Diane Clapes

In January, Jane led a White Stone Ceremony via Zoom. It was a moving, emotional, and inspirational meeting. The significance of the white stone had its beginnings during Roman times and is mentioned in the Bible in the book of Revelation. The stone can symbolize new beginnings, freedom from bondage, and friendship among other things. Each community member in our White Stone Ceremony was asked to consider and meditate or pray on a word that would be significant to her in the year 2022. This word would be written on a stone.

I listened carefully as 40 women revealed their words and shared their desires for the new year. I was surprised and delighted that each word chosen by someone else had relevance and meaning for me. Hearing the emotion and sentiment in the voices of the other participants was compelling.

In my piece, Intentions, the cherished words declared by the participants are written in gold paint highlighted with gold leaf to symbolize their sacredness. The color blue was chosen because it symbolizes peace, stability, tranquility, and trust. I chose green for its meaning of good luck, generosity, and renewal.

The background is hand-dyed fabric. Commercial, painted, and re-purposed fabrics are used for the “blocks.” They are hand stitched to the background and all parts are heavily frayed to evoke a feeling of rawness, incompleteness, and imperfection.

My Seeker archetype challenges, encourages, and motivates me to search for my best self - my highest intentions in my creative journey and in all aspects of my life. My Seeker was deeply affected by the ceremony and this piece of art reflects how I felt while taking part in the 2022 White Stone Ceremony.

Intentions 2022 45” x 38” Mixed Media Textile NFS dianem.clapes@gmail.com Dianeclapes.com