Landscapes of the Soul
Spirituality and psychology books can be found, stacked in piles of three or four, lying around my most frequented living spaces. At the bookstores, it is where I can be found, sometimes sitting cross-legged on the floor, deciding whether a book is suitable to add to my expansive collection. “Landscapes of the Soul” is a visual expression of a person’s inner world. In a sense it can be considered a spiritual painting. It is also an abstract painting representing psychological aspects of our true self.
Just as the Earth is compromised of many different landscapes, so too is our soul. If a person is asked, “What is the Earth like?” They may say it is lush and green in some areas but sandy, dry, and hot in other parts. Our souls are the same way. Some areas may be thriving with life and abundance, while others seem barren and forgotten. These two landscapes are depicted at the bottom of the painting.
Other landscapes can be seen through a persons actions. There may be times when a person can be described as calm and peaceful. Other times, they paint on their warrior face, to draw out their bravery and fierceness. Some of us are wild and carefree more often than not. They let out whoops, hollers, and howls celebrating life. Others, will only allow themselves to let out a roar when the pressure is too much to bear. The need to fly free of the social constraints a person places on their soul. A soul is not meant to be repressed day in and day out.
People form landscapes based off what they have learned and experienced. This begins in childhood. Landscapes are shaped by religious beliefs, culture, and economic status, among others from an early age. Our roots, our heritage, run through our blood and indirectly shape these landscapes within the soul. The tree, in the painting, is a depiction of this.
“Landscapes of the Soul” is representational of the many differences that lie within each of us. The depths of our souls are profound. There is so much more to all of us than what we allow others to see. Breathe in a deep breath, filling your lungs. Now let out a ROAR! Free your soul!
Purchase a print of “Landscapes of the Soul” to use as a reminder to let out a roar every now and then. You may also contact the artist, Katy Sanchez, to have a painting made that represents your own “Soul Landscape”.
