The water table
As a land swells in flood and retreats as it dries out, so it is with the human body, mind and spirit. We are constantly expanding and contracting - how we breathe, our journey through our time here, and the learning and un-learning which comes from the experiences life presents.
After local flooding a land’s water table rises causing springs to form, these in turn may become the source of a river. The human body when seen as a mirror of nature, or placed within the rhythm of nature also may be seen to contain a water table. Given that we are predominately made of water, when the body experiences an out-pouring of emotion, its water levels seemingly rise in waves to the surface. This sudden release of energy be it through joy or sorrow, in time creates a sense of calm. So it is that all storms pass, and floods recede with time.
In ‘The water table’ [Oil, copper leaf on board, 3ft 8” x 5ft 6”] a figure clad in copper armour stoops to peer into a pond of its own making. In this moment of contemplation, the figure notices new growth rising from the banks of the pond. Witness to the figure’s awakening, and an unseen aid to this, an angel points to the pond beneath.
One often recognises ones own healing when the infinite catches our attention. So although the crouching figure presented in ‘The water table’ recalls the motif of Narcissus, the figure here has come through a time of self-reflection and now having become aware of nature’s growth externally, in time sees this blossoming reflected in itself. Thus perspective shifts from preoccupation with the self to an expansive view of life.
Images and text © Copyright control David Begley 2010.
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