Look into the Scrying Bowl

see a vision of a mythic world . . . I have always imagined the purpose of art is not only to portray the vision of the artist, but to inspire within the mind and imagination of the audience a vision of their own.  Through the centuries, in art, we have been given a chance to let our souls wander; to create a passion for religious zeal, intellectual pursuit, or an appreciation of love and beauty.  Now in these dark faithless times, fantasy art gives us hope, lost from a distant era, to believe in and see what is good in all of us; honor, strength, love, loyalty, wisdom, and yes, even magic.  This page is dedicated to those who create this art from their inner vision, and share it with those of us who so thankfully appreciate it.

Note: these pictures are from my collection of many years over the internet.  Never anticipating their use on a website I failed to record the artist's details.  Please email me so that I may give credit, if you have any information.  To my knowledge these pictures were all in the public domain when downloaded.

Elemental Art

I think of fantasy art as being tuned in to the most inherent elements in our nature, and the most essential of our human needs.  It seems each picture appeals to a vision of some characteristic of the human race, or some vital spiritual requirement deeply-rooted in our psyches.  I have separated my collection into the Elements each picture inspires most deeply within me when I view it.

DEVOTION When I look at these pictures I see ladies in love, completely taken with their heart's desire, enraptured at the slight touch of his hand, and gentle words. As one Lady returns from a secret trysting place in the forest, another pines for the lad gone away, perhaps into battle, and longs for his return.

COURAGE Courage is integral in human spirit and not the sole domain of either gender. Through history women displayed their courage in many ways, if not identical then equal, to the courage of valiant men.  The act of birthing itself is indicative of courage.  In these times courage is not vanished, as witnessed on 9/11, but the comforts of our lives have courage lying dormant, asleep until needed.

FREEDOM Not sure about you but the sight of a naked fairy flitting about brings thoughts of complete freedom to mind (of course, I'm not a guy). Mankind's fascination with the freedom of flight & intelligent bird-like creatures sailing along in the breeze, with the absolute freedom & confidence required to live without clothing, indicates an almost utopian idea of existence without any form of bondage.  Which brings me to the next subject . . .

BUTTOCKS Women need to know there are buttocks like these out there.  No, I am just kidding, the real topic is . . . UTOPIA It seems to me that beings of faith and hope have an almost obsessive need to believe in the existence of somewhere, or some TIME, a utopian society.  I know, I am one of those believers.  Whether it be Atlantis of our pre-history, Camelot of the distant past, or the Star Trek or Christ-ruled Millenium of the future, most of us need to believe that a world free of disease, hatred, hunger, and war is possible, and that it has happened and will happen again.

POWER Few have it; most seek it, if no more than the power to control their own destiny.  For me, more power would give me all the other things I desire, freedom to write and take pictures.  Freedom to spend my time in activities I enjoy instead of making someone else wealthier-be it a corrupt CEO or a group of get-rich-quick-seeking stockholders.  In times past power was gained through wealth, royal favor, knowledge, religious zeal, and even through times of battle, having the greatest of sheer . . . .

FEROCITY I suppose this is an offshoot of power but ferocity is an ability separate unto itself.  Or perhaps not an ability as much as an energy within. From what I have read in historical novels and works of non-fiction, those who display the most intense ferocity in battle are usually those who love life the most intensely.  This follows logic as the most ferocious of warriors never fought for ideaologies, wealth, or land, but for the most base of instincts, survival. Though some would look on this trait as one to be avoided and the domain of only our base animal natures, I believe ferocity has its place in our lives, when controlled and properly directed.  Life and the elements themselves lend to constant conflict, and without ferocity the side of right can be defeated. .

SENSUALITY Far beyond mere sexuality, SENSE-uality is the true appreciation of the world around us, undeveloped in so very many.  A sensual person seeks out and cherishes stimulation and relishes the simplest sensations in life.

A sensual person wanders off alone in the woods, sitting on a rock in silence for an hour to enjoy the bird calls, the breeze rustling the pines, the scent of the moss and pine, and the babbling of a rocky brook. A sensual person plays in the bedroom, finding the journey more fulfilling than the destination.  A sensual person lingers over a 1984 Valpolicella, or seedless sweet herb, or a ride in a convertable along CA Hwy 1. A sensual person plays in the snow and puts their tongue out to taste a snowflake.  Sensual people know how to have fun and enjoy life.  Just like Fairies.

ADMIRATION One of the most-overlooked but essential of human needs is to praise and be praised.  Let's have a show of hands for anyone who has quit a decent-paying job because the boss always rode your butt and never showed any gratitude for your efforts.  There is a common theory put about that men require the admiration of women and that throughout history more wars were fought for this motive than any other. Women also need admiration and these days, expect it.  A simple "Honey I'm home!" isn't cutting it any more gentlement!

LOYALTY

This attibute is in shorter supply now than in any other time in history, I think.  People are so cynical, and have such difficulty believing in any one with confidence.  Companies, governments, religions, and "leaders" have all let us down so often and so greatly, because the standards of leadership and success are so low.  Where once honor, honesty, and courage were required for leadership or success, sheer wealth, cunning, and luck have won out.  But there was an age when loyalty was not so rare, and a man or woman would give their life for something or someone they believed in.

NOBILITY Not sheer title and lands inherited at birth, true nobility is to show greatness of character, to set high standards for oneself and to have and LIVE high moral ethics and ideals.  I found this type of nobility perfectly portrayed in the films "Rob Roy" with Liam Neeson, and in "The Patriot," with Mel Gibson.

INNOCENCE Innocence is much more than lack of experience, and the experienced are not necessarily guilty.  I have met children I'd not call "innocent" and very experienced men and women that still retain an air of innocence. How would I define this elusive quality?  Innocence is a lack of guile and malice.  True innocence knows no age, but lives in all with a child's heart.  Jesus told us to approach God as little children.  I think He meant that innocence is humility, giving, caring, and open-hearted trust, loving without fear.

FAITH

CURIOUSITY

FRIENDSHIP

FAITH- I have known atheists in my life.  Those I've known were depressing, depressed people, with no sense of purpose and no great hope or motivation.  There may be a breed of atheist out there that is highly intellectual and civically-minded, but it is my belief that most people without a belief in SOME type of higher power lack meaning in life and hope for the future. CURIOUSITY- we all know what happens when you step inside a fairy ring, but how many of us wouldn't do it anyway, if we stumbled upon one in a wood some dark night.  Curiousity is what finds new continents, invents new machines, and turns this planet into a Global Community. FRIENDSHIP- Without this we have no one to tell us when we are wrong, to stimulate our thought processes, or to comfort us in sorrow and strengthen us in times of vulnerability.  A true friendship is a partnership with both parties giving and taking eequally.  I have been blessed with many in my life. "Lean on me, when you're not strong . . ."

TRANQUILITY A commodity even a Wall Street stockbroker values, I imagine. Most of us do not spend enough tranquil time in our lives, letting too many pressures and agendas rush in to absorb our time and energy.  That is why we are ill, do not sleep well, have increased dissatisfaction with ourselves and our world, and constantly seek to fill the void with possessions that more tranquil time in meditation and simple peace would bring. Tranquility is the key to self-awareness and without it our priorities will constanly be out of sync with our souls.

HARDSHIP

MYSTERY

DANGER

to keep us aware

to strengthen our will

to stimulate our minds

MAGIC ! ! Without it life is as dull as our wits will become.  Without magic one has no imagination, and is truly old, no matter the age.

AND LASTLY, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, LOVE . . . What are we without love?  What is this world?  This life we live?  I'd be a fool to try to explain why we all need love, and any who need that explanation are fools as well. "And three things remain, faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians Chapter 13