve as a method of extermination. There’s that famous quote about setting someone free if they come back the way they were meant to be. We are made of flesh and blood, but we are also 100% energy in motion, each cell in constant vibration.

Sometimes fear is created within when we are afraid to move on. We are afraid to leave the beaten path to experience the unknown. We are often imprisoned by what is most familiar to us and the energy and wonder of life slowly drains away. Getting more and more miserable instead of trying to change your circumstances.

When I was much younger I remember having a conversation with someone and I remember their understanding was that we had a fire burning in our belly and that was the creator of our energy. That if we could keep and feed the fire in our belly, we would have the energy in life to create what we wanted. I met a very dear friend for coffee a couple of days ago and was reminded that I still have that fire, but I must admit that it had been sadly neglected and there seemed to be only a few burning coals left. I need to feed the fire and feed my soul with my artwork. As the days have passed, I have felt the fire begin to grow and I can feel the warmth in my being.

Don’t let your fire go out, it’s your source of power, it’s also your life force.

Let it burn, let it burn bright and mighty!