small offerings

mjd - 2014 small offering bowl

offerings have a way 

of travelling. 

these came to me and 

the idea wouldn't leave.

so through my heart and hands

small offering bowls are now made - 

i often tremble 

when i begin,

the potential energy 

of body and spirit

coming to a readiness. 

as i stamp

fire

hammer

fire

hammer

repeat

repeat

...

these thoughts

words and ideas 

are 

set out into the ether.

the ether 

that you inhabit

the ether

that holds the moon

the ether

that caresses blades of grass

as it moves past.

mjd  - 2014 small offering bowls

i have always found a deep sense of peace

when working with my hands. 

but this idea of small metal efforts

that are shaped like cupped hands

and have

been worked with 

not just fire

and steel

but love 

and peace

so that you might make an offering

to whatever is meaningful in your life 

and to take it wherever you need it

resonates. 

mjd - 2014 small shrine

your own little place

to find calm

and stillness.

mjd - 2014 small shrine mats

balance

in metal

and textiles.

mjd - 2014 small offering bowl in pouch

the hammer marks

and stitches

evidence of moments.

the precious moments 

that make up our lives. 

whispers

ever softly - mjd 2014

a whisper 

uttered

oh so softly,

an embrace 

that holds you 

oh so gently

assuring that 

you'll be alright. 

-------------------

a talisman to ward off thoughts that a gentle nature is a sign of weakness - i don't know of anything stronger than an open, kind heart. 

release

 fragile strength talisman/release - mjd 2013

how deeply can you release?

there is a correlation, you know.

as much you can let go

is as deep and wide the well 

that can be filled. 

no, wait - 
there is no end to the filling, 
with release, 
you become limitless.

releasing leaves you open,

leaves you liberated,

leaves you vulnerable

and incredibly strong.

 fragile strength talisman/release - mjd 2013

release with an exhale

or

into the wind

the rain

flowing water

or an outgoing  tide.

as you eliminate

fear

anger

doubt

resentment

expectations

judgment

confusion

need for control

you are left with

yourself

in its most distilled

form.

you are left with 

love.

 fragile strength talisman/release - mjd 2013

love that is organic,

that grows 

and spreads

and connects us 

to all living things.

you are unlimited.

it began with a pouch

fragile strength talisman - mjd 2013

it began with the making of a pouch - 

thoughts of being able to keep that which you treasure close... but with the option of changing it, as our needs do not remain the same.

spiral carved into stone

the other side got a mandala.

to offer support on your way

i offer

wisdom (pearl)

clarity (crystal)

healing (ancient baltic amber)

balance - finding connection to earth and the infinite (stone)

connection to your inner voice (grey moonstone)

stitching and knotting and braiding - the necklace is made of linen, silk, cotton, muslin, with antique venetian glass beads and a few vesuvianite stones. 

a very meditative piece to make -