Dragon Girl - Nexus Anima

I finished a whole series of Dragon paintings. I love painting them! The last Dragon painting I made is called Nexus Anima, which means “connection of the soul”.

Besides dogs, wolves and cats, I’ve always loved Dragons. Any book or movie with dragons in them, I tried to get my hands on. I loved reading about the special bonds between dragons and humans. I loved seeing Eragon and Bowen flying on the backs of those magnificent creatures.

They come from two different worlds, but still they meet in a magical way where both worlds aren’t separated as clearly and they form a strong bond what exceeds the normal. They see beyond the physical appearance of the other. They not just know, but feel that what the ones does has consequences for the other as well.

But what if that is taken a step further? What if the pain they would inflict on the other would backfire instantly as well? Like an instant karma, showing you what the impact on the other is? I like to think this would bring more understanding, compassion and more of a symbiotic balance we often lack now.

What if we as humans would experience more of these types of connections with all living creates and things around us? Would they behave differently? Or would they hide? I’m lucky and I’ve experienced those bonds with my dogs over the years. It’s really fantastic.

Billy & Mackie (l) - Painting Nexus Anima (m) - Close Ups & Morning Walks (r)

At the moment, I have two dogs. Billy (Thai Ridgeback) turned 11 this week and Mackie (Malamute//Husky) will be 12 in November. They are getting older, sadly, but at the same time I feel like our understanding of each other has deepened even further.

It’s in the little things; Billy only eats his food now when we are eating too. Mackie now always lies next to me whenever I’m painting, like a silent supporter. Over the years there has grown more of a togetherness. So if this is all so wonderful, why would anyone shy away from this?

Because the parting of a human, an animal, a place…, it can be more than heartbreaking. All that love, caring, fun moments and familiarity are leaving a big hole in your heart. The grief can be overwhelming, but I also found a way to grow through it.

For me I found that giving my grief a purposeful meaning helps and transforms the pain into something else that also honours their memory. For instance by adopting a new dog that had 6 other homes before he came to live with us (Billy), so he’d find peace, rest and a warm home. To adopt a brother who spoke the same language as him, so they both weren’t alone anymore (Mackie) and had a good life together.

We got to give them both a new home, because we were brave enough to open our hearts to them. It took me some time before I was ready for this, but I eventually got there. Even though I know I’m setting myself up for heartbreak when they pass, but still, I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

I’ve grown to believe that love never dies; it just changes form. And at times that takes a lot getting used to. I guess that’s on of the reasons why we remember all those who have gone before on October 31st. All our loved ones; humans, dogs, other animals… We shed a tear and we celebrate their lives. We remember them. Deeply.

I’ve learned that this deep connection is where the get to live our fullest lives. I’ve learned that to truly care and truly love is an act of bravery. And I really like myself when I’m brave, even when it hurts.

I wish you much bravery. Like those brave dragons I paint! And if you like them, you should totally get one. I like my dragons to live in welcoming homes! Just drop me a line at judith@thebellmakerart.com

Have a great week!

Judith