"Bright and Beautiful, Spirit of God" Framed & Matted 24" x 36", 16" x 20" Open Edition print 16" x 20" Digitally Signed by Artist

This piece goes along with my series of, Emily Dickinson Poetry-Made Art-by Pondell

On a Columnar Self-

How ample to rely

In Tumult - or Extremity -

How good the Certainty

That Lever cannot pry -

And Wedge cannot divide

Conviction - That Granite Base -

Though none be on our side -

Suffice Us - for a Crowd -

Ourself - and Rectitude -

And that Assembly - not far off 

From furthest Spirit - God -

Description,

     Only Emily Dickinson could spin God and a Column together.  As I was thinking about this poem a couple images came to mind. First, the New American Pope, because when he comes out to speak to the people he is flanked by massive columns on either side of him. Here is a short clip to give you an idea of the massive grand scale of these columns. Pope Leo XIV: Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes 1st American pope 

Second, was the Hall of Philosophy at Chautauqua in New York.  An Architects website on the building Both of these items are very grand in scale

     I am thinking about this poem, sitting on my back patio which is held up by columns, one has a small gap at the top where birds make a nest. I watch them fly in and out of their home. It is like Emily Dickinson herself tapped me on the shoulder.  This could not have been a more perfect column for this Emily Dickinson poem.  Which is about finding the sacred within.  These birds building their home and raising their children - is a sacred event that I am fortunate to witness.  It is also the sacred stillness when  you meditate sitting up right like a column going within so as not to be disturbed by the crowd and chaos that ensues in our everyday world.

     There is so much chaos in this world, so much violence, bullying, and abuse, and the saddest part is so many people do it in the name of God, in the name of “their religion" . Many people are so dogmatic about their religion. It makes them feel, “How Good the Certainty”. When you are certain there is no questioning, your conviction is as solid as a “Granite Base-” I love the line, “Though none be on our side -” That is how I feel so often when someone is going on and on about how great their God is and how they have been saved by Jesus Christ, so sure and “Certain”.  Fortunately I grew up in a household that did not think questioning your beliefs was a sin but rather a healthy journey to your own sacred discovery of “God”.

     I want to personally thank my Family and Friends for your support during this time. If you don’t know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I am coming up on my second surgery, July 28th. I also want to thank all the amazing nurses I have come in contact with, and my team of Bad Ass Doctors!!!!  I did this piece  while recovering from surgery, this piece is an example of my peaceful spiritual existence, (God).  It is how I feel when surrounded by such amazing love!

hanging hardware included