Coming Together

He and She come together,
Perfect fit.

Strength and sensuality
Pregnant with possibility.

Like a ball in socket
A hand in water.

No seams, no creases

by Cheryl McDonald © 2003

If you would like to listen to me read this poem, please click below.

Did you ever look at paintings by Rene´ Magritte? He was a Belgian Surrealist, mid-twentieth century, who often painted disparate ordinary objects in atypical settings out of context to each other as well as the setting. His goal was to throw the viewer a little off balance and challenge your preconceived notions on things and places and their relationships and meaning. Often these were comical and quirky, I love his work very much.

In the early 2000’s I saw an exhibit of his work in Los Angeles and I loved it. At the time I was also reading Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, my two favorite philosophers, and became more interested in dreams and symbols within our dreams. Partly because I was doing all of these quirky pencil drawings that were initiated by dreams. I was also part of an artist collective in Long Beach where we would get together and discuss ideas and art. My mind was racing all the time and I loved every minute of it.

My pencil paintings started to evolve a little. Less figurative and more symbolic. Coming together was created during that time. Again the imagery and the poetry came from a dream I credit to Georg, my muse. The poetry has been handwritten around the edge of the drawing.

The concept of masculine vs. feminine and how they come together in self and in relationship with the opposite is the basis for this painting. Blending characteristics within objects and how they relate to each other. Yin and Yang becoming one.

There is a lot of discussions these days about male and female. What’s appropriate to share or not, fears being stoked about turning out wrong.

The truth is we are all masculine and feminine traits blended together in our own recipe creating the unique person that we are. We are the judge of what is right and we shouldn’t have to meet a benchmark of girl or boy and we also don’t need to force any discussion or behavior on those around us. We need to be tolerant of others and allow them to bloom. The world needs each of us and the talents and gifts we have been given. We all have a place.
When I was in Sunday school I heard a phrase that made a lot of sense to me and it still does. “God doesn’t make junk”

For many people the pandemic was a time of self-discovery as well as a time of fear and pain. There is so much creativity emerging, much of it comes from both fear and personal development/understanding plus all the technology available gives us all an incredible access to sharing as well as consuming it. It is an exciting time to be alive. Yes often overwhelming but that is part of the excitement.

I am so happy to have the opportunity to share my art and my thoughts with you and I always appreciate your comments and enjoy the discussion of your ideas as well.

Thanks for being here, and Have a safe and happy day.
Cheryl

Coming Together is a graphite and colored pencil painting done on Stonehenge toned paper. The original and prints are available on my website. Each purchase of this artwork also includes a printed copy of the poem.