The Library

Articles about Possibility, Purpose, Sovereignty & the Sacred.

The Shaman of Sacrificial Hope

The next painting in my Shaman Series. Its essence? Pure expectant endurance. Some call it 'Faith.'

This is a new piece in my Shaman series called “The Shaman of Sacrificial Hope.” I’ve had it finished for a little while but just haven’t had a chance to share it yet.

The background is done in darker purples and rusts with a bright spot of gold tinged with dark red. The reds dominate the top with the primary headpiece and the rose petal fragment in the upper left corner.

This painting is more somber perhaps than many of the other pieces, but also more steadfast. Damaged maybe, like the leaf wing, but unwavering.

With grayish brown and dark elements, it speaks of the enduring effort we continually give to Life, even when we don’t feel like our efforts matter.

The truth is, though, Life is worth all hopeful effort we sow into and sacrifice for it. Even if it’s the hardest thing we ever do.

While in process.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1

The size is 5 x 7, a bit smaller than most of the other paintings I’ve done. I keep experimenting with smaller canvases. Currently, I’m working on one that’s 4 x 6, but I think maybe that’s the limit. Interestingly, the smaller I’ve gone, the more I notice I’m frustrated by the creative process.

Useful information to have as a creator.

I’m always pushing the creative edges of where I’ve gone so I know where to go next.

 

If something keeps not working, then I know it’s not ideal for me.

What I find I’m eager to try next is scaling up … and seeing just how large I can go and still enjoy the process. I love trying things out. You never know what you’ll find out about how your work wants to come into this world.

The frame is handmade wood in a dark walnut stain. I love these wide-edged pieces on smaller works. It really adds a beauty and gravitas. Currently, I’m using a supplier on Etsy, but I’d love to experiment with making my own frames. It could get ugly <smile>, but it could also get amazing. And less cost prohibitive.

If you’re interested in this piece, just direct message me on Facebook or send me a message through the Contacts page of this site. The cost of the painting is $85 plus shipping. I’m in the process of setting up Stripe for easy online payment processing, working to streamline everything as I go.

That way, I have more resources and focus for creating. Which is what I want for all creators whatever their niche.

The world needs more authentic art bringing its wise and healing truth to the masses.

Blessings!

Photo Credits: Myself, Unsplash.com or Canva.com unless otherwise stated.

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About the Author

Julie Franks Murray is an artist, writer & personal transformation coach. Over a decade ago, she succumbed to her own crucible experience where every single one of her inherited beliefs went through the white-hot fire of honest inquiry. After years of inner wrestling, she emerged reformed and now offers an unconventional, liberating, yet practical perspective on what it means to stand in personal sovereignty while bowing before the Great I AM.

Julie loves the provocative wisdom found in Creation, lively spiritual traditions, philosophy, archetypal psychology, and the catastrophic beauty of everyday life. She lives in southern Oklahoma with her husband, artist Keith Murray, two dog-daughters and one very pissy cat named Zachary. She can be found binge-watching tiny house videos, trying to get her novel out of the ditch, & losing herself in the study of the Akashics.

Soul Alchemy is the process of making the inner truth conscious.

JULIE FRANKS MURRAY