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Creative Philosophy

What’s in a Name – “Spirit”

The name “Spirit of Analog Art” is very personal! For this post let us focus on the word “Spirit” and the circle image of mushroom shaped hearts.

February 2018, my partner and soul mate, Pauline, of forty years passed away. We had built a connection on so many different levels which resulted in a strong love and bond. We supported each other. Our symbol of that love and bond was the heart.

Since Pauline’s passing, the heart symbol has appeared at the most unexplained times, not only here in Toronto but also Pauline followed me on my life journey to Spain, Portugal, and the United States. Whether it was a heart shaped cookie on the breakfast sweet table in Barcelona to a blue heart (blue was Pauline’s favorite color) in the window across the street from a restaurant in Lisbon to heart shaped stones on various beaches.

The round image of heart shaped mushrooms is a collection of dried shiitake mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms are normally round; however, while preparing my dinners, I am regularly finding heart shape mushrooms. Since my darkroom is currently closed due to Covid-19, I had to create the image using my cell phone. Once the darkroom re-opens, I will re-create the image using film and print in the darkroom.

Pauline passed away on her birthday, February 6th. Just this past February, I am preparing dinner on the Saturday night before her birthday. There was a heart shaped shiitake mushroom. Late that afternoon and early evening, there was a light snowfall in Toronto. After dinner, I went for a walk along the boardwalk by the lake. Wow! Someone had drawn a double heart on the boardwalk.

Clearly, Pauline’s “spirit” is with me, providing inspiration and support.

Dale

“Love bridges death as Pauline continues to join me on my life journey.”

By Dale Reid

Contemporary fine art photographer Dale M Reid took charge of her destiny by making a commitment to herself and her life partner and soulmate.
Reid’s belief in herself has allowed her to chart a new course in life as a full-time professional artist and transgender woman. As Dale transitioned through her new life journey, she developed technical skills, questioned convention, trusted her instincts, and with her passion, was able to craft a distinctive artistic voice. Her artwork ranges from classical to sensual to erotic and engages the viewer to question what they see.

4 replies on “What’s in a Name – “Spirit””

❤️I enjoyed reading your article about the significance of the heart, in your work.
I am sure that Pauline will continue to watch over you and remind you that she is there, for you!💖

Hi Dale,
First let me say I love your blog and how you set the tone and distinction between this and your other exposures in different social media circles.
I cherish your vulnerability and sharing your heart/love with this post.

…maybe because hearts are inextricably relatable, or maybe because the unexpected appearances draw us in and magically put us in awe, these surprise hearts alone touch our core.

But learning about your personal connection to The Hearts which pop up in the most extraordinary places, gives these images such deeper spiritual significance and appreciation. So beautiful….

Hi Pia,
Thank you for your insightful comments. One of the reasons for starting the blog is to create a more personal connection between the viewer and my artwork.
Dale

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