Ulster- Linen Towel Birdcage

“Spirituality is not just about the ability to grasp something from the outside and bring it in, true spirituality and creative spirituality is creating something from the inside and expressing it on the outside. You express what is inside and it becomes an outward manifestation.”

John Paul Jackson in The Creative Spirit- CD 4

In view of this perspective by one of my personal favorite teachers (who I have lots of honor for), I pondered this as I viewed this linen towel that has been in my archive for many years. I have recently sold it and it is being sent out to another state. The linen towel states at the bottom “All Pure Linen made in Ireland… Birdcage by Ulster” I wonder what was going in inwardly in the mind and soul of Ulster when he was creating this linen artwork. The Birdcage is very reminiscent to me of the classic tree of life story that appears through out centuries in art and décor.  But this tree of life surrounded by vibrant flowers cascading around is a cage. I cage where birds are seemingly ‘trapped’ or closed in and yet this boundary of the cage does not deter the beauty that is reflective in these birds. Also noting that the birds on the lower half seem to have some sort of irritable anger power fuming in their eyes, yet those who are much larger and towards the top of the tree canopied cage appear to be more grandiose and contentment. I wonder if Ulster was reflecting outwardly an inward frustration of the powers that be, and how that relates to life, albeit the tree of life typifies freedom, it may also express the nature of both good and evil happening simultaneously in this large birdcage of life. Unless this artist is still alive and connections are made to discuss his or her thoughts, we will never know what was going on inwardly to create such a glorious outward manifestation of creativity. Regardless, I am very thankful for its beauty, and even more thankful that in parting with this piece of my archive, another soul will be brought much joy through its display.