Life Metaphors

In my introduction for the last Internet radio show of Season 2, (Episode 24-Cliff Sutton: Communicating Effectively) I said I love using metaphors. Metaphors help clarify, exemplify or simplify complexities facing us.

For example, years ago, I became fascinated with rocks. Over time, until today, I’ve photographed and painted them.

My very first large sheet of water colour painting, Life Series #2, was created in one of several series of classes I took that were led by Elaine Gitalis, an extraordinary instructor and fine artist.

Life Series #2. Copyright Nellie Jacobs 2009

Since then, I’ve created many rock paintings in all kinds of styles and media:

Life Series # 5. Watercolour. Copyright 2009 Nellie Jacobs

Life series #1, below, was my first experiment in shape, lighting and shading. It was also a study in negative and positive space:

Life Series # 1, Rocky Crag. Watercolour. Copyright 2009 Nellie Jacobs

When I began Magical MousePainting™ (computer painting with a mouse using the Microsoft Paint application), I couldn’t help but create illustrations of rocks and mountains:

Same drawing, inverted colours:

Here’s a different perspective:

Picture Perfect. Copyright Nellie Jacobs 2009

In the week-end nature and photography retreat I attended in April, rocks were again a focus of many of my pictures:

Lessons Learned

1. Rocks can represent the positive characteristics of people.

Rocks symbolize steadiness, permanance, reliability and strength. All of these are fine features I look for in colleagues and friends.

2. Like rocks, people come in all different sizes, shapes and colors. The source of their creation and their history are varied, as well.

3. Like rocks, people can be surface (interested mainly in events) or deep (interested in ideas).

Into the depths. Copyright Nellie Jacobs, 2009

I love the way these rocks below nestle into each other like friends sharing secrets, or maybe recipes:

What are some metaphors you like to use or that fascinate you?

Creatively Yours,

Nellie Jacobs

______________

Through her Igniting Imagination programs and services, creativity consultant Nellie Jacobs stimulates creative-thinking, providing tools to individuals, organizations and companies to help ‘mine’ hidden or latent human resources for the personal and professional betterment of all.

All Igniting Imagination with Nellie Jacobs talk radio episodes are numbered and archived for your listening pleasure, inspiration and convenience at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Igniting-Imagination.

Seasons 1 and 2 guest photos, profiles, topics and links to their episodes are posted on at www.ignitingimagination.com. Just follow the links.

Twitter:@nelliejacobs

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nelliejacobs