Happy Earth Day!

Shakti: "Love"

“There are as many forms of love as there are moments in time.”
- Jane Austen

 This article outlines 15 different types of love, and countless other essays, speeches, books and articles have explored this topic, since the beginning of human history.
We are fascinated with Love because it's powerful stuff.  The thrilling temporary insanity of new romantic love, the heart-melting (and ferocious) bond of maternal love, the sometimes suicidal love for tribe, faith or country.  Love has the power to inspire us to behave in ways that may seem extreme or irrational - with great enthusiasm!

There have been many studies and writings that explain the biological and evolutionary motivations for love. There are even more artistic explorations of the topic.  Sociology studies have found that about 60% of contemporary pop songs are about love.  The vast majority of films include some kind of love story, a trend in popular entertainment stretching back to the days of the ancient Greeks.  Countless books have been written about it, from love stories to philosophical treatises to "how to" manuals.

It's a topic that's near and dear to our hearts, and the heart has long been associated with love.  In earlier times, the bowels or loins were thought to generate feeling of lust and strong emotion, but by biblical times, the heart was commonly considered the source of such feelings. These days, this notion is largely considered a poetic contrivance, but new scientific studies suggests that the heart does indeed play a role in emotional processing, communicating with the brain neurologically (through the transmission of nerve impulses), biochemically (via hormones and neurotransmitters), biophysically (through pressure waves) and energetically (through electromagnetic field interactions), which significantly effects the brain's activities.

The Dalai Lama said: "Compassion and love are not mere luxuries. As the source both of inner and external peace, they are fundamental to the continued survival of our species."
Compassion is the "understanding or empathy for the suffering of others. It is regarded as a fundamental part of human love, and a cornerstone of greater social interconnection and humanism —foundational to the highest principles in philosophy, society, and personhood."
Practicing compassion has been a cornerstone of every major religion for thousands of years, and science has produced plenty of reasons for the wisdom of this.  
Compassion has been proven to make us feel good.  Empathy and altruism increases production of oxytocin, which has been linked to feelings of well-being, stress reduction, improved would healing, overcoming fears, increased generosity, emotional bonding and improved memory function.
Developing and practicing a compassionate attitude is a surefire way to increase your level of happiness and reduce suffering.
 While the ego-centric concept "every man for himself" was celebrated during the Industrial Revolution, seemingly supported by Darwin's astonishing new theories of Natural Selection, a huge amount of data collected since then has shown that altruism and cooperative behaviors are important factors in evolution and the survival of both individuals, species, and ecosystems. 

However we define or experience love in it's many forms, it is unquestionably an important aspect of our existence.  For many, it is the essential ingredient that makes life worth living.
 

I've expressed many aspects of love in this work from my Shakti Series.
The figure embraces herself, symbolizing self love and acceptance.
Her outstretched arms offer Compassion to her fellow human beings, and she gently reaches out to the flowers below, showing love for Nature and the global ecosystem.
The red roses are a symbol of romantic love.
Universal love is represented by a winged mandala depicting the Buddhist concept of the Universe, featuring the Ohm emblem of Universal Harmony.
On her headdress is a symbol that combines the heart and the infinity sign, expressing Eternal Love.

High quality fine art prints of this piece are available here:

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/love-cristina-mcallister.html

"A Deeper Love: Artful Hearts for Valentine's Day"

My "Heart of Wisdom Mandala" has been featured in a special Valentine's Day column by Huffington Post writer (not to mention artist, activist and Cosmic Sister) Zoe Helene!  The article and slideshow can be found at the link below: 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zoe-helene/valentines-day-hearts_b_2611772.html

It is a wonderful collection of truly beautiful and expressive arts and crafts exploring the form and symbolism of the heart shape. I can certainly appreciate Ms. Helene's suggestion to seek out Valentine's Day gifts that are unique, meaningful and that benefit artisans, and I'm honored to be included among such fine company.

It also includes an interesting short piece about the now-extinct Silphium plant, who's seeds are said to be an early inspiration for the heart symbol.

My "Heart of Wisdom Mandala" is available as a digital print, starting at around $24 here:
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/heart-of-wisdom-mandala-cristina-mcallister.html

There are also a couple of unique limited edition hand made prints of this design available for $100 here:
http://www.gypsymystery.com/collections/handmade-art-prints?page=2

Shakti: Shaman

I am a conduit;

A bridge between Worlds:

Heaven and Earth

Spirit and Flesh

Time and Timelessness

My Consciousness shifts, opens

To the Wisdom of the Spirits

The Healing of the Plants

The Teachings of the Animals

The Portents of the Stars

The Whispers of the Cosmos

I am Protector

Advisor

Healer

Guide

Reading the Pulse

Of the Eternal Heartbeat

Leading my People to Dance

In Harmony with the Sacred Rhythm

...

In tribal cultures all over the world, since the dawn of human society, shamans have served as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds.  Through many years of training and observation, they develop the wisdom to interpret omens and offer insight.  Through mystical, as well as practical means, they protect and guide their people.

Shamans commune with the Spirit Realm by altering their consciousness through ritual, dancing, chanting, meditating, and the use of sacred psychoactive plants.  In this altered state, they can access the dreamlike visions beyond the mundane world and communicate with beings that inhabit other planes of existence. This profound perspective offers them unique insight into the workings of the Universe, and allows them to guide their people to exist in harmony with the greater cosmos.

They are healers, teachers, counselors and ceremonial leaders, essential to the tribe’s wellbeing and communal identity.   

 This piece is a part of my Shakti Series.  It features a figure who is Human, Animal, Plant and Spirit.  She is marked with tattoos that grant her power and protection, and she cradles a Shaman’s Eye; a Native American symbol of wisdom and supernatural insight.

Prints of this image are available here.

Coming Soon to a Funky, Artsy Boutique Near YOU!

Do you know of a great little shop that our Shakti Pendants and Art Cards would be perfect for?  Please let us know! 

Past Year Contemplation: 2012

"Prosperity to All" in Latin, "Safe Journey" in Sanskrit, "To Life!" in Hebrew, "Eat, Drink and Be Merry" in Gaelic

I spent some time this morning thinking about the past year.

It was kind of a rough one for my family.  There was crisis and death.
There was fear, heartache, desperation and anger.  There were moments of weakness and doubt and worry and frustration that took me to dark places.  I’ve been reminded of the inevitability of my own mortality and the possibility of losing those I hold most dear.   I’ve become more aware of the ticking of the clock – of the hours of my life passing at a seemingly ever-accelerating pace, and the changes that aging brings.

But I also feel like this year has been one of significant learning for me – precisely because it has been so challenging.  I think that this year has taught me to learn from every experience – to be a student of my own life.  To see every event – the good, the bad, the random, the intentional – as an opportunity to observe myself and the world around me and try to understand it and myself better, and therefore learn to navigate and cope and contribute better.

I’ve been getting better at widening my perspective, seeing the greater patterns - overarching and underlying webs of cause and effect, of influence and unfolding processes.  The very real reality of how everything and everyone is connected.  How our thoughts shape our experiences, our behavior, our lives and the lives of all around us.  How the connections we perceive and the meanings we assign create our reality.  As I grok this more and more deeply, I realize how much power I have to consciously create and change my life.

I’m on the cusp of 40 years old, which seems to me a general half-way mark, if I live to old age.  Realizing that has given me a bit of a jolt; a kick in the pants to help propel me forward with plans and dreams I have been kind of vaguely puttering around with.  This realization coincides with other developments that have been slowly coalescing throughout my life, coming together in ways that I am only now beginning to be aware of.

Looking back, I start to glimpse the cycles of my life.  I realize that I have ups and downs.  I am mostly a positive and optimistic person, but at times I sink into depression, self doubt, paralyzing fear and procrastination.  It’s something I am slowly gaining more control over. Perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned about that aspect of myself is that it is always temporary.  I am starting to learn how to remain aware of that, even when I am in the darker places…to allow myself to ride it out, knowing that I will find my way back to the light. And to trust those who love me, and accept their comfort and reassurances when I cannot trust my own self-perceptions.  The more I practice this, the shorter the bad moods last, and the easier it is to shake them off.

Looking back, I see that I have failed over and over and over again.  Seriously – I have tried so many different things in my art career – and most of them have met with a tiny bit of success, but nothing close to recompense for the time, effort, money and energy invested.  Over and over and over again I have done this.

Strangely, at this point, this pattern does not indicate to me that I am a Failure.  What it tells me is that failure is not as scary as I once thought.
I am still here.
I am still trying.
And I’m better at what I do than I have ever been before.
This applies to my career, my relationships, my self-awareness and control.
Every failure teaches me something that I apply to the next attempt.  My failures haven’t broken me, or ruined my life or doomed me to misery. 
On the contrary, they have helped me build a better understanding of my self and the world that now guides me to navigate it with more confidence and determination than ever.

I have learned a lot this year, but I also know that I have much yet to learn.  I start to feel like I’ve got things All Figured Out, then I realize I am mistaken about something and am humbled and must admit my ignorance and helplessness. 
But that is the first step to further learning.  We must admit we have room to learn in order to be open to the teaching.

And I have many amazing teachers;  my family, my friends, my husband, the work of teachers and authors and speakers and filmmakers and artists who share their visions and ideas.  Even random strangers and brief encounters. The world itself, observed through personal experience and the ever-improving tools of science.  The sense of Wonder that drives me to soak it all in and put it all together like an amazingly complex and ineffably beautiful, ever-shifting puzzle.

I have many things I still want to improve in myself and my life- bad habits to break, good habits to install.  Dreams to catch and  fears to release.  I think this year I have found some tools with which to tackle those challenges.  I have a better sense of both my limitations and my potential.  At least I think I do!  :)

The world did not end in 2012.
Some say we have entered a New Age.  I don’t know if there is a Cosmic Calendar that moves us, but I do feel that I am, personally, entering a new age.  I think 2013 is going to be a year of unprecedented accomplishment for me.  I am determined to strive and to thrive, and to continue to learn.

And I hope that all of you will find the lessons and inspiration you need to move forward with strength and joy.  Thank you for your presence in my life.  <3
Happy New Year!

Shakti Art Pendants Now Available!

Express your Spirit with a sparkling Shakti Art Pendant!

"Earth Spirit" Art Pendant

 "Shakti" is a Sanskrit word that describes the sacred creative energy of the Universe in feminine form.  Shakti represents the balance of the dynamic forces that form our reality.  She embodies creativity, bliss, freedom and the manifestation of conscious awareness.

My new Shakti Art Pendants feature original artwork from my Shakti Series.
The initial release includes all four Elemental Shakti - Earth Spirit, Fire Spirit, Water Spirit and Air Spirit.  Each of these designs expresses the unique attributes associated with the Classical Elemental concepts, which are described on the back of the packaging, along with Zodiac and Chakra associations.

"Fire Spirit" Art Pendant

Perfect for expressing your own spirit, or for gifting to someone whom you feel embodies these traits.  Or perhaps there is an elemental attribute you wish to develop in yourself?  I've been wearing Earth Spirit a lot recently as I'm delving more into the business side of my career - to remind me to stay grounded and practical as I focus on growing and nurturing my business. 

Also available are Divine Life and Fleur De Lis - two Shakti designs that express reverence for Life, and the vital Connection between all living things (I confess that Fleur De Lis is my personal favorite!).

"Divine Life" Art Pendant

"Fleur De Lis" Art Pendant

Finally, my Metamorphosis Shakti represents the process of spiritual growth, the development of maturity and the fulfillment of personal potential.

"Metamorphosis" Art Pendant

Rectangular pendants are 1” wide by 2” tall, with an adjustable 24" chain with lobster claw clasp. Metamorphosis pendant is 1" square. They are made of a lead and nickle free zinc alloy with an antique bronze finish.  Artwork is printed on metallic paper to give it extra shimmer, and is protected by a glass tile with smooth, rounded edges, which gives them a dynamic, 3-dimensional effect.

Available now at the Gypsy Mystery Arts online shop!