Debra Cortese – Nature's Energy Art & Design

Dragon

On January 3rd I woke from an intense and lucid dream…

The time seemed to be in the past; location a simple cottage in a forest of ancient pine trees, the kind with trunks that extend a hundred feet into the sky before any semblance of branches touch the clouds above. I was, along with with my husband and young daughter, battening down and gathering things in anticipation of an approaching storm. The wind picked up and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a burst of light, like a giant fireball high in the treetops at the crest of the hill to my right.We ran into the house and as we secured the doors and windows the most enormous, and frightening fireball, or meteorite, with a long fiery tail was coming right at us! My heart was pounding as I watched helplessly, fearing the worst for our home and our lives. In a matter of seconds the fireball was at our door, but it wasn’t a fireball, it was an enormously tall or 60 foot long, dragon that appeared to be made of fire. It hovered right over our home and what had seemed like an imminent threat, turned into a reassuring nod of the dragon’s head as it glanced our way before moving forward and high above the treetops. As it rose into the air it’s heart-shaped tail seemed to linger and gently wave at us through the living room windows.

But, as soon as the dragon was out of sight, there was a roar of wind that reminded me of a hurricane. This sound got louder and closer and then it too disappeared. Speechless and shaking and yet realizing we were alive and our home was still standing, we opened the door expecting to see the forest ablaze and no way to escape. Nothing, not a twig was out of place. There was no fire, no damage and the cyan blue sky was appearing right where the fireball had burst over the treetops.

We were more than perplexed and stumbled back into the house. As we closed the front door and turned around, we were shocked to see this was no longer our home. We were now aboard what looked like the luxury lounge of the famed Orient Express train and, it was bustling with a large crowd of international passengers…

~ End of Dream, beginning of

Dragon research via Google (of course). 2012 is the Chinese Year of the Dragon, a water dragon to be more precise. The dragon is one of 12 creatures that represent the cycles of the Chinese zodiac.

Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, hurricane, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. (wiki more info)

Since I had this dream, I’ve heard or read about the year of the dragon almost daily and intend to learn much more as this expands but one thing I knew I wanted to do right away was either get or create a dragon. Today was the day. I got myself together, got my paints and brushed, recycled a canvas, set up the patio studio complete with Vivaldi’s, The Four Seasons and just let the dragon muse go for phase 1 of my dragon painting. I was imagining my hand would create the majestic, somewhat threatening fire-breathing, ferocious dragon that first appeared in my dream… but today’s dragon, or at least this first expression of her, is definitely a playful, childlike and friendly female.

I’d love to have your comments on dream interpretations, dragons, mythology, history, dragon art-  any insights …

to be continued…

Holiday Card - detail of a Tomato series of mixed media paintings & prints by Debra Cortese

Will have over 40 artworks – paintings on canvas, mixed media, framed giclées, dozens of matted, archival prints, journals, cards, calendars, the new nature pattern flip flops and of course the bags!
If you can’t make it to the Holiday Open Studio, here are the webpages where you can order some of the products and have them delivered before Christmas – if you order by Monday, Dec. 12th!

Flip Flops, iPhone and iPad Covers, Hats, Journals, Ornaments, Calendars, Mugs, Tiled Boxes, and more
at my CafePress Shop HERE. Check for daily specials on shipping!

My top selling bag designs and styles are featured in the annual HOLIDAY BAG SALE via this PAGE.

For art, paintings, limited editions and prints that you can order online, please see my SHOP page which has links to cards, art and more. If you see something and it doesn’t have a price or if you have any questions, give me a call at 305-298-2023 or send a message to: debra (at) debracortese.com

Enjoy nature – and my nature art

~ Debra

Angel in the Bird Bath with Tomatoes

Or better yet, practical, wearable, gifts that are not only endowed with the beautiful, joyful energies of nature …. they also have the ability to protect ones feet, adorn ones iphone or ipad and carry ones important papers, laptops, yoga gear or baby supplies.

Just click on any of the images and you can get all the details plus see many more designs!

I’m in the process of putting together my annual Holiday Open Studio event and as always, I like to have several brand new bag designs plus some new stocking stuffer type items. This year, CafePress came through with a fun new product that I just got carried away with. I’ve had so much fun creating patterns for the new flip flops and I can’t wait to see people’s reactions to them on Sunday. Several clients have already ordered multiple pairs and the new iphone covers are a big hit as well.

I have new Hipster* style bags and the Peacock Feather Blues is already a big hit as well as the deluxe Business Travel style bag. Note: 5 top selling designs are specially priced for this holiday season.
If you order by Dec. 12th you can have them delivered by Christmas in the continental USA!

*(Hipsters are not available online yet but will be very, very soon!)

Time to go. I have an appointment to meet with my chief Elf advisor who gently but firmly distracts me from even more BSO’s (bright shiny objects) so I stay focused on the truly productive projects

I read this early today, before I got out of bed and then, I went out to my favorite tree where I always feel connected and inspired and Julia’s song made even more sense!!!

In the center of your heart
Is a still small part
Like a meadow in a forest made of green.

In the center of your heart
Is a still small part
And that is where your soul must go to dream.

~ Julia Cameron, “Vein of Gold” Guidance chapter

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* I only recommend products and services that I personally use and believe in. I have an affiliate account with Amazon and I may earn a commission on products that you purchase from following my link. This is another way an artist/entrepreneur is able to earn money and continue doing the kinds of work I love.