spirituality – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

This week it’s Beth’s turn to host the Lens-Artists Challenge. She is asking us to feature anything with wings.

Butterflies are captivating creatures known for their vibrant colors and delicate wings, symbolizing the beauty and fragility of life. Despite living only a short time, they remind us of life’s transient nature and the importance of cherishing moments. They represent transformation, rebirth, and freedom, while also embodying hope, spiritual growth, joy, and endurance across different cultures.

Birds embody a profound sense of freedom as they gracefully soar through the sky, their shimmering feathers reflecting sunlight in a breathtaking array of colors. As they glide on the gentle wind, they evoke feelings of wonder and tranquility, reminding us of the beauty in the world around us. Each bird carries its own symbolic meanings across various cultures, with doves representing peace and love, owls symbolizing wisdom and intuition, and eagles reflecting strength, courage, and boundless freedom. As I am not a good bird photographer, I don’t have the patience for it; my shots are of birds about to fly or landing, and they are none of the mentioned above.

If you believe in angels, it’s beautiful to recognize the myriad of thoughts surrounding them, from deep religious convictions interpreting them as divine messengers to philosophical views that frame them as symbols of protection, compassion, and guidance. Many see angels as gentle messengers of love, hope, and miracles, while others embrace them as reflections of our human potential and the uplifting qualities that define our humanity.

An angel sculpture with wings, resting on a gravestone of a child, surrounded by nature.

The evil wings I found were on this poster, the idea of devil with wings resonates deeply, often symbolizing the complex nature of a fallen angel—someone who once held a spark of angelic beauty but has now been warped into a representation of evil. This striking contrast between traditional angelic wings and their demonic counterparts, such as the transition from beautiful white wings to unsettling bat-like ones, underlines the tragic transformation and the profound struggle between good and evil.

A vintage poster showcasing an illusionist with a playful design featuring a devil and various animals, promoting a magic show from the 1700-1900s.

Beth said she can’t wait to see what we come up with, and I am always surprised about the creative journey we’re on together. Well, Beth, this is what I could muster up after a thoughtful exploration of ideas and inspiration. I’ve done my best, hoping to capture not just the essence of our theme but also the fluttering spirit of this challenge.Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to Beth’s post. Let’s inspire each other and all those who stumble upon our posts!

Last week you showed us some creative, mysterious images in your responses to Patti’s challenge Mysterious, and your unique interpretations were truly captivating. The way you explored different angles, shadows, and light brought a new depth to the theme of mystery, inviting viewers to ponder the stories behind each image, sparking discussions and inspiring others to delve into their own creative expressions. Your ability to evoke emotion and curiosity through your photography not only enhanced the challenge but also highlighted the diverse ways in which we can perceive and represent the enigmatic elements of our world.

Be sure to check back on Saturday, December 6 at noon eastern time when Ann-Christine will be hosting the challenge.

For information on how to join the Len-Artists challenge please click here.

Ancient Indian philosophy states that we are made up of five fundamental elements – earth, water, fire, sky, and air, and upon death, we return to these essential components of the universe. This cycle emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings with nature. On the other hand, Chinese philosophy presents a different perspective by omitting sky and air, choosing instead to include wood and metal, which highlights the importance of transformation and balance in the natural world. Each element plays a crucial role in sustaining life and maintaining harmony within our surroundings.

This week, Sofia challenges us to creatively represent these five elements, encouraging us to explore their significance and relationships in our lives through art, discussion, or personal reflection.

You need to work on a grovel ground – (earth?) This foundation is essential for any blacksmith’s operations. You also need wood to make fire, which is the lifeblood of metalworking; the flames provide the necessary heat to transform raw materials into usable tools. Air is crucial to keep the fire going, as it feeds the flames, allowing them to reach the high temperatures required for forging. Moreover, metal is indispensable, as it is the core element that you are shaping and transforming with fire, bringing life through careful manipulation. Finally, you require water to cool it down, allowing you to temper the metal and enhance its durability and strength, making the end products robust and functional. I think the sky is missing in this one 🙂 Blacksmiths work with lots of elements, combining them in a harmonious dance to create incredible artifacts, often reflecting the beautiful interplay between earth, fire, air, metal, and water.

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Glorious sky in the color of fire, the small touch of blue when you light it, casting a radiant glow over the horizon as day transitions into night. This mesmerizing view serves as water to our soul, nurturing our spirit and inviting serenity. The sand beneath our feet keeps us grounded, offering a soft embrace that reminds us of our connection to the Earth. Trees surround us, standing tall and majestic, providing shelter and warmth, acting as the lungs of our air, purifying every breath we take.

Please join us and link your post to Sofia’s post, showcasing your unique perspective and creativity. Don’t forget to tag your work with Lens-Artists so we can easily find your contributions on the Reader.

Last week was full of awesome smiles and tons of laughs thanks to Ann-Christine’s challenge! Big shoutout to you, Ann-Christine, for the cool theme, and thanks to everyone who joined in—we really loved the positive photos you all shared!

Next week is John’s turn to lead us, Saturday 7th December. Until then, keep on smiling ☺