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DESCRIPTION: The swan is the symbol of whitening, the albedo, in the alchemical "Great Work"; the lunar tincture -- the white elixir of alchemy. It is said that if it rises, "then life has vanquished death, then the king is resurrected." (- J. Pernetty, Dictionnaire mythohermetique, 1758). This painting, then, represents all the hope of a new day. In spiritual alchemy, or personal developement, the white swan is the representation of the first illumination of the soul, while still in contact with the physical realm, represented by the water ; the White Light of Spirit and Near Death Experiences.
Inspired by witnessing wild swans on the Hoquiam River in Washington State. The artist enjoyed using the controlled drip method to imitate the effect of a tree lined hill side in the background and the foreground "waters". The canvas surface is actually stained with whispers of color in areas, offering a softness to balance the powerful brush strokes of the bird.