Romany Rivers is the first author/poet in my Pagan Artists blog series. Welcome Romany.
My art is inspired by my connection to the Divine, both within and without, and by the wonder of the world around us. I see the interplay of elements, colours, and energy, and I try to portray that within each brushstroke. I see my art as Pagan because I am, and my art is an extension of myself. However my art can be quite abstract and open to interpretation, so it gives others the chance to connect in their own way.
Why do you feel there is a need for Pagan-centric art?
I feel there is a need for all art, not specifically Pagan-centric art. Socially, Pagan-centric art is becoming more acceptable which opens up opportunities artists may not have had previously. I feel that by portraying our inspirations in an honest manner, regardless of which spiritual path you walk, you are honouring yourself, honouring the divine, and honouring those who connect with your creativity. In my opinion, it is all about living our truth.
What has been the response to your work?
I don’t push my art out into the community in a big way, but people still seem to find it when they need it. So far, people have always been very receptive and communicative about my art – which is wonderful. I love that people can make their own connections with each piece, and that they feel comfortable telling me about it. Canvases, jewellery and masks seem to have a way of finding themselves new owners with little input from me, which tells me that the response to my art genuinely comes from the heart.
From a dark mind to a light heart, a poetical journey of emotional and spiritual self-discovery throughout the years.
This book chronicles a very personal journey through the years overcoming severe bouts of depression and consequently creating a more holistic and spiritual lifestyle. The chapters Red Letters, Return to Sender and Addressee Unknown reveal periods of depression and anxiety; anger and healing; and acceptance and spiritual growth. The words in these pages were not written for mass consumption. They were not artfully crafted for reading aloud in dim rooms to a soundtrack of clicking fingers and Parisian style applause. They were not intended as political statements or a way of reaching other wayward wandering souls. Over the last two decades they were poured, purged, scribbled and spat onto scraps of paper, napkins, backs of hands, into empty pages and blank spaces of other books. At times of sorrow, frustration, confusion, acceptance and joy these words made sense of the minds muddled meanderings. Within these pages you will find heart breaking, heart healing honesty that crosses the divide and touches the souls of others.
Published by Moon Books, 2014. E-book and hardcopies will be available online and in stores in early 2014. Please contact Romany through www.RomanyRivers.com if you would like to purchase an author signed copy upon release.
Excerpt:
Rose Petals
I fell to the earth
Upon roses made of thorns
Through the cloying fragrance and clawing dance
I learned to stand barefoot
And count every star in the sky
I stood under infinity
For but a second it seemed
And then I heard a song
It sang of love, loss, bittersweet razorblades of wisdom
It tasted salty to my tongue
Cold to my skin
Dry to my throat
But I breathed in every note
Until the razorblades heated molten through my bones
I jumped, skipped, stamped, clapped
And became the heart beat, drum beat
Violent and unafraid
Blazing, brazen, bold and brave
Frenzied I called out to the icy stars, the hare in the Moon
And stared down the Sun
Until my throat was sore
My eyes red raw
And my skin cracked under the intense heat
Then the tears of freedom became more than a release
Water to cleanse
Purify
Protect within the womb
Wash out the infected wound
Clear the air and nurture the growing life around us
I was dirty, sunburnt, sore, wrung out, wretched, wet and unable to speak
I was no longer afraid
I wrung out my hair and it smelt of rose petals
Romany Rivers ©2013
Romany Rivers is a poet, an author, an artist, Pagan Priestess and co-founder of Moon River Wicca in England. As a resident poet on Moon Books Blog, you can read monthly poetry contributions and keep informed of Romany's upcoming books, Poison Pen Letters to Myself and The Woven Word. Romany also contributes regularly to a variety of magazines, ezines and blogs, and has contributed to several Pagan books due for release in 2014. Romany is also well known for her previous award winning holistic centre and her work in the holistic health community as a Reiki Master and Tarot Reader. Romany moved from the south of England and now resides in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and two children pursuing dreams of a sustainable, family focused and rural lifestyle whilst providing holistic and family support services to the community.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
www.RomanyRivers.com
https://www.facebook.com/RomanysArt?ref=hl
http://moon-books.net/blogs/moonbooks/category/poetry/romany-rivers/