A Home for Simone
When Justin contacted me from India he told me the story of his life with a mare named Simone. They met when she was being discarded as an aggressive, unhappy and overused lesson horse. Justin's mother wanted to take her in, which he recommended against as they had never owned a horse before, but his mother decided to rescue her anyway.
As Justin learned how to care for Simone, he began to connect with her soul and developed a deep appreciation for her character. He wasn't motivated to insist she be a riding horse, but rather he found ways to help her find her way back to peace. As time passed, she inspired a deeper connection with nature and spirituality. They were companions for eight wonderful years. Then Justin received word that he had to move to India and his mother to Kenya. Neither of them was able to take Simone with them. They found a new home for Simone and stayed as connected with her as they could from such a distance.
Justin didn't know if he'd ever see Simone again, so he commissioned me to create her portrait to remember her by. Interestingly, most of my clients are women, so I was intrigued to work with him and discover how he related to his beloved horse so the portrait could express what could not be put into words.
The Concepts for the Art
Justin asked me to include a representation of the mythical tree Yggdrasil – the World Tree. He was inspired by the connective intelligence the tree represents. The raven is associated with Odin and represents memory and thought. As I researched the tree, I was also intrigued by the concept of the dragon. I have always loved dragons, and feel they are connected to horses in several ways. Though the dragon is traditionally depicted as a malevolent being gnawing away at the roots, I chose to represent the benevolent presence of a dragon within the verdant leaves and branches of the tree.
The challenge for me as an artist was how to depict such an immense tree with the presence of the horse as the main focus. If I made the tree as big as it needed to be the horse would be too small to draw or enjoy seeing, so I decided to focus on the roots of the tree as a way to convey its ancient wisdom and the grounded energy of Simone's serene presence. The dramatic night sky made for some intriguing color challenges but fortunately I have hundreds of pastels to choose from.
Justin and I collaborated on the composition, discussing the concepts and imagery that could convey his vision. The nebula was the last piece of the puzzle, adding context and a cosmic balance to the composition.
In reading about Yggdrasil in Wikipedia, I was inspired to find this quote:
Carl Gustav Jung speaks of the horse as "one of the most fundamental archetypes of mythologies, close to the symbolism of the tree of life.” Like the tree of life, the horse connects all levels of the cosmos:” ~ Wikipedia
When Justin moved back to England, though they had spent many years apart, miraculously, their paths did cross again. The meaning of the art was not merely a memory but a celebration of their soul connection. Justin keeps Simone alive in his heart and has stayed connected to her through the art.
Horses always change our lives. They become like the World Tree ~ the cosmic pillar we revolve around. Simone's portrait imparts the innate wisdom of Nature as the mystical force that binds us together, imparting a tale of the unspoken language of the heart..
On this microcosm of earth which sustains us from birth the mystery of life plays out.
In the quest to find wholeness in the midst of this chaos, we swing between hope and doubt.
Of countless paths to choose one led me to you. Somehow you heard my call.
We are connected in time, roots and branches entwined the Tree of Life sustains us all.
As the lessons unfold I remain joined with your soul I am stronger because of you.
from Inspirations by Kim McElroy
Each time I view an incredible portrait masterpiece work of art and read the amazing story that inspired it, I feel and experience the deep connections you share. Thank you so very much to all of you souls who are a part of this gift. Truly beautiful in every way...
The Soulful Memories of a Soul with the Tree of Life as Raven calls to the Dragon her ancient language. Seldom do we make the instaneous lightning connection of sustaining Art. So grateful that this vision was shared from Simone & Justin. Thank you Simone thank you Mother & Justin 7 thank you creative visionary Kim .