I enter a small, dimly lit shop, which has a surprisingly magical atmosphere. The proprietor is nowhere in sight, and there is only a small counter and a couple of shelves holding ritual objects. Hanging in the middle of the space is a large mask, resembling a Balinese spirit, perhaps, but more skeletal. It is decorated with masses of fiber art hanging like skeins of hair. A rather vertebral string of decorated bones counterbalances the wild headdress, looking like a spine. It is a gorgeous yet terrifying work of art which has a palpable presence. I feel a chill which is less of fear and more of recognition, and the phrase, “Beyond the bones,” comes to mind. Beyond the bones, beyond the bony framework, the skeleton is wrapped in radiant layers of invisible, shimmering energy, connecting everything and creating the worlds. I feel invited to participate, and that somehow, merely apprehending this invitation is already participation.
Wow! Compare with Hendrix: “Axis”. Reminds me a lot of that mask you made at Esalen. Setting in a shop, the commercial world, but totally overwhelming it in its own space.. are you considering making that mask??? Dove*
When you get a spare minute, could you elaborate on that Hendrix connection? It is eluding me. I had thought I might make a sketch of the mask to illustrate the post, but you point out what should be obvious to me: Make the mask!
My vision of Jimi’s Axis is the whole glorius, horrendous, sparkling universe spinning on an axis which is himself. Your “beyond the bony framework the skeleton is wrapped in radiant layers of invisible, shimmering energy, connecting everything and creating the worlds.” appears to me to be looking at the same thing. Also, it seems a very uncontaminated view.
This vision of yours also touches upon my eternal comment/question: It’s not who am I, it’s what am.
“Here we are 93 million miles from a star, etc. as sung by athena in MNRD 2. bd*