From the point of light - A Healing Journey

This is a series of 18 pictures that I painted and exhibited in 1997 under my married name of Karen Anne Gerbes. The healing journey represents a pathway I have walked and are still walking towards healing, shown as stepping stones or stages in my pictures. Each picture was painted on boards given to me at the time, and are broken on the edges, to represent a break with the old. As you view the pictures, one after the other, you too walk the journey, which although shown as one step after the other, is really more of a spiral, as healing takes place in stages that we sometimes have to revisit.

SELF

Reminiscent of 'The Scream', by Edvard Munch. This picture portrays the inner cry, hidden beneath the outer calm.

In this picture there is also tremendous hope, portrayed by the light shining through the window, pointing the way out.

The person only has to turn around to see it.

Journey

And so the journey begins. The beginning of movement towards healing can seem like an uphill climb.

But there is guidance shown, and the spirit reaching upward is shown as blue.

The earth colours in the foreground represent all that keeps us grounded at this time.

Grieving

A time of grieving for what could have been, for what was missing, and for the happiness that once was.

Shown as the unclothed person, alone and cold upon the hill, surrounded by their feelings.

Reminisce

This picture represents when we look back with a sense of calm acceptance.

Within the picture is two areas of light, representing two choices, to go back or to move to the new.

Dare to dream

At some point in the journey we have to turn around and move forward in faith.

This can be a very positive time when we free ourselves mentally, and dare to dream of a better way. Within the picture is the light, ever present, to guide and protect, we lift in faith.

Apex

From this vantage point the light we have lifted into takes us to as far as we can see for now. We have surrended to the journey.

Uncovered

In the light we stand, naked but not vulnerable. We have conviction, we see where to go, we are prepared to move onwards, and the light is so bright it shines through us.

Rite of passage

This picture represents our outer striving towards our goal.

The person is portrayed in cleansing water, moving with determined steps, but during this time surrounded by the ghosts of the past, which have to be cleansed and left behind.

Breakthrough

Shown as the person lifting beyond the world, beyond their world, and all that they have known up to now.

Void

A very real feeling of displacement. When you leave behind what you have known, but are unsure of what there is now.

A time of waiting and looking at your own identity. Once more shown with light and guidance, waiting is good..

Release

Release it, let it go.

To move on further from here, you have to let go of all those feelings that you have carried with you all this time.

It can be a very painful time, but you are completely in light, and helped through it.

Opening

To move to that very sacred place within yourself, the very last of the old life must fall away.

Represented by the peeling of layers on the person. The door is open, the way is lit.

Divination

You are within the realms of your soul. Where it is quiet.

Inner child / Emergence

Sanctuary

A warm place of love. You have deserved this, bask in the sun.

The offering

You offer your soul, like a baby, that you carry to the alter.

Like the prodigal son returning,

you are received by all with love.

Joy

What other words could describe how you feel when you are truely loved for who you are, no matter what.

You are held in the hands of your own sacred self.

Peace

In this picture, the person is creating their own peace.

With thoughts of love for yourself, like flowers immersed in light, finally there is peace.