Conceptual Journaling: swans

Size 12 X 12 cm , Chalk pastel, by Morag Noffke 18.03.09

I have a fondness for swans. It reminds me of my father. He drew swans. He grew up in Scotland where he came into contact with them. So swans also remind me of love, the love a father has for his daughter: the love that encompasses unconditional positive regard, empathy, compassion, care, grace and mercy. It reminds me of the stillness of being seen by a father for who I really am. It’s the love which understands the privilege of seeing his daughter grow up.

Swans

Unconditional

Positive regard

Empathy

Compassion and care

Grace and mercy

The stillness of being seen

The privilege of seeing

Conceptual Journaling: geese

Size 30 X 24 cm, Oil Pastel,  by Morag Noffke 03.03.09

When I think of the human spirit I often draw, paint or fashion 3D birds: geese, swans, robins, and finches to name a few. In this drawing I have tried to symbolise the nurturing relationship which is often found in the healthy parent-child bond of children growing up, inter-dependent friendships and counsellor-counselee relationships where one comes alongside another. This image of a parent goose swimming with the gosling is a personal reminder of the rarity and worth of such a relationship.

Everyday Art: my neighbouring geese

I watch the geese...

they see me...

they relax...

and preen... 

I like birds of every kind.

Birds remind me of our souls.

They are free to move between earth and sky

that is why

I like birds to be free.

One of my favourite birds is geese.

They symbolize migration

and know their direction. 

They are water birds.

Water is the age old symbol 

of the psyche's unconscious and emotion.

When they call

it is as if they reach deep into my heart;

and my soul 

echoes back in humble response 

to the knowledge that we all 

are part of nature created by the Great Designer. 

I am grateful that I am free.

These are Egyptian geese.