The Dream , a painting by Maya
The Dream
The Dream was the very first painting I did completely from a vision I had in 1995. It was also the painting that got me back into painting after many years of non-creativity.
I was living on my own in a unit in Brooklyn Park, South Australia for about two years when I started having very vivid visions of a group of Aboriginal men who would come into my space and just look at me. They came frequently for about two months before showing me a vision of The Dream. I then had a strong feeling that I needed to paint this vision even thought I haven't painted for quite a few years.
It was very interesting for me painting The Dream because I was very concerned how others would react about me painting an Aboriginal style painting since I was not Aboriginal. In fact, I was so worried that once I completed the painting I was hesitant in showing anyone my work. However, spirit had other ideas and a way of helping me to get over my stuff!
During this period I was working with vibrational medicines and was well known for my healing abilities. One day I had a call from a man who wanted to come and have a private healing session. At the beginning of the session I asked this man how he found out about me. He told me that spirit showed him a vision of me and told him that he needed to see me. This man said that spirit gave him my name even my telephone number! I was blown away by this. What was most amazing for me though was that this man was an Australian Aboriginal.
After the healing we were chatting when I felt inspired to show this man my painting of The Dream. He looked at it for a long time before saying that it was a good vision. I didn't understand what he meant and he didn't say anymore.
In August 1999 I was invited to take part in a private one day exhibition and I decided to show The Dream. By this time I had also painted The Awakening which was the result of further visions. So I now had two very Aboriginal works on exhibit. It was frightening for me to do this as I was still extremely worried about what others would think about my style and subject. To make matters even more frightening for me, part way through the day three Aboriginal women entered the room. I recognized one of them as an Elder and another was a well known healer. I felt like I was really in trouble now.
The ladies spent about a hour looking at all the works on display before asking for me. They wanted me to explain my paintings to them. I thought to myself that this was it, but I tried to stay calm and told them about the visions that I had and how the paintings came into being. They also wanted to know specific details, so I explained to them the different aspects of my paintings and what I felt they meant. At the end of my explanation they said that they liked my work and thanked me for sharing my story with them. I was so relieved! I never did find out who invited these ladies to the exhibition.
In November 1999 I took part in a larger exhibition and had these two paintings on display amongst others. The exhibition was held at The Freemason's Grand Lodge in Adelaide and was a big deal. We had a grand public opening by the then Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Dr. Jane Lomax-Smith with special guests including the then Governor of South Australia, Sir Erik Neal. A special opening ceremony was performed by the Aboriginal Elders of the region.
Once again I was asked to explain my paintings to the Elders, and once again I felt like I passed some test. By now I was almost comfortable in showing these two paintings in public.
Two more exhibitions and a few months later I was invited by Governor Sir Erik Neal, to display The Dream at Government House in Adelaide for a period of six months. Apparently he liked my work, particularly The Dream.
Sir Erik Neal knew full well that I was not an Aboriginal yet he didn't feel that it mattered, so why was I still concerned? I just had to let it all go, my fears slowly began to melt away.
The Dream had a prime spot in Government House. Sir Erik Neal liked the painting so much that he ordered an an easel to be brought in and placed The Dream on it in the main boardroom where all official meetings are held. He also arranged a private tour for me and my friend.
A couple of months later Government House was holding an open day to the public. I went along with Jennifer as she had not seen the place yet and I was also curious as to where they may have placed my painting. I thought that they would have moved it out of the way but, no, it was still in the boardroom and the main attraction there. As I walked in the boardroom I saw tourists standing beside The Dream and taking photos.
Just then Sir Erik Neal walked in the room and showed me that in one of the draws he still kept all my cards which he personally gave out to overseas dignitaries if they enquired about my painting. I felt so proud.
Six months later Sir Erik Neal arranged for the painting to be given back to me. One fine day I looked out of the window and an official Government car pulled up my drive and two drivers in uniform and white gloves carefully carried the painting to my door. I wish I had the presence of mind to take a photo, it was such an emotional sight. The Governor also took time to write me a personal letter of encouragement and appreciation.
In all this I think that I forgot to write what this painting is about. The story it tells is about the creation of our universe and everything in it. The Snake in this story represents the Creator. The centre shows the creation of our universe, the hands are the creation of spirits in all dimensions, the eggs are the creation of life. The green dots represent land and all things that live on land. The blue dots represent water and all things that live in the water. The branches and red berries represent nourishment and sustenance. At this stage Creation has not been completed, hence black unfilled areas at two corners. The Rainbow Serpent became tired and has gone into a sleep state dreaming up our future.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading about how this painting came into being. If you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
In respect and honour to where this vision came from I have arranged for high quality prints and cards to be produced. If you wish to purchase a print or card the details are as follows:
HIGHEST QUALITY PRINT ON PAPER
Size: 61cm X 61cm (24" X 24")
Price: AU$120 + *delivery
Printed on highest quality acid free paper.
Delivery Fee:
$10 within Australia
$15 for New Zealand
$25 all other countries
HIGHEST QUALITY PRINT ON CANVAS
Size: 61cm X 61cm (24" X 24")
Price: AU$350 + *delivery
Printed on highest quality primed glossy canvas.
Delivery Fee:
$15 within Australia
$20 for New Zealand
$35 all other countries
The simplest way to purchase a print of The Dream is to use paypal. It is safe and very easy. If you are not a user of paypal simply click on www.paypal.com sign up as a user (free) and use the email maya108@internode.on.net to transfer the amount in Australian dollars.
If you live in Australia, upon request I can give you my online banking details to send me money that way if it is easier for you.
You can also send a cheque made out to Maya in Australian dollars, which you can post to:
Maya
PO Box 739
Torrensville SA 5031
Australia
CARDS FOR SALE
Cards are available of The Dream and some my other paintings, including photographs. For the cards however, the printing, payment and postage is handled by a company called Red Bubble. If you wish to purchase a card ($5.50) please click on the link below. The cards are of the highest quality and the postage fee is minimal. The company is based in Melbourne.
http://www.redbubble.com/people/sacredspace108
Once you have entered my personal site simply click on the image you are interested in and an icon will appear allowing you to purchase a card of that painting or photograph.
In love and gratitude to the divine within us all
Maya