The Symbolists and Transformational art

Bhavani
May 25, 2021
3 min read

Quite a few years ago I found a golden treasure in the form of a book called “The Symbolists'' by Phillipe Jullian, I found this treasure in a outwardly unremarkable book store tucked away in a poduck village not far away from our lake Mecosta cottage in northern Michigan. When I walked through the front door of this place I swear I entered a vortex run by a real-life wizard named John whom upon meeting looked into my eyes so deeply I felt as if he scanned my very soul; after listening quickly to my book requests he quietly disappeared for a short while in his signature black jumpsuit, his white shoulder length hair and beard moving with him like a wispy cape; he returned soon with the exact book I was wishing to explore; how he does this amidst the multitude of precarious stacks, overflowing boxes and multiple rows of towering shelves all containing books, books, books and more books is beyond knowing. His knowledge and location of these books cover all subjects and all authors; A trip here is a trip out of the ordinary and into the Magical.

Art of the caress by Fernand Khnopff 1896

It was from this particular book that I made a connection to the reality of the existence of the history of “Symbolic” art and writing that began in 1886.

I have been calling my style of art and writing “Transformational Soul Art'' which is similar in intentions to the definition given of “Symbolism” from the 1800’s ; for me personally as an artist by using the symbols I get from my dreams, the synchronicities and events of life happening in and around me; I find inspiration, gain insights and obtain raw material that then goes into a specific Art-form I call “Soul Art”. I use this expression to decode the subconscious, unravel past traumas, and just have fun creating! This art form has also been a way to express my delight and my descents of being here in this phenomenal world. So glad Earth School has Art Class!

Woman, half-length, with outstretched arms by Jeanne Jacquiem 1910

Dream Visions by Bhavani( Mary Denise) 2010

This Artful Expression called “Soul Art '' for me has the power to create spaces of opening and deep healing and unexpected “Injoyment” by allowing the complete welcoming of all multi medium forms that can be played with, without the restrictions of “I'm not an artist” or I'm not any good” or “this isn't really art” I have gained permission to throw “who cares” into the cauldron of caution and restrictions.. I just do it and see how better I feel as I see the knots unraveling .. All is Art in the Art of Life As Is.. The Great Goddess doesn't give grades.

Interesting historical facts about the Symbolist Art expression Style found in: -Art Movements the Encyclopedia of Art History which states;

Maiden Mother by Bhavani (Mary Denise) 2010

“Symbolist painters and sculptors were inspired by the literature and poetry of the day, as well as the history, legends, myths, biblical stories, and fables of the past. In expressing themselves, symbolists artists endowed their subjects, women, heroic males, flowers, landscapes and animals, with mythological or other esoteric meanings. Many artists turned to stimulants like alcohol and drugs to fuel their imagination. Favorite symbolist subjects included: sensual issues, religious feelings, occultism, love, death, disease and sin, while decadence was a common theme.”

The artists most closely identified with Symbolist art were those born during the decades of 1850’s-1860’s…”

The Surrender by Bhavani (Mary Denise) 2014

“In a Nutshell; Symbolism is really an intellectual form of expressionism. Not content with using color or shape to communicate their feelings, symbolist artists inject their compositions with esoteric references. It gives this narrative content which turns a work of art into a symbolic work of art.”

I have included 3 examples from the book: “The Symbolists” which are very interesting. The last 3 are my own Creations which I refer to as “Soul Art”

One can come into their own feelings and decisions about what the art brings to the viewer.