Santa Teresa of Avila

“But always when I was without a book, my soul would at once become disturbed, and my thoughts wandered. As I read, I began to call them together again and, as it were, laid a bait for my soul”

~Teresa of Ávila, The Life of Saint Teresa of Ávila by Herself

I had not read these lines when I first met Saint Teresa of Avila in the pages of her book, Interior Castle. But discovering this thought later on made it clear why I was drawn to her works in the first place.

Inspired to Create

This painting is my attempt to capture the feeling behind Santa Teresa’s words: “Nada te turbe, nada te espante todo se pasa.” / “Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass.”  — A perfect response to the situation the world is in right now.

Light radiates from the water droplet about to fall from the tap. The reflected light in the eye of the gecko shows that it too is an integral part of this space. Santa Teresa uses the image of reptiles to represent challenges that impede our search for truth. Acknowledging their existence is one of the first steps to peace.

I have attempted to create a space representing our world. The decorative tiles on the fountain show the presence of humankind. Angels’ Trumpets, among the most toxic ornamental plants, occupy the same space as fiery Birds of Paradise. Ours is a world where opposites serve as a counter balance to each other. Wherever we can maintain a balance between extremes, that is where we find peace.

Following my Muse through Magic Realism

It has taken decades of creating with images and words to arrive at the place that I now occupy, figuratively and physically. My creative muse resides in Spain and I have chosen to follow her here. This is where I have found a balance between divisive positions created by well intentioned systems of belief. This is my place of peace.

Click here to find out more about Santa Teresa of Avila

“But always when I was without a book, my soul would at once become disturbed, and my thoughts wandered. As I read, I began to call them together again and, as it were, laid a bait for my soul” ~Santa Teresa of Avila

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For more on strong women and creative arts see: Djakou Kassi Nathalie, the Ceramic Artist