Alison Bainbridge

My Magical Child forms the foundation for all my archetypes. It was a surprise to me that I had such a strong Magical Child as I had always focused on the shadow side of my Wounded/Abandoned Child. The more I reflected on the idea of my creativity and entered into discussion with myself, the CST community, and Jane, the clearer it became that she was present whenever clarity, joy and love were needed, whether in my art or in my life. My Magical Child lives in the light and always helps me find my next step. She makes me brave enough to seek an answer, to find what will work, what can be done and how to find her joy. Even when it can feel like no more than a droplet of joy, she will always share it with me. She is also helping to heal my Wounded/Abandoned child, which has been so badly needed. The inspiration for her came, initially, from an image on the cover of one of my favourite albums. I asked the photographer of the original image if he would allow me to base my piece on his photograph. He graciously gave me permission. I wanted a child of colours and light, her hands upturned to the Universe, open and receptive to the magic that unfolds in my artist practice. A butterfly came strongly as the form she would take, symbolizing for me transformation, freedom and inspiration.

I used metallics to convey the light in simple lines of stitches allowing the image/face to focus what I saw when I thought of my Magical Child. The spirals above her represent the light and ideas she brings to me.

I Still Have Faith In You 2022 14.5 X 11 inches Hand embroidery NFS