Contemplating lapis

I have a longstanding obsession with lapis lazuli. Some time back in the 1990s I was working with the artist and polymath Tom Phillips - it was on an adaptation of the ancient Mesopotamian creation myth the Epic of Gilgamesh, in which there are several references to lapis lazuli. I sat up and paid attention as he educated me about the history and artistic use of lapis.

It has been used as a stone for decoration since ancient times, and during the Renaissance was ground into the ultramarine paint powder, reserved for use on the clothes of the holiest characters in religious paintings, very often used for the Virgin Mary's robes. (Ultramarine has been manufactured synthetically since the early 19thC)

I later learnt it was a stone associated with wisdom, insight and truth.

I keep returning to a watercolour doodle which starts with blue, then adding the gold. Sometimes there is more water, sometimes less. It’s a meditative process for me.

Blue brings unrestricted, open, expansive thought. Gold adds an uplifting dazzle. The results are unpredictable - exactly as it should be. The surprises are everything.