Carl Jung, Butterflies, and a Canadian Peace Dove

Quoting Carl Jung and displaying the essence of his quote is no small accomplishment. Alicia M. Ballard from Canada has done both- on her artistically feathered blog called simply The Terra Studios. As Jung wrote, "Art is a kind of innate drive that seizes a human being and makes him its instrument." That fits Alicia - and her work - perfectly.

Many of you catch sight of her wings fluttering around the blogosphere on a daily basis. She often signs her comments with 'blessings' and uplifting thoughts. I decided to find out what makes those wings fly. (Title: Red-Winged Butterfly)

And it took one look at an original watercolour she'd posted on her site to understand.

It's about love.

Simply, this painting jolted me. Something about it moved me. (ie: first painting at top entitled Earth One Series A) Just like many writers I know - choosing to "cross the divide" into your own psyche and vulnerabilities for others to see - is something Alicia M. Ballard struggles with, as Jung's work defined. As I've discovered in my own work, leaving a visible and viable bleeding path for others to follow your journey - is what keeps art, and artists, alive. That previous vulnerability can be seen in the richness of hue and every reticent brushstroke.

Complete immersion in one's art is the salvation - and genius- of originality. That takes courage. She knows something about that too. You must read her riveting account of life as a child during the Hungarian revolution. In commemoration of the 1956 Uprising which led to the fall of the Communist regime - a series she plans to expand - the depth of Alicia's experience there is evident in her work. More importantly, she has chosen to let the memories seep into her paintings.

Actually, I'd define it as splash of Spirit.

She is in much demand in her Canadian city of White Rock, British Columbia with exhibits scheduled well into next year. The Exhibition and Sale of some of her work can be found on her blog and has been extended online until October 2009. These are just a few examples. Do yourself a favor and leisurely walk through her online gallery posts and take in everything. (Title: Water)

Find out what she's been up to (something about an octopus)since she contributed this beautiful peace dove for the very first BlogBlast For Peace in 2006. I am honored to have a peace globe flying in her beautiful space.

Her work speaks for itself.
It will feed your soul.

Fly on little peace dove.

Note: Original watercoulors by © Alicia M. Ballard, Canada, Terra Studios.