 Initially,
I played with the often-seen symbolism of the three dancing
maidens. But my mind seemed to balk, and my sketches felt
uninspired. After I discarded this image entirely, the exuberant
tree-being began to take root in my mind. I live in a northerly
region of Canada, and the recurring miracle of fresh green
growth bursting forth from apparently dead wood, followed
by blossoms and fruit, has particular significance for me.
It exemplifies the celebration of fruitful abundance associated
with the Three of Cups.
The image did not appear to me full-blown, but took shape
as I sketched. It seemed to draw itself. I felt lucky
and smiled-upon; this critter just wanted to be.
I tried to make the other foliage in the picture convey
an exultant, almost riotous feeling, using vivid colors,
which pop out from the dark background. Lots of beads
and sequins added a carnival gaiety. As I painted and
beaded the orange flowers, which have beads shooting off
in all directions, I was actually thinking of small, joyful
explosions, like fireworks.
"Three" is the number of completion or fruition,
and when things are flowing naturally, it is the inevitable
result and product of duality, or "Two" (as
in man, woman, and child). While the Cups are said to
contain the wine of life, in this case I couldn't resist
making it Champagne, complete with iridescent bubbles.
Connie Maria Plieger
Prince George, BC, Canada
Website: Textile Art
by Connie Maria Plieger
All text and images copyright
© Tarot Art Quilt Project 2003. All rights reserved.
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