Celebrating Wellness

This tryptic was painted for an alternative medicine clinic in Bismarck. Thanks to Rhonda and Cheryl I was given full freedom to interpret what they... more

by Wayne Pruse

Original - Sold

Price

$5,000

Dimensions

120.000 x 60.000 x 0.250 inches

Title

Celebrating Wellness

Artist

Wayne Pruse

Medium

Painting - Acrylic On Double Thick Illustration Board

Description

This tryptic was painted for an alternative medicine clinic in Bismarck. Thanks to Rhonda and Cheryl I was given full freedom to interpret what they did in my own way. Here is a guided tour of the symbolism behind this mural. It's rather long so bear with me: Although the initial design and major elements were conceived at the moment of inspiration each element was carefully chosen to make a deeper more cohesive statement. Beginning in the sky, we first see a full moon eclipsing the sun. Traditionally the sun is a symbol used for men but it can also signify the outward energy associated with males - bright, fiery, energetic. Men usually express themselves in outward actions. The sun in this instance also depicts the outward body which although may appear in good shape - it could be in need of healing - whether it be physically or emotionally. The lighting for the whole painting is set by the eclipsing moon. The moon is a symbol that depicts the make up of feminine energies. Besides being a symbol for women, the moon is also a symbol for introspection, inner more contemplative thoughts and feelings and calmness. It also represents where wellness begins . . . inside. The conjunction of the sun and moon is intended to show how these two forces work together as one. Next we move to the central figure. I’ve chosen a Japanese dancer adapted from a photo I found years ago. It compliments the interior design that follows the principles of Feng Shui and even has a far eastern feel to me. In this instance the element works well with the other elements. You’ll note the top of the dancers hat is an embossed face which makes it appear as a full moon. The person is dressed in black and white to signify the Yin and Yang symbol for balance and harmony. The dancer itself represents the “well” body which is what the clinic is all about. The person dances on an altar or platform from where the water of life begins. This is the dancers cause for celebration. Surrounding the dancer and altar are four pillars of which two are broken and crumbling. The whole structure is set on a barren island. These elements represent the established, old school of thought that doesn’t necessarily hold true anymore. All things change . . . all things. Because the clinic offers some alternative forms of treatment, these are appropriate symbols for new, more progressive methods of healing and maintaining wellness that are different from present day established traditional approaches. The water represents the lifes blood of all things. The waterfall flows out of the painting to the granite fountain and even to the rug on the floor with an undersea scene. This idea of making the painting come out into the room shows how all things are connected and all things are one.
In this painting the foliage, besides reinforcing the life and health of us all, leads the viewer out into the room to create a relaxed and intimate setting.
Finally we see seven bubbles with stars at the center. These represent the body and spirit of us all. The sphere is the outer body with the star being the spirit. I was given the freedom to create this piece in anyway I saw fit. Thank you Rhonda and Cheryle for allowing me to make such a bold statement and more importantly I congratulate them on making their own bold statement. So, sit back relax and enjoy this piece . . . who knows you may see more in here than what has been described. One of my most favorite projects. When they sold the clinic to St. Alexius Hospital the mural was part of the sale. You can draw your own conclusions to what this is about but think in terms of alternative medicine and wellness - these two ladies were far ahead of their time.

Uploaded

November 17th, 2016