‘Illumined fire of the flame,
The golden silver dream.
Awaiting ashes of renewal,
Is birthing the extreme.
For coded is the fractal maze,
With keys inside the locks.
The webbing of the weaver,
Will speak softly to the rocks.
For fires burn upon renewal,
The phoenix now shall rise.
And open will the secret gates,
And see shall brand new eyes.
Awaken dearest dreamer now,
Awaken and move on.
And you shall be the rising sun
The world will gaze upon.
For warmth and love is infinite
The stars shine as the light.
The phoenix fire glistens,
As the ashes rise in flight.’
- ‘Illumination’ by Pamela Storch
‘Phoenix Rising’ was created during the Covid – 19 pandemic, a time of great change and uncertainty for the entire human race.
During the lockdown period, many people were physically separated from family and loved ones. But simultaneously made more frequent contact, and felt closer to their neighbours and local community than ever before.
For many, it was the first time they’d had the chance to pause, re-evaluate and reflect on their way of life.
Only one in 10 people want life to go back to ‘normal’. And rightly so. Modern life has been shockingly unsustainable in so many ways. The tremendous pressure we put on ourselves and our planet by our insaitiable need to consume has become unbearable and is putting our future in jeopardy.
The duality of our world dictates that there are always two sides to every story. ‘Phoenix Rising’ reflects the hope I feel during this distressing time.
This pause, however shocking and painful it may seem, is an incredible chance for us to build back better. We can now begin to to create a society and economy that values planet and people over profit.
Although some systems and ways of life are breaking down I really do feel that this is an amazing opportunity to create a better world. This is a time of great awakening, where we can reconnect to what is truly important in life.
It can be painful to let go of our old existence, but as the quote by Sachs suggests:
“Hope rises like a phoenix from the ashes of shattered dreams”
'Phoenix Rising'
Croyde Beach, North Devon
Oil, mixed media and Copper Leaf
36 x 24 inch
Sold from Echo Beach Gallery in Ilfracombe