My new gold ink is really lovely. Sadly, the photo doesn't capture it fully. For many years I used real 22k gold leaf in my work. The symbolism of gilding (the process of applying gold leaf) is fascinating. When studying Russian Icon painting, my teacher told us gold represents humans in their perfected spiritual state, reflecting divine light back into the world. The goal is to make the gold applied reflect light to perfectly like a mirror. Not an easy task! When applying gold to an icon, first a bed of clay infused with glue is put down and allowed to dry completely. The clay represents Adam, humans in their rough, unformed state. To reactivate the glue after it dries, you breath a warm hot breath with intention onto the clay. This represents God blowing the breath of life into Adam. Then the gold leaf is gently pressed onto the lightly remoistened surface. If you have centered yourself and surrendered completely to the present moment, the gold should adhere. Any place where the gold doesn't stick is said to be the ego fighting for control. It is a truly fascinating and often frustrating process! 😊 The gold in this piece is ink, not leaf, but the weight of this tradition and symbolism floats around in my head and informs any use of gold in my work. I'm really excited because it also gives me the chance to post another beloved poem by Dorothy Walters.
A Cloth of Fine Gold
by Dorothy Walters
You may think
that first lit flame
was the ultimate blaze,
the holy fire
entered at last.
What do you know of furnaces?
This is a sun that returns
again and again, refining, igniting,
pouring your spirit
through a cloth of delicate gold
until all dross is taken
and you are sweet as
clarified butter
in god's mouth. ----
Until tomorrow. xoxo