Recently I have been drawn to the symbolism surrounding Vessels and have been experimenting with the motif of various types of vessels in my sketchbook and art journals. I have been playing with mono printing techniques, negative space painting, making my own stamps and stencils and with collage in my sketchbook to further explore and abstract the vessel motif.

Here are some of my thoughts around vessels and why they have been appearing in my artwork recently:

• at my work place, The platform Gallery in Clitheroe we have an excellent exhibition highlighting Northern potters and so at work I am surrounded by many vessels of various shapes and sizes.
• For me the symbol of a vessel signifies in my psyche the image of the self. During summer I have been “filling up my cup” with experiences and inspiration- refilling what was my empty vessel and the importance of attending to one’s own needs before giving to others.
• I have been looking at the self as a sacred container (vessel) and the importance of replenishment and boundaries- how you can fill up your vessel but you also must pour out of it to connect to others. There is a balance between what you let in and what you let out.
• The vessel as a symbol for me also links to other symbols of containment, protection and refuge such as nests, wombs and lush full places in nature where creatures can hide such as thick walls of ivy or undergrowth.
• Vessels can be linked to ancient cultures like ancient Greece. The symbol of the ancient Greek vase shape can conjure up ideas of balance, symmetry, pleasing curves and can also be associated with womb- like containment.
• Sacred- vessels give off an essence of sacredness. In various cultures and media Vessels often contain magic potions, elixirs and secrets causing them to have spiritual or symbolic weight.

What symbols have you been drawn to recently either in your day to day life or your creative explorations? Let me know in the comments!