Where the Road Rises– Little Gems show, West End Gallery
The artist is always beginning. Any work of art which is not a beginning, an invention, a discovery is of little worth.
― Ezra Pound
The small painting at the top is titled Where the Road Rises and is included in the upcoming Little Gems show opening in February at the West End Gallery.
I see it as being symbolic of the beginning of some sort of journey, one that might be physical, spiritual, artistic or any other type of endeavor one chooses to follow. A journey of discovery of some sort.
The Red Roof structure represents home or childhood here– the starting point. It is both a place of safety and a point from which we know we must move on, even if only symbolically.
The sun is symbolic of the desire that pulls one to the journey. It represents something we knw might well be unattainable that still sets us on a search to find it.
The rising road represents the path that requires effort to climb. The first steps away from safety often feel the steepest and most difficult.
The forest represents the hidden perils and distractions they must skirt as they begin their journey. Most journeys of discovery often fail before they really begin. Second thoughts on leaving the safety one knows and the prospect of hardships and difficult toil ahead keep most potential travelers in place.
The top of the rise, where one loses sight of safety once they pass that point, represents the unknowns– good and bad– that the trekker will face as they move further along.
But despite the fears that grip most of us, many do begin a journey of discovery. And regardless of the outcome, the mere act of beginning the journey is a triumph of some kind.
Perhaps if only in being able to say one tried for a brief time to reach the unattainable.
The title for this piece refers to the first line from the well-worn Irish Blessing below which offers best wishes and blessings for the traveler:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
The road rises to meet you but you must also move to meet the road and begin your journey of discovery.
Blessings to all you travelers out there.
Redtree Times 