Submerged for a Reason!
Why icebergs are the perfect metaphor for living your fullest life
My fascination with icebergs runs deep. From the first time I saw a majestic iceberg close-up during a family vacation to Newfoundland, I’ve been drawn to their outward beauty and inner mystery.
These magical glacial masses of ice, born from pure snow and freshwater, are impressive. No two are the same. They are underestimated, beautiful and dangerous.
What we see from the ocean surface is only a glimpse into the potential strength and fortitude that lies beneath the depths of the unknown.
I’ve always been intrigued by northern beauty – maybe because I live in a big city (Toronto, Canada) and icebergs seem otherworldly. I’m captivated by the notion that what we see above the surface is only “the tip of the iceberg” and below lies much, much more (approx. 80% in fact).
Submerged Muse, Mixed Media on Found Wood
The Metaphor
I’m interested in exploring this illusion as it parallels the human experience and shapes our perceptions in our own lives.
Much of who we are lies beneath the surface as well, including many of our motivations, fears, challenges, and lived histories.
Those parts of us we show to the world are often “just the tip” of who we really are.
A fraction of what can be seen or known. Our stories and experiences shift depending on what we allow others to plainly see, or what we choose to keep hidden.
It’s worth considering that what lies dormant below the surface of our consciousness can potentially transform our lives.
Submerged Muse, Close up
The Muse
Ok, so why write about this now and what’s my point?
Reason 1
My artwork is being shown in Calling in the Muse, an online exhibition and salon curated by Open Studio’s Erica Ross running May 18 – July 13.
Since the start of the pandemic, the members of this wonderfully supportive and creative online Open Studio community have linked arms to showcase the fruits of our labour in this online art show.
Keeping the theme of Calling in the Muse in mind, I thought about icebergs and what they represent to me.
Immediately, curiosity and creativity came to mind, melding together into stunning physical form.
I called my series Submerged for a Reason.
Well, two reasons actually. I was inspired by their hidden power, reserves of strength, and unique beauty all quietly resting beneath the ocean surface.
Creating these pieces (shown below and for sale on my gallery page) has been invigorating, as I navigated unchartered waters in the process of my nature-inspired self-excavation.
“The artist in me has re-emerged and come to the surface in the form of icebergs”
Submerged Energy, Mixed Media on Found Wood
What the exhibit is really all about…
As an artist who explores many forms of expression, this series focuses on mixed media collage, using papers, inks, and photographs I have collected over time.
I found the frames and background surfaces, which satisfied my reduce, reuse and repurpose environmental interest.
Whatever stuff I’ve been holding back and hiding under the surface is no more!
“Submerged” as Muse - for myself and so many other creatives - is very real. The idea that we hide our creativity, or it lies buried deep within us, is so powerful.
This body of work is about illuminating that which is submerged within multipassionates and creatives, as well as exploring how you can enable it to rise to the surface.
Icebergs teach us that serene beauty on the surface requires massive strength and fortitude below.
Submerged Elements, Mixed Media Triptych on Found Wood
Reason 2
Besides the art connection, when I think about what it takes to start, manage or finish a project, it requires so much from us. Some of which we can access easily – above the surface as it were – but so much of it has to come from underneath – the reserves, the depths.
It’s also easy to look at others and see perfection, whether that is a more organized home, better time management, a perfect life, a successful business, etc., but what we see is only the tip of the iceberg!
“Everybody only sees the tip of the iceberg. Nobody sees the years of work that went into the success. We don’t often see what is underneath – the good, bad, and the ugly.”
In my work, I can see how valuable it is for clients to be seen, recognized, validated, heard, appreciated, and supported.
Like the hidden portions of an iceberg, I’m just under the surface supporting the rising up of a life that feels fulfilling. A life you unequivocally deserve!
When I’m working with clients to design multipassionate lives they love, we have to first uncover what is underneath or else our efforts to optimize how we live and work are compromised.
If you’re ready to get out from under clutter, mindset limitations, or burnout, and need a little (or a lot of) support, I’d love to connect with you! All the options are above the surface on my work with me page!
Submerged Soul
Mixed Media on Found Wood
Like an iceberg, over 80% of what makes us capable and strong lies below the surface. And although this 80% is hard to see, it represents our foundation and the place from which all good things in life emerge.
So, let’s continue to dive deep to examine the emotional, physical, and mental components of our lives beneath the surface, while also appreciating the beauty of what appears above.
We need to see both.
Both are beautiful.