greennursevtBack when I owned a yoga studio, I brought in a different artist every month and had a small art opening/exhibit in celebration of their work.
Though I loved many of the artists and their creations, this particular artist’s work resonated with me, and this piece, titled “Nurture,” stayed with me and had a prominent place in the healing/treatment room of the studio.
The original piece consists of hundreds of little scraps of tissue paper, while the rope dangling from her hands is made of crystal, and features a small stone engraved with the word Nurture.
Of course, I thought it was beautiful, and cherished it for that reason. But it also had a deeper purpose there on the wall of my studio.
As Psychology Today so beautifully explains, “artwork can be used as a springboard for reawakening memories and telling stories that may reveal messages and beliefs from the unconscious mind.”
The art therapist who created this piece told me that every week or so, she scribbles an outline with her eyes closed, then sits back, opens her eyes, and creates an entire story, or kind of dialogue.
“I don’t think I could have picked a better or more appropriate logo to represent my heart and the heart of hundreds of families I had the honor to work with and support.”
Now, I am not exactly sure what her own internal dialogue or motivation was for this particular piece, and honestly, I didn’t want to know. I created my own story, my own dialogue. That dialogue changed often, as this piece stood by my side through countless bodywork and healing sessions for my clients.
But even as my inner narrative shifted over time, I’ve always loved and cherished the image. The colors lift my spirits, while the smooth shapes sooth my soul. Hands in prayer, reminds me to be grateful, while the bowed head shows a deep internal and intuitive understanding and humility.
The green face always reminded me of myself, a plant loving herbalist, or at times an alien, depending where I was at and how I was feeling. When I need it most, the stone reminds me to nurture both myself and my clients.
I used this picture as my logo when I had my birth education and doula business. Between the word Nurture, the big round belly and the glow that surrounds her, I don’t think I could have picked a better or more appropriate logo to represent my heart and the heart of hundreds of families I had the honor to work with and support.
She still hangs in my living room today – and also lives inked on my body. Forever nestled amongst dozens and dozens of tattoos, each with their own story, she serves as a gentle daily reminder to care for myself, and to encourage all my loved ones – near and far – to care for one another.