5' x 7'
Acrylic on canvas

On the back of this painting is a short story about being in love and experiencing the ebb and flow of relationship. At the time that this painting was created, I was fresh in love with soul mate #3 and in a serendipitously magical way, experiencing eagle encounters left and right ie: in person, through dreams and then I was gifted a special eagle gift from a Native American healer. I thought, Spirit is trying to get my attention! So began my research of the historical value of this creature through Native American Indian animal medicine lore, National Geographic, the Smithsonian etc.

With brain empowered with eagle data, I then needed to step out of the intellect - and view the painting with open heart and just simply be with it. Allowing it to speak to me without analysis and to reveal a (possible) connection between eagle encounters - being in love - and the painting. Alas, the story of the painting surfaced. I liken it to the mating rituals of eagles. Which goes like this . . . the courtship begins at a low altitude as the eagles encircle each other as they climb in altitude until they reach their highest point - then they lock talons and free fall as they’re mating. Once they reach low altitude they separate and begin the climb again. and again. and again.

I view the two brush movements (of burgundy and white) free falling together as blended colors, nearly inseparable. Near the bottom of the painting the two colors emerge from the ecstasy of oneness and become each their own color again. Much like the ebb and flow of an intimate relationship. Which requires skillful maneuvering between intimacy and autonomy and the art of not loosing oneself in the ecstasy of oneness. But rather emerging as an enhanced being. One that returns to life, work and society, empowered with passion.

Hence the story on the back of the canvas:
You and me . . . a story of love 1995
. . . about lovers and relationships, the ebb and flow of being together harmoniously and experiencing the autonomous part of relationship. And then. Trusting. That love will be there upon return from an autonomous period. Ahhhh and love feels like home again. However, it is different. More intimate. More real. and much more playful!

Namaste’
Brenda Heim, 1995