As a child I had repetitive frightening dreams as a result I have been an explorer of dreams for most of my life.
As a psychology student I learned that the brain is clearing clutter (stress) while we sleep. The dream language is the language of symbols; each dreamer has to interpret the imagery given to them in a dream and decide what can be learned from it. Even though there are dreams that are familiar to many; late for class, teeth falling out, falling, naked in the hall at school and my least favorite trying to run and feeling heavy and unable to move.
As I have gotten older my dreams have become more about flying, soaring, weightless running and vibrant colorful landscapes complete with sound and sometimes smell. I hope it indicates a brain better able to transform stress into art and a calmer presence.
I have struggled with this prompt because of the current political climate and its impact on my creativity. The stress and its emotional burden that has left me unable to remember many of my dreams…. this might be a good thing. Perhaps I am dreaming and not remembering this is possible and more likely. Perhaps I am dreaming of death notices and tombstones, handcuffs and orange prison jumpsuits. Perhaps my brain is quietly resolving conflicts for me while I sleep in order to give a break from the bad dream we are living in real time.
Perhaps I am dreaming of peace and a world without violence and hatred.
For this prompt I chose to not go political. I have a need for peacefulness within myself, and I am focusing there for now.
There are so many ways to interpret this prompt I am excited and challenged by it. One hint….a crow.
The oppressive fracturing of structures we’ve taken for granted does indeed take a heavy toll on us as artists. For those of us who aren’t activist-oriented in our art, I hope the act of creating can be a well of respite to retreat to in times of need.
I had a periodic dream in childhood of being on a rollercoaster alone, or sometimes with another person, as the sun started to set. The operator had gone home or disappeared and I couldn’t get off. The ride continued over and over all night in the dark. I love rollercoaster and it was perfectly fine with me to ride and ride and not have to wait in lines. I have no idea what that meant but it wasn’t an unwelcome dream.
I love corvids and am excited to see what you create.
Does this prompt include day time dreaming or hopeful dreaming? It seems like this could be another approach to avoid the great sadness that seems to extend over our nation in these days. I was born and raised in MN so am especially concerned these days.
I am curious about the use of crows in art. It seems most artists I follow have some art that features crows. They are an elegant bird, but their commonality in art interests me.
I had a recurring dream as a child: I would be falling off a bridge in downtown Chicago and right as I hit the water I would be lying on a small bed covered in a white chenille bedspread, the walls of the small room were royal blue and there was a picture of Emmett the clown on the wall to the left of me…I do not remember when this dream stopped but I have not had it since. It remains etched in my memory. I sure could make a very colorful quilt based on that dream!
I understand your need for a more lighthearted focus. I’m there as well. Sometimes I think our brains are just too exhausted to process any of the day’s traumas.
Wonderfully explained! AND….Crows are a favourite subject of mine! Looking forward to seeing your reveal!