 I chose "CenterPeace" as the visual representation of "Requiem for Fourteen Roses" partially because I have loved it for so long. If you look quickly, you see a beautiful geometric image, but if you take the time to look close you see the petals. "CenterPeace" is made completely from roses. I also like it for this project because it's a photo of roses that doesn't look like a greeting card. As it turns out, the artists created the image when they were on a healing journey of their own. I find that the more time I spend with the image in the context of creating "Requiem for Fourteen Roses", the more I find my focus moves from negative feelings associated with the event to a place of wholeness and healing and peace, which is just where we need to be moving after 25 years. What Bell & Todd have achieved with their image is what I am trying to accomplish with the music: not a forgiving and forgetting, but a remembering and acknowledging and a focus shift to community building, seeing the good in ourselves and each other, and recalling why we need each other. Husband & wife team Bonnie Gold Bell and David Sun Todd create healing art sourced in natural objects. In the case of "CenterPeace", they cut rose blossoms from their garden and placed them directly on their digital scanner to create a vibrantly beautiful mandala. Their artistic statement tells us: "Each Bell & Todd image begins with a photograph of Nature, remixed to reveal its inner glory. We use computer software as a tool for this visual alchemy. We often work with sacred geometries to create symmetrical mandalas and spiritual icons. Another style of our work features Nature scenes that open windows into the living world. Every image showcases Earth’s astounding palette and patterns, re-combined with reverence for her spirit. The colors and designs of the arts cover a wide gamut, and yet they all share the essence of joyful wonder." |
Below is Bonnie and David's meditation to accompany their mandala.
CenterPeace Meditation
This image is a mandala. That word, which comes from the Hindu tradition, means “sacred space”. Mandalas are balanced symmetrical images with a clear center point. Images like these create a visual focus that supports integration and harmony. When we gaze on this kind of image, our human brains use this pictorial data to help us center ourselves and integrate all the parts of our being into a coherent whole.
Start by taking a few deep breaths. As you gaze on the CenterPeace image, your breath will ease and your body will open, enabling the reception of blessing through your eyes.
This image is created from a photograph of multi-hued rose petals. Take in the colors and textures and patterns made by the petals. Connect with the radiant energy of Nature that comes through the flowers and draw it into your system.
While you are looking at the image, let yourself really feel it. See the CenterPeace image with your entire body from the vantage of your heart, rather than your head. Your eyes may close as your contemplation progresses. No problem. You can still “see” inwardly what is coming to you through the image. Your whole body can perceive the peaceful vibrations coming through this picture.
While you are looking at the image, let yourself really feel it. See the CenterPeace image with your entire body from the vantage of your heart, rather than your head. Your eyes may close as your contemplation progresses. No problem. You can still “see” inwardly what is coming to you through the image. Your whole body can perceive the peaceful vibrations coming through this picture.
As you gaze on the image, hear this message:
On a carmine field, a sphere of petals shines like a pastel sun. Both deep and soft, its rosy contours invite you in. Let the flowers lead you to your own heart-core. Refuge, haven, CenterPeace. May this mandala’s power be amplified by your regard and be a beacon of serenity for the world.
Image and words © 2000-2011 Bonnie Bell and David Todd
CenterPeace Mandala courtesy of www.bellandtodd.com
