Fresco is the one of the oldest techniques of painting, dating back to 1600’s BC. This technique is believed to have been born in Minoan culture.  It is a method of mural painting where the artist paints either buon on freshly laid wet lime plaster or secco on dry plaster.  In the buon technique, water is the vehicle for the dry powder pigment to merge with the plaster.  The alchemy of the plaster and pigment becomes an integral part of the wall.  In secco the pigment lies on top of the plaster therefore is less durable.

Ali Cavanaugh has created a painting technique she calls modern frescoes. Above and below are pieces from her 2018 collection.  She paints with watercolor pigments on bright wet kaolin clay.  Her meticulous layer technique makes the portraits look back-lit and iridescent, or they dissolving into a nebulous watery form.   Her portraits sway from the hyper-real or conscious reality to the watery realm of the unconscious.

I love her explanation of her process:   I strive to paint not only the delicate features of the external person but to capture the tender unseen presence that transcends the understanding in the depth of a soul. In my experience in working with the people who I paint, I repeatedly discover the profound mystery of existence. This I believe is the one of the reason that artist do art and we as spectators view their pieces- to ponder why we are here.

P.S. Please share.

*Aries – Moon

This week it is time for you to do a deep dive into your unconscious and/or emotions.  The Moon card arrives when you need to rescue information that was in the dark.  To tap into this it could be as simple as sitting in the dark and wandering with your mind, or taking a more complex step into the wilderness to uncover your expansive unconscious under the stars.

Taurus – Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands wants you outside in nature.  The wilderness is calling you by name to come and play in the woods, park or garden.  Unleash your inner nymph or satyr.

 

*Gemini – Temperance

Temperance is all about moderation this week.  Moderation’s definition is the avoidance of excess or extremes especially in one’s behavior or political opinions.  So in simplest terms keep your opinions and behaviors to yourself.  In its more complex form you might want to look at the emotions behind your opinions and see if they are real or linked to past hurts.

*Cancer – Judgment

Judgment in its simplest form can be to quite literally use good judgment this week. In its complex form it is about evolution.  Asking the big question is what I am doing making me a better person.  Either way you will need to have your mind and soul in the game.

Leo – Page of Pentacles

Last week, the Chariot told you now is the time to start moving into your new year in a balanced, conscious and determined way.  The Page of Pentacles continues this theme but adds that you need to open your mind.  You need to learn something new for part of what is holding you back is thinking you know it all.  It is time to hit the books.

Virgo – Ten of Swords

Last week, the Magician foretold in the coming year you need to pull down from the divine what aligns with your morals.  But before you start on your merry way of manifestation, you need to stop being your worst enemy.  All tens advise us it is time to wrap things up and the swords represent how thoughts yours and others can defeat us.  To make real changes occur you need to accept that bad stuff happens and let it roll off of your back instead of letting it stabbing you repeatedly.

Libra – Five of Wands

The Five of Wands is a hard card for Libra.  This card represents chaos and discord. And you all feel it is your duty to bring balance and harmony into situations.  However, this week best way to deal with the chaos is to not get involved in the first place.  This week take the metaphorical side roads to avoid the traffic.

Scorpio – Eight of Pentacles

The Eight of Pentacles is the card of mastery.  This week your assignment is to practice until you get it right.

 

 

Sagittarius – Six of Pentacles

The Six of Pentacles is the mini karma card.  This card foretells that this week all that you do will come back to you.  So as you put good karma into the world you will get it back three-fold; however, this works for the negative too.

 

*Capricorn – Strength

Last week, the Empress challenged you to turn on your sensuous mojo.  This week you get to balance it out with your practical self.  The challenge will be to not revert back to your all work and no play, or everything I do must have an outcome ways. The Strength card wants you to see that ooey-gooey center of you is just as important in what makes you strong as the sensible, scaly and horned outer self.

Aquarius – Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords is the strategist of the deck.  She challenges you this week to plan with larger goals in mind.  Instead of thinking about just getting through the week, plan on how to get through the end of the year with more ease.

 

Pisces – Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords is the worry card.  A worry can be an actual problem or a potential one.   Our ability to worry evolved so we could think on a problem.  Therefore your challenge this week is to take each worry and see if it is a real here and now problem or one that could happen.  If it is a here and now problem then let your mind worry on it, but if it starts with what if then you need to let that worry go. Because the universe and you are not at the right time to solve it.

 

May light be on you, around you, and within you,

Nina