Anatomy & Surrealism

Anatomy and Surrealism are two concepts that I passionately study. Through the interplay of plants and nature I dissect the intricate layers and unravel the profound themes of metamorphosis and symbolism within the human body.

This Art Series begun shortly after my return to the study of yoga. I aim to delve into the history and philosophy of art and anatomy. Through this series, I am actively enhancing my understanding not only of anatomy but also exploring the body-mind connection and working toward a greater comprehension of self.

Duša

Skin & Scales

Colored pencil drawing. Started mid March 2023 finished August 16th 2024. 18x23.75.

Duša is the maiden name of my great grandmother, who was Slovenian. In Slovenian, Duša means soul. The creature depicted is not a good soul, its beauty is only skin deep, a mere facade that glosses over the truths lurking beneath. The figure is bathed in an ethereal glow of beta fish fins, yet it is surrounded by skeletons of once vibrant creatures that are now specters in the pursuit of a superficial allure.

Gecko Eye on the side of the head leads back into a scaled beta fish body. Just as the figure is consuming reptiles and fish for a disguise she is being gently consumed. This wont change her own perspective and she remains a parasite; this represents the offspring’s changing outlook. Gecko’s are a symbol of adaptability, regeneration, and spiritual awakening. Despite the hatred and abuse, new perspectives and understanding can come from seeing the darker parts. The gecko eye can grant night vision and heighten intuition to see through the scaley facade. Simultaneously, the gecko’s night vision is a reminder to trust our instincts and inner sight.

Geckos in Ancient Egyptian

In ancient Egypt, geckos were a symbol of regeneration and protection. Egyptians believed geckos could drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune. They appeared in religious artifacts, amulets and hieroglyphs. The gecko's ability to shed and regrow its tail symbolized rebirth, and the cycle of life and death.

Beta fish, with their vibrant colors and flowing fins, embody a kaleidoscope of energies. They bring good luck and prosperity, they tell a story of strength and resilience, reminding us that even in the midst of adversity, we can find harmony and balance. These enchanting creatures symbolize the journey of the soul, swimming boldly through life’s currents, embracing spiritual advancements and the lessons learned along the way.

Serpent Skin

Snakes have a mystical allure. They are hypnotic, captivating, and transformative. They possess the unique ability to both mesmerize and instill fear. A potent symbol of transformation because of how often they shed old layers of skin. A reminder to cast off our outdated beliefs and behaviors. Continuously growing and embracing our fullest potential.

Duša had chosen the beauty & fear to take with the scales. The heart is outside the body, torn, slipping though the elongated monstrous bones of the creatures foot. The people being represented are now mere memories, trapped in a limbo of their own design.

Serpent in Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, snakes were linked to gods and royalty. The Uraeus, a symbol of a standing cobra, topped pharaohs' crowns to show their strength and safeguard.

In Dreams scales of any reptile symbolize the harmony of opposites, good and evil, creation and destruction. Scales reflect the intricate fabric of life the connection between all beings. Weaving together relationships, individuals, one’s own actions to the lives of others and the environment.

Chameleon Nature’s Mood Ring. Chameleon are wonderful. The colors they flash are mesmerizing to watch and I will have to revisit the imagry and symbolism of the chameleon in the future. The figure here depicts chameleon scales on the arms, shoulders and back.

Often the chameleon is a product of its environment, it works to blend in for safety. Like the chameleon shifting hues, we can evolve in response to our experiences, moods, and surroundings. This fascinating creature embodies adaptability. But there remains a choice in how we respond and adapt to the environment. Whether we evolve to stop the cycle of abuse or become the abuser.

Slovenian Gypsos. My great grandmother was an Slovenian immigrant who came from a traveling gypsy caravan. Romanian people in the area are of south Indian decent and find the term gypsy to be degrading and an insult. Gypsos or Gypsy was used to describe people of Egyptian decent. In my ancestry I have a bit of both Egyptian and South Indian/Sri Lankan. When I try to research into my family history I find mostly information on the Romanian people in Slovenia who came from India. However, I know that my ancestry did in fact come from Egypt and all over Africa, and called themselves Gypsos.

Dragonfly

Spine

Anatomy study involving the spine delves into the symbolism associated with dragonflies, such as their representation of change, transformation, adaptability, and balance. These creatures serve as a symbolic reflection of the self, evolving through maturity and transcending self-imposed illusions that may hinder personal growth and adaptation.

The dragonfly lifecycle is closely entwined with the presence of water. Female dragonflies lay their eggs in the water, where the larvae live and grow before emerging to molt into their adult form and take flight. Water plays a symbolic role as a source of life, representing fluidity in a material world and serving as a mechanism for both birth and regeneration in nature.

Wildflower

Skull Face

Although the skull is often associated with death, I choose to incorporate it in this piece to symbolize anti-beauty. Underneath the layers we all look alike. While it's true that many individuals place a strong emphasis on beauty and youth, and it's important to recognize that there is a human desire to look good and feel good. It's essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and understanding, as societal pressures and personal beliefs can significantly impact an individual's decisions regarding their appearance. Rather than passing judgment, it's valuable to encourage open and respectful discussions around beauty standards and the diversity of perspectives on aging.

Additionally, it's crucial to highlight the importance of embracing one's unique features and celebrating the natural aging process. While I have no position on an individuals methods of occurring beauty, I observe the positives and negatives, and in some cases, doctors have made patients look older or caused trauma. I find it thought-provoking to observe the measures individuals undertake in attempts to mitigate the effects of aging.

The Deer:

The deer is often regarded as a symbol of purity and youth, embodying tenderness while exuding a quiet strength. It serves as a gentle companion for one's inner child, evoking a sense of innocence and grace. The deer skull is a visual representation of my believe that it is not acceptable to harm animals in the name of beauty. I strive to choose cruelty free products and beauty products from ethical brands.  

Wild Flowers:

Surrounding the woman is the wild flower anemone. Anemone comes from the Greek “anemos”, which means wind. A metaphor for youth, the wild flower is small and short lived. According to the Victorian language Anemone flowers signify fragility. A symbol for the transience of life. “Born of the wind, and carried away by it” - Ovid.  

Anemone’s sprang out of the tears of Aphrodite when she was morning the loss of her lover Adonis. Her sadness was brief, and before long, she found solace in the arms of a new lover. The flower symbolizes the ephemeral aspect of love. The anemone closes at night and reopens each morning symbolizing anticipation and serves as a gentle reminder to embrace and savor each passing moment. 

The Acanthus Flowers:

The acanthus flowers are positioned near the lower left side, touching the skull and hand bones. The spires of this spiney blossom symbolizes immortality, rebirth, and long life/enduring life. In Victorian language the acanthus can symbolize fine art and artifice. The acanthus is a plant traditionally used to adorn tombstones, symbolizing mortality and enduring life's cycle. The flowers name comes from the Greek word “akantha”, which means spines referring to the pointed leaves of the acanthus. The flower can of also represent purity and grace, sorrow, sympathy, and condolences. Purple acanthus flowers symbolize royalty, respect, and tradition, while lavender signifies elegance, grace, and youth.

Sunset Buttercups:

Surrounding the deer are a bright orange flowers called tecolote ranunculus or sunset buttercups. Ranunculus flowers are a symbol of attractiveness and charm. Sunset buttercups can also symbolize careless behavior. This comes from a Native American legend about a coyote. Legend tales about a coyote that was playing by throwing his eyes up into the sky. An eagle spotted that coyote tossing his eyes carelessly and caught the coyote’s eyes in mid-flight. The coyote not being able to see used two buttercup flowers and made himself a new pair of eyes. 

Lungs, Heart, Owls & Elm Tree

The sacred Elm tree holds great significance, symbolizing intuition and inner strength through its enduring, resilient, and firmly grounded presence. Owls, often associated with death, wisdom, and change, also symbolize new beginnings and fresh opportunities. The concept of death itself can bring about meaningful new beginnings, life, and rebirth. Hopefully with rebirth comes gained knowledge and a greater perspective on life.

The figure's body and lungs are one with the elm tree, with every breath being provided by the tree. Her abdomen and shin have slowly begun to undergo a remarkable transformation, as the familiar flesh gives way to a texture reminiscent of sturdy bark. The elm tree also begins to undergo metamorphous and provide air by growing bronchioles and alveoli from its branches.

Breath

Artist’s Gift

The series begun with Artist’s Gift. Anatomy study Heart. Different veins and arteries lead to different flowers and plants.

The oak leaf, with its distinctive shape and intricate veins, is a symbol of strength and endurance. Paired with delicate blooms, this representation of resilience and vitality serves as a reminder of the steadfastness found in nature. The oak leaf covers the woman's chest where her heart would be if it wasn't held in her hand.

Hollyhocks are symbol of fertility and fruitfulness. Hollyhocks grow near the veins and arteries which would have lead to the shoulders and neck.

Azalea is a symbol of femininity and of softness. Azaleas are drawn blooming near the nose and left eye.

Black roses representing beauty and death. In this piece black roses take the place of the kidneys.

Delphinium is a symbol representing the open heart and a feeling of lightness and levity. The plant was once used to make a vibrant blue dye. July’s birth month flower. The flower is drawn to the left of the gladiolus. 

Gladiolus represents strength, moral integrity, infatuation, and pierces the heart with passion. August birth flower. The veins and arteries which would have lead to the arms are now intertwine with gladiolus. 

The Irises three upright petals and three drooping pedals are symbols for faith, valor, wisdom, respect, and honor. The woman’s eyes gaze straight ahead at the iris flower. 

Peonies hold great significance in various cultures, representing prosperity and honor, particularly in China. Additionally, they are also associated with masculinity and bravery in Japan. They can have a negative connotation symbolizing shame, bashfulness and anger. Peonies bloom from the side of the head. 

Magnolia buds symbolize dignity and nobility, as well as womanly beauty and gentleness. A small bud grows under the iris flower.