card 5 : alchemist

wisdom, transformation, alchemy

materials: acrylic paint, varnish, markers, posca pen, white out

surface: canvas board

artistic process: This mixed media piece is an embodiment of alchemy: an ever changing transformation taking over two years. It started with layers of marker, sharpie, acrylic paint, and varnish. A couple months later, I used posca pens to draw over this previously abandoned piece, adding miniature details in pen, and gluing gold flakes on in reference to the Philosopher's Stone. This is an alchemical process of turning lead, a base metal, into gold. Attaining the philosopher's stone isn’t literally doing that (although some alchemists can), it more metaphorical and connected to purification of the soul. While freestyle drawing, I created an alchemist’s side portrait under two crescent moons. This symbolizes balance, harmony, and universal flow.

the alchemist 2021-2023

I AM AFFIRMATION: I am the alchemist of my reality. I am whole. I recognize my abundant nature. I am trusting in universal timing in awe and wonder. I am grateful to experience the growth and evolution of my soul.

Alchemy started in Africa, in Kemet (Egypt), a blessing of immeasurable wisdom to our world. Over thousands of years, alchemy paved the way for chemistry. A principle of alchemy is that anything you do, you are also doing to yourself. Sacred teachings of alchemy show that we are made of various elements and particles of the universe. As above, so below. As within, so without. Alchemy has a lot to do with spiritual transformation and growth. In alchemy, our body is our laboratory. Everything that makes up the Earth is also present in the human body, such as iron in our blood. Everything that makes up the universe exists within our very being. The 1st law of thermodynamics states that energy is neither created nor destroyed, only transformed.