Sunday, July 26, 2015

Charles Bukowski Inspired Poetry from Thoughtopian

Some of my original poetry and artwork in my Thoughtopian shop is inspired by other authors and thinkers who stir something within me. Being a voracious reader for as long as I can remember, there are so many poets and thinkers who inspire me to create my own pieces, which I can then share with others at Thoughtopian.

Poet Charles Bukowski's poem "Bluebird" strikes a chord with me. It can be hard to let other people see our vulnerability. We walk around in this world with so many walls around us...so much fear of being really seen. What would happen if people really saw us? The very thought of it frightens us and sends us into our shells like scared turtles. In his novel "Steppenwolf," Hermann Hesse writes about how in so many interactions with other people we have to put up such a facade...he says that we strive to be "harmless"...to not say anything too out of the ordinary but to remain in this realm of mediocre politeness in which no real feeling, good or bad, is evoked. Even to say something deeply sincere and kind can be frightening...what will the other person think of me? That I'm weird? Too sentimental? Hitting on them?


In "Bluebird," Bukowski writes about his own vulnerability, which he characterizes as the "bluebird in my heart." He struggles with the desire to let his vulnerability show or to keep it all in....something so many of us struggle with.

I scribbled a few lines of poetry inspired by Bukowski and his bluebird. I juxtaposed the lines of poetry against a portrait of Bukowski himself. I offer this original work in my Thoughtopian shop - it can be found here. Thanks for letting me share this piece. It means a lot to me to express this feeling. If you're interested in reading some essays that I've written on similar topics, you can also find my work in the written word here.

Peace,
Astrid

Friday, July 24, 2015

Hamsa Pill Box Case from Thoughtopian

The below Thoughtopian pill box features a hamsa design that I created exclusively for the store.  It is available here in my Thoughtopian etsy shop.

The hamsa is an important symbol in many cultural traditions. It is referred to as the hamsa in Arabic but in Hebrew the hamesh. The hamsa symbolizes magical protection from the evil eye or the envious. It is commonly worn as an amulet of protection. It also symbolizes blessings and strength. Check out this design and similar ones in my Thoughtopian etsy shop.

Peace,
Astrid

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Wicca Pentacle Wiccan Mystical Witchcraft Cigarette Case from Thoughtopian

I enjoy creating original artwork for Thoughtopian art that is inspired by occult and mystical traditions. For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by all things spiritual and metaphysical, especially earlier conceptions. I offer many original mystically inspired artworks as art prints in my store.

However, I also have a philosophy that we should be able to enjoy art in everyday objects, not just on walls. As such, I offer some products in my Thoughtopian store that feature my original artworks. The cigarette case pictured below is inspired by witchcraft and wiccan traditions and features pentacle imagery. If you prefer mystical wall art, I also offer it as an 8 x 10 art print. Other everyday objects that I offer include wallets, pill boxes, necklaces, and business card cases.



Peace,
Astrid Daley-Douglas

Friday, July 3, 2015

Flower of Life Sacred Geometry Pill Box Case from Thoughtopian

At Thoughtopian, I offer my original art and graphic designs on products. I'm inspired to create items based in spiritual and metaphysical interests. One interest area that I've explored recently is sacred geometry. I created this flower of life sacred geometry pill box based on that interest.


The flower of life is a fascinating symbol. According to Collective Evolution, "It is a common symbol of many spiritual and religious teachings around the world. The Flower of Life has been found all over the world in many different religions. It is one of the oldest sacred symbols known to man. It is a geometrical shape that is made up of multiple overlapping circles of the same size. There is a huge amount of information and knowledge that can be gained from understanding the Flower of Life. It is considered to be sacred geometry that contains ancient religious value and to sum it up it depicts the fundamental forms of space and time, but there is a lot more to know."

It's hard to sum up the concepts behind sacred geometry in a simple blog post, but I hope you enjoyed reading this. You can find this flower of life pillbox here in my Thoughtopian store.

Peace,
Astrid Daley-Douglas