Journal of Sacred Work

Day 109 – Anima & A Picture

Anima 4 - 1979 a   Legendary psychologist Carl Jung coined the word "anima" to signify an individual's true inner self. It is also used in the context of an inner feminine part of the male personality.

   Why is the truest part of ourselves hidden so deep within? How many layers divide our "true" selves from what we show the world?

   As has been true of each of the images shared this week, paintings & photographs suggest what words cannot. 

-Erie Chapman

Note: I made this image thirty-five years ago. Standing in the photograph (far left) I clicked the shutter using a cable release in my right hand.

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5 responses to “Day 109 – Anima & A Picture”

  1. JVD Avatar
    JVD

    Shadows and Illusion
    It is hard to look at a picture sometimes and be asked what to you see? Being a lower resolution image one has to imagine a few more pixels be put in place before a chapter in the story begins. Since this is a staged photograph there was forethought (but was the meaning established). The beholder has only the clue of 35 years ago (which is not a clue).
    Shadows – The left side of the picture is darkened with shadows while the right is light and more in focus. Are eyes are drawn to the lighter portion of the picture but many of us read left to right, so we keep on going back towards the shadows. Why is the woman in light naked and hiding her face. Is she ashamed? What are the man and woman talking about? Her face is the only one not in darkness. is she enlightened? Or is this a tale of deception but truth not unlike John Lennon’s song “Norwegian Wood.” An illusion of his truth.

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  2. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Your photo has a dream like quality, Erie and holds significance for me. I can relate to the woman who is naked as someone who is feeling vulnerable. How true, we do attempt to hide our vulnerabilities from the world, for when we reveal fragile feelings we may feel exposed, embarrassed and ashamed. Or conversely, when we share our human vulnerability and if we are met with acceptance, fear is transformed. There are some deeply ingrained messages about sexuality, especially a woman’s sexuality in our society. There are so many stories that could unfold within this image depending on our perceptions.
    Clearly, your image has stirred a depth of reflection as noted in J’s provocative comment.
    Yet, you pose the poignant question, Erie “Why is the truest part of ourselves hidden so deep within?” I can only answer this for me; worthiness or a lack thereof… which is my fear-based ego thinking. For at our core I know that our essence, our truest self is Love; ever present, all-encompassing Love.
    Thank you for this lovely reminder.

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  3. erie chapman Avatar
    erie chapman

    Thank you, Liz. Yes, vulnerability through a mix of real and imaginary creatures. Perhaps, some people are “better” able to embrace and reveal their Anima more boldly than others. This may not mean they are more courageous. Yet, it can be lonely to show so much when we may assume the truth will be seen as offensive or uncomfortable. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

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  4. erie chapman Avatar
    erie chapman

    JVD: THANK you so much for engaging this photograph at such a thoughtful level! The picture was softened (infrared black and white film) to enhance dreams amid “reality.”
    The couple is intended to reflect society’s “clothed” (protected) relationships. How one or both of them relate in the background of life is informed by the image of the female nude standing vulnerable and visible to us in the foreground yet hidden from the couple in the same way “she” is hidden within their characters.
    As with all art, though, my thoughts are not intended to control any beholder’s interpretation but simply to suggest what I was trying to say. Thank you again.

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  5. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    I appreciate your courage Erie, to take us to a deeper level of awareness accompanied by the sensitivity, creativity, imagination of your Anima.
    Your comment to JVD offers meaningful insight for me.
    Perhaps, in acknowledging we discover Love’s wisdom.

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