Casting the Bones
These bones were found together in a cluster on the sand laid out almost exactly as they are seen here. Enthralled by the art of divination by natural objects, I was immediately reminded of the ancient art of casting bones. Here we have a toss by the Mother herself; great nature's hand laid this pattern down. The bones are adhered to mottled slate, behind which rises the petal of a poppy grown under the moon. The frame was cut by hand and has been stained red mahogany, enhancing the color of the stone upon which the bones have been affixed. In the details are the crisp lines of the bones themselves and the translucent petal of the poppy, through which the grain of the wood can be seen. The entire piece has been highly varnished and its elements carefully adhered to a wood panel. The work measures 7.25" by 7.25" and includes the story, Casting the Bones on the back, which has been signed and dated by the artist. She kneels; she glows like a stationary star in the forest sky. She does it in the full of night, beneath a bright, round moon. She casts them down; they fly from her palm like small, pale birds and land on the hard earth. She searches in between the spaces where they fall and in their shadows seeks an orbit. What winding ways will unfold in these few bones? Where will they lead her steps? She touches a fragment with a fingertip; she blinks and scoops them up. From within their warbling pattern unfolds a path. Will she follow it? Private Collection
