An inch of snow two mornings ago notwithstanding, we have entered the season when the world awakens. The aspens’ catkin chrysalises have turned full cocoon, now opening to release pollen and blossom alike. As they dance in the afternoon winds, the willows weep liquid gold touched with the faintest shoots of green. Piñon and juniper and spruce may be evergreen, but they, too are newly lush. Even the the birch has sprouted new buds, and the maple has long since allowed its sap to flow.
If winter is the season of dormancy, of hibernation and sleep, spring is the season when the dreamers come awake and begin to turn those colder visions into warm reality.
Wings has captured this dynamic with his latest work, another pair of earrings that summons symbol to these spring tasks. From their description in the Earrings Gallery here on the site:
The Dreams of Trees Earrings
The trees sleep in winter, but of what are their dreams are made? Perhaps of warmer winds and longer light and cobalt skies that will allow them to dance in full flower once again. Wings gives their dreams form and shape with these beautiful teardrops: hand-cut sterling silver medallions, each with an ajouré Tree of Life meticulously cut freehand from its center. Each medallion hangs suspended by sterling silver jump rings from small square bezel-set lapis cabochons, turned at angles to form a diamond shape, the Eye of Spirit that watches over the things of this world, transmitting wisdom and power through dreams and visions. The base of each tree is set with a small round cabochon of lapis lazuli, water reflecting the indigo of the sky above, the dream of growth made manifest. Earrings hang 1.75″ in total length; upper cabochons (on posts) are 3/8″ across; teardrop pendants are 1-1/8″ long by 7/8″ across at the widest point (dimensions approximate).
Sterling silver; lapis lazuli
$425 + shipping, handling, and insurance
Wings has used the Tree of Life imagery for many years. It is a motif that crosses lines of geography and culture to find expression in traditions worldwide. Our own are no exception; in our way, the great trees are their own fully-actualized beings, animated by their own spirits and with their own powers and gifts. This is the time of year when they share their gifts with us anew: clean air and leafy shade and sweet syrup and shelter for the other creatures with whom we share this land.
Coupled here, as Wings has conceived them, with the indigo hue that belongs to the elders and leaders, with the diamond shape that evokes the Spirit’s Eye, they become something more than what we normally perceive: They are elders in their own right, great creatures that will long outlive us, that have witnessed more than we can ever imagine, that possess that eternal quality we seek in immortality. And yet, it may be that their own dreams are remarkably like our own: elemental dreams of life and growth and what we might call happiness.
As we enter the growth phase of a new year, what better symbolism to guide us as we awaken from our own winter sleep and work to give life our dreams for the year?
All content, including photos and text, are copyright Wings and Aji, 2016; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owners.
