14×17″ mixed media on paper
June 8, 2012
Inspired by the following passage from Lilith by George MacDonald:
In Lona the dazzling beauty of Lilith was softened by childlikeness, and deepened by the sense of motherhood…. She drew my heart by what in me was likest herself, and I loved her as one who, grow to what perfection she might, could only become the more a child…. Every word she spoke seemed to go straight to my heart, and, like the truth itself, make it purer.
9×12″ watercolor on paper
September 8, 2012
Inspired by the following passage from Phantastes by George MacDonald:
For there is no cheating in nature and the simple unsought feelings of the soul. There must be a truth involved in it, though we may but in part lay hold of the meaning.
9×12″ watercolor on paper
December 21, 2012
Inspired by the following passage from The Confessions by St. Augustine:
All this those writings of the Platonists do not have. Their pages do not have this face of piety, the tears of confession, your sacrifice, a troubled spirit, a contrite and a humbled heart, ….
In them no man hears him calling to us: ‘Come unto me, all you that labor.’ They scorn to learn of him because he is meek and humble of heart.
‘For you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to little ones.’
(7.21.27)
9×12″ watercolor on paper
July 29, 2012
Inspired by the story of Cosmo in Phantastes by George MacDonald, specifically the following passage:
Meantime, how fared Cosmo?
As might be expected in one of his temperament, his interest had blossomed into love, and his love — shall I call it ripened, or — withered into passion?
But, alas! he loved a shadow. He could not come near her, could not hear a sound from those sweet lips, to which his longing eyes would cling like bees to their honey-founts.
Ever and anon he sang to himself:
“I shall die for love of the maiden,”
and ever he looked again, and died not, though his heart seemed ready to break with intensity of life and longing.
14×17″ colored pencil and pen on paper
June 8, 2012
Inspired by Within and Without by George MacDonald, specifically the following passage:
And weep not, though the Beautiful decay
Within thy heart, as daily in thine eyes;
Thy heart must have its autumn, its pale skies,
Leading, mayhap, to winter’s dim dismay.
Yet doubt not. Beauty doth not pass away;
Her form departs not, though her body dies.
Secure beneath the earth the snowdrop lies,
Waiting the spring’s young resurrection-day,
Through the kind nurture of the winter cold.
Nor seek thou by vain effort to revive
The summer-time, when roses were alive;
Do thou thy work–be willing to be old:
Thy sorrow is the husk that doth infold
A gorgeous June, for which thou need’st not strive.
