The koi are a symbol of strength, perseverance, luck, prosperity, abundance, harmony and long life. In asian mythology the koi spend their life fighting up the Yangtze river. If they survive the journey, they become a dragon of good helping those that helped them.
I figured the best way to begin this blog was with a strong symbol. One to bring in all those elements listed above.
Also, being born the year of the dragon I'd like to consider myself transformed. I have had many many experiences and people help me greatly all my life along this twisting and unexpected path as an artist and person. So now, I feel it is my duty, right and great privilege to return this favour, as the legend of the Koi transformed to Dragon implies.
So how do I plan to do this with a humble artist's babbling blog? It seems a very simple idea for me. I have this dream of helping to promote and showcase artists of like mind with me.
Who I am ( or at least the image I give) is plastered all over my little bios on various social networks and on line portfolios and shops. It is here too. So I don't feel a need to repeat it again and again. One may think I have a huge ego. Well, okay, I have a healthy one I have anxiously nurtured over the years.
So again, back to my dream. It starts with the name of My Etsy Shop. The Black Tulip. That reference is from a public room I have on the 3d chat program imvu. The reason I chose that name for that room was because of a poem I love. It spoke to me and my "gothy" vibes.
" Between the dark and the daylight,when the night is beginning to flower,comes a pause in days occupation, That is known as the Black Tulip hour "
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow~
So cool huh?
Anyway, my dream.
To gather and help promote like minded artists in a virtual AND outerworld gallery. Outerworld is a fond term for the life outside of this cyber one. What most people call " Real Life". All of this is "real" so, that term is too misleading. I came to use that term Outerworld thanks to my Beloved.
What would be considered like minded artists? Well, I can't just say Gothic or dark or vampyric or pagan or spiritual , etc etc etc....that is too narrowing but that is a basic start.
Yes, I want other "goth" artists. Yes, I want others who follow the aesthetic of the classic Victorian Gothic vampyre ideal. Yes I want pagan and/or pagan friendly types. Yes, I want eco warriors, mystics, shamans, spiritualists, theologians...of all walks of life and religions that share a common thread.
Is this asking too much? Well, no. I don't really think so.
This is a project that will grow organically and of its own pace. As eager as I am to see something "tangible" I know I have to move at the Universe's speed. It knows best. It always does.
For now, I will be content to show off my work and ethics and those I love and admire around me in the artistic field.
It is a humble start, but all acorns grow into trees eventually with a bit of help.
I'd best end this post now or ramble on like a brook.
Please, feel free to leave comments, ideas, questions...I don't mind what. Just SOME kind of feedback. It is an energy I thrive on and need for this monumental project.
Until later,
PAX
Kristof