Some ideas are like seeds, buried deeply in the soil of our souls - dormant, patient, waiting for the right conditions and timing to germinate, to come to life. One seedling has been laying dormant for a couple of years. Early this year, this seedling began to show its readiness, it was finally time to sprout.
I've always been fascinated by the concept of Feng Shui , ever since I was introduced to it as a little girl by my aunty Ursula, an avid Feng Shui follower. Feng Shui (translated as Wind and Water) is an ancient Chinese practice that aims to harmonize individuals with their environment by arranging and orienting spaces in a way that promotes positive energy flow, known as "qi" (pronounced "chee"). The bagua map is a key tool in feng shui used to analyze the energy of a space and determine the optimal placement of objects and elements. It divides a space into nine areas, each representing different aspects of life.
The nine areas are:
- Career, Life Path & Opportunities
- Knowledge, Wisdom & Personal Growth
- Family & Ancestors
- Health, Vitality & Well Being
- Wealth & Prosperity
- Fame & Reputation
- Love, Relationships & Partnerships
- Creativity & Children
- Helpful People & Travel
I had this idea, this little seed, of how interesting it would be to look at my natural surroundings on the Dingle Peninsula through the lens of Feng Shui, intertwining ancient Irish beliefs with ancient Chinese wisdom. In a harmonious fusion of culture and nature, I embarked on a creative journey inspired by the Bagua map and its nine life areas.
Each original painting is a reflection of the unique energies found in the wild and rugged coastal landscape that surrounds me using colour, symbolism and abstraction. My paintings serve as personal explorations of the nine life areas, yet I aspire for them to transcend individual experience, offering viewers a mirror to glimpse their own aspirations, desires, and reflections within the universal tapestry of existence.
