Painting the Panther Burn
Written conversations with my artwork © dianegreen
Panther Burn Returns - Acrylic on Canvas - Approx. 48” x 36” - Framed - by Diane Green 2006
Monday February 27, 2006 10:00 AM
Intention: Design the Panther Burn.
Witness: A slow beginning for a new painting of historical significance, The Mississippi Panther burn was a primitive event of man versus nature. What a war. This painting will be an adventure, I do believe the last painting on this frame had a hand in conjuring this upcoming painting. It will be difficult, but I'll do it. The Mississippi Panther in a Ring of Fire.
Monday, February 27, 2006. 2:00 PM
Intention: Connect with source. Relax.
Witness: This will be a long, slow process determining exactly how this painting will come together. Yes, it will be a long, slow process. The Panther will be surrounded by burning bamboo and people in the green with torches, with old cabins by woods nearby. Yep, this will take time.
Tuesday, February 28. 2006. 10 AM
Intention: Relax. Ground and center. Design.
Witness: Yes, this painting is going to be very slow. It's taking a while to place all the elements. It's so frustrating to have this clear idea in your head, and then when you get started on the actual materialization of the idea, you run into obstacle after obstacle. I guess the important thing is to not give up, eh?
Painting: Keep going, You've got to tell the Panther Burn legend. You've got to make an image of it so the story lives on.
I: OK, I'll keep working on it. But it's gonna take a while.
Painting: We've been waiting for centuries. What's a few weeks?
I: All right then.
Wednesday, March 1, 2006, 10 AM
Intention: Relax. Focus.
Witness: It's almost like I can barely stand to work on this painting. It's too painful. I'll continue to surround the Panthers with the wild bamboo, then add more fire, some land details and settlers tools like saws and hatchets, but the sky seems so empty I would give it another full moon like most of my paintings have. But the sky is currently cloudy. I could make it a later. Clearer night sky, though. I could give the sky buzzards flying in the air, circling for the fires remains. I wonder if I called the library in Panther Burn, Mississippi, If they could give me more details about this event.
Painting: You don't know if you don't call.
Wednesday, March 1, 2006. 10 AM.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with Source.
Witness: This is going to be a difficult painting. It is horrific and sad. The Panther Burn event of Southern Mississippi. Not sure how realistic this scene is, setting fire to a couple of Wildcats so close to someone's new log cabin. But I guess being symbolic of the event is enough. I don't believe anyone has ever painted this grizzly event, but my friend Tav has talked about it for decades and it has finally dawned on me to paint it. Rough as it is, I suppose I'm ready for anything.
Wednesday, March 1, 2006, 2:00 PM
Intention: Relax and focus.
Witness: It is coming together in small sections here and there. I need Time to let the details show themselves. The painting speaks:
Land: It's taken you a long time to slow down enough to paint this. It's Mississippi, after all.
I: Yep, the land of Clearpool dances and kudzu, Olive Branch and hog farms.
Land: Don't forget why you're painting this.
I: OK, why, Land?
Land: To reclaim the ecosystem that's been destroyed.
I: Ohh.
Thursday, March 2. 2006, 10 AM.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with source.
Witness: Slow to decide what details to put where. Making lots of sketches could help I guess, but the whole work feels like it's missing something. A chicken coop, maybe? More people? What do I need here, Painting?
Painting: Well, the event was just one Panther, you know?
I: Yeah, according to legend. So you think I should paint out a Panther.
Painting: Yeah.
I: I don't know. This was such a wicked event. Why does this painting make me feel so non-plussed?
Painting: Hard times are always avoided if possible. This connects with every sad cat experience you've ever known.
I: Ohh, maybe I should include them?
Painting: Maybe so.
Thursday, March 2. 2006, 2 PM
Intention: Find what's missing.
Witness: OK, it's coming together. The painting has told me what's missing is the green, More wildlife, plants, the whole community of man versus nature surrounding that fateful cane break in Mississippi. Now if you could just make one of those Panthers look like it's howling, says the painting.
I: I know I've got one standing on its hind legs. I almost want to add another Panther figure jumping into the sky, and then another jumping from that. Like Panther ghosts emerging. Or maybe channeling themselves into another form. A shape shifter or shaman sitting on the cabin roof, eh painting?
The painting is quiet. But I see lights in the sky.
Thursday, March 2, 2006, 2:00 PM
Intention: Relax and focus.
Witness: There just aren't a lot of words to express how hard it is to portray such an act. I guess that's why no one ever has. They just named a town after it, which is creepy enough, and then leave it to rock'n'roll to spawn a band named after it. Panther Burn lives on one way or another.
Friday, March 3, 2006. 10 AM. Trust common sense.
Intention: Keep it simple.
Witness: What a simple week it has been. So relaxed, quiet, uncomplicated. How can it stay this way? I have no idea. First I'd have to figure out what caused the change, which I realized is partially due to my boss and our dog squad being on vacation. But the sins of everything being lightened is all around. At home, at work. Everywhere. Maybe it's the planets changing. But things have just gotten easier, and for that I am glad.
Friday, March 3, 2006, 2:00 PM.
Intention: Relax.
Witness: The Panthers are caught in the expanding Ring of Fire. More plants are needed, the sky requires definition, and a lot of details are needed. But it's Friday and I'm looking forward to fresh air and relaxation. I figure this painting needs a rest as well.
Monday, March 6th, 2006. 10 AM.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with Source.
Witness: Getting things done seems important. But I think perhaps I am avoiding this painting because it is such a scary scene. I feel unsure of how to paint it, but I guess I just need to keep building on it. But then again, having paperwork done is pretty darn important too. It's all gonna get done…This I believe. And I'm just grateful to have all this to do that I'm not homeless and abandoned. Life is good these days, and it's almost spring. Can't complain.
Monday, March 6th, 2006. 2:00 PM.
Intention: Get things done.
Witness: OK, so it works. Putting one foot in front of the other carrying out tasks that are, yes, boring but necessary. I have a lot to think about, so getting through work helps keep thoughts from getting overwhelming. Should I move to this place on the north side now that I've come to be so at home with the South Side, who knows? I just have to turn it over to the One who has gotten me this far. Surviving so much, but I'm on the edge of my seat regardless.
Friday, April 7th, 2006. Billy Holiday’s birthday.
Intention: Relax. Connect with source.
Witness: Well, hello. I guess the Panther spirit is awake now, larger than life in the sky, ready to reap revenge on those foolish settlers. It's a long time coming, eh Panther?
Panther: (Growls)
I: Well, no worries. I know you have a lot on your mind. But I know you're doing what you must to balance things. Keep on keepin’ on.
Panther: (Silent)
Monday, April 10th, 2006. 10 AM.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with source.
Witness: This painting really has a long way to go. The giant Panther is looking pretty lame. Anything I can do to help?
Panther: Just don't give up. Give me flames and I'll jump from the canvas.
I: Whoa, that sounds serious!
Panther: You’d jump too if somebody set you on fire.
I: I reckon so.
Monday, April 10th, 2006 2:00 PM.
Intention: Relax and focus.
Witness: Slow progress Panther, but I'm not giving up. Don't know what I can do to make this go faster.
Panther: Take your time. Patience is a good thing to develop along the way.
I: I reckon so.
Monday, April 10th. 4:00 PM.
Intention: Relax.
Witness: Panther is beginning to look a little more accurate. Looking forward to having some extended hours to work on it.
Wednesday, April 12th, 2006. 10 AM.
Enjoy a friend's company.
Intention: Relax And focus. Ground and center. Connect.
Witness: Ah, my sophomoric little Panther painting. How much longer before you seem anywhere near finished?
Painting: Hold on, sistah! Where's the fire? Oh yeah, right here. Getting too hot for you?
I: Well, yeah, I feel like I can't measure up with this painting. Like it looks stupid and I'll never sell my paintings and no one will like them, especially Tav and the Panther Burns.
Painting: Never mind about others. You just paint from your heart. You'll get where you need to go. Now where are those flames that are supposed To be behind me?
I: Coming soon!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006. 2 PM
Intention: Relax and focus.
Witness: Ok, so I guess it is coming together. I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. But man, this scene is so painful to look at. Can this really be true?
Panther: Yes, it is true, and I wanted YOU to PAINT it. That's why I've been contacting you for so long and in so many ways you can hear the Cat Spirit where others cannot.
I: Well, that makes sense. Cats have been coming to me in many forms since I was very young.
Panther: And I want my story to be told.
I: Ok then.
Monday, April 17th, 2006. 10 AM. Search out truth.
Intention: Relax and focus ground and center. Connect with source.
Witness: The Panther has sprouted wings. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. I think I like it, but I may have to change the moon and give the big Panther a paw with claws extended. This Panther Was definitely having a rough day back then. I wonder what her spirit has to say.
Panther: I’ve screamed through this valley in Mississippi still to this day. Thanks for bringing me back for others to see.
Tuesday, April 18th, 2006. 2:00 PM.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with source.
Witness: Art is such a challenge. Sometimes you want to wrap it up and take it home, other times you want to rip it to shreds. I'm veering more toward the ripped to shreds. Mode today, which I suppose is appropriate considering the subject matter, but something's gonna have to change. This Panther in the sky needs an escape, and soon. Or there will be bloodshed in the little settler community.
Panther: Well, I have to admit, bloodshed is what started this mess. But these people just don't understand the nature of the beast, such as a Panther we prey on what's available in these folks have been scaring away our favorite chase with their foresting and building. So they got what was due.
I: And so now what happens?
Panther: I can scratch a hole in the sky and fly away.
I: And you're not casting doom on the people of Panther Burn, Mississippi?
Panther: What's the point? They're human beings. They're doomed anyway.
Wednesday, April 19th, 2006. 10:00 AM. Feel passion.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with source.
Witness: OK Panther, I've changed the angle of your paw. It still doesn't look right. I know I need a picture to go by. This painting is a challenge.
Panther: It's pretty hard to paint what you can't see. Focus on the light, the rest will come to you
I: Who's missing? There should be more figures.
Panther: The spirits of the earth, the fire.
I: Ok then.
Wednesday, April 19th, 2006 2:00 PM.
Intention: Make a handbook.
Witness: Sometimes you just have to stand back and let the dog bark, even if it has no idea what it's barking about. And then again, you can live without recognition. The response is derived from the delivery.
Wednesday, April 19th, 2006 4:00 PM.
Intention: Relax and focus.
Witness: Maybe. I'm beginning to gain some perspective. Panther. Angel. Am I portraying your expression accurately?
Panther: While nothing can really express the anguish these human settlers brought to my ancestors, I think you are beginning to capture the essence.
I: How is it the humans could not coexist with the Panther in that time?
Panther: Typical human malady. Greed.
I: Oh.
Thursday, April 20th, 2006. 10 AM.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Channel light. Finish painting.
Witness: Not finished in the final sense, but Panthera’s Revenge is in the homestretch. It's an interesting transition, Watching, working, waiting…for an art project to develop a life of its own, to see it move forward with its own energy.
Panther: The wings helped and the leg up. Nothing can stop me now. I've been wanting to do this for centuries.
I: Hmm. Reminds me of a Bowie song. Putting out fire with gasoline?
Panther: Not this time, sistah! More like Mississippi burning out. I wanted to turn back time and stop these people from destroying my kind so we may return to the world we knew.
I: I don't know Panthera. Putting out one Panther Burn fire can help you and your ancestors in one area of the world, but human civilization and it’s technologies have destroyed a lot of systems everywhere.
Panther: But the earth is older and wiser. Everything is Connected. And nothing ever stops. One major shift and everything will follow. Balance will return with the equal opposite effect, and Nature will take her course.
I: I do believe she will.
Thursday, April 20th, 2006. 2:00 PM.
Intention: Relax.
Witness: It just goes on and on. This is turning into one of those paintings that just takes ages to finish, and I thought it was just gonna be one of those flying tigers from the Chinese bomb company. Then you and your story snagged me, Panther. I hope your needs are being met.
Panthera: Oh, I've got another huge canvas for Flying Tigers and You've got all kinds of time. This is history with changing currents Coming. You'll be glad you did this painting. Mark my words.
I: Well, all right then. There's just so much more to go.
Panthera: Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, everything works out if you just don't give up.
I: OK, OK.
Friday, April 21st, 2006. 10:00 AM “Wish upon a cloud.”
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with Source. Let it go.
Witness: Final stages I do believe. There is of course this whole frame that goes with this canvas to restore repaint, but we are in the home stretch. What's still missing, Panther Angel?
Panthera: Well, I think there were a few more men with torches around that day. Otherwise you could reveal some of the invisible Indian spirit ancestors who were just as horrified as the Panthers by what the white men were doing.
I: Good idea. It's always best to see the whole picture.
Sunday, April 23rd, 2006,
William Shakespeare's birthday, 1564.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with Source. I see myself in good hands.
Witness: Frame, you're a very challengeable fellow. Adaptable, Flexible. At least I think you are. Anyway, your inner canvas frame is returning soon and you'll have a whole new life to embrace.
Frame: Yes, I suppose I am pretty easy going rolling with the changes. The new painting is a different style than the older one. But it still has a ghost cat image.
I: Well, that's true. I never thought of it that way. I wonder why.
Frame: You know why? Power Animal Cat has been with you from your earliest memory.
I: But why that? Was I a cat and a past life? Am I connected with Baat, The Egyptian Cat God? What's the real connection?
Frame: You're closing in on it, but remember, you have to let it come to you without searching, like the magic coin in your dream when you were a child. Just be patient and all will be revealed in time.
I: I reckon so. Meanwhile, I think my new painting is pretty wacko.
Frame: But it needed to come forth. So thanks for that.
I: De nada.
Monday, April 24th, 2006. 10 AM.
Intention: Ground and center. Connect with Source. I buy a building for M.U.S.E.
Witness: Slight progress, Panther, but you know you're going in a nice frame I'm restoring at home. I do believe this Painting is almost finished.
Panthera: Hold your horses, partner. You've got a lot of details to finish, Grandma in the window, stars in the sky, hands and face. Details. My wings are atrocious.
I: OK, OK. Don't worry, it will all be taken care of.
Panthera: It better be.
Wednesday. April 26th. 2006. 1:00 PM.
Intention: Relax and focus.
Witness: Just keeps moving along, getting closer and closer to the finish line. What's left?
Panthera: Light rays from the fire shining on everyone. Straighten the claws. More highlight and shadow on the Super Panther, stars in the sky, more farm animals and woodland creatures… should I go on?
I: Well, I guess I'm not as close to finishing as I thought I was. But then again, why should I believe you? Aren't you mythical anyway?
Panthera: You should know … you're the one that mythologized me.
I: Hmm. Good point. And I will consider your detailed requests, but the end is near my friend. You are going home to be framed soon.
Panthera: Bring it on, I can handle anything.
I: I reckon you can.
Thursday, April 27th. 2006. 10 AM.
New Moon. In Taurus.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with Source.
Witness: No matter how much I stare at the odd painting, I can't get used to it. It's hard enough just to get close to it for finishing off the detail, but the details are what can make it all the more maddening. But then again, on such a beautiful spring day, my mind drifts and so do my eyes look out the window, watching birds far, far away from the time and place in this painting. How can I finish this painting?
Panthera: Diligence. Look it up.
I: Well, alright then.
Friday, April 28th, 2006. 10 AM.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with Source.
Witness: Panthera, you're getting new claws, and your Mystic wings are getting more developed. I'm just trying to get them closer to your shoulder blades, so they literally have to be repainted. But I'll get there. I always do. Persistence is the key.
Panthera: Key does seem to be a keyword lately, since you've come to read about the historic keystone in the Da Vinci Code.
I: Whoa, Panther. You're now invading my personal life. What gives?
Panthera: Sorry, it's hard to restrain myself when I can see into the 4th dimension…
I: Yeah, save it for rocket trips.
Panthera: Right.
Friday, April 28th, 2006. 3:00 PM.
Intention: Relax and focus.
Witness: You know, I just realized, Panthera, you are something besides a Panther. A sphinx maybe, or a Griffin. But I gotta look it up so I can get your wings right. Now they look more like a dragonfly. Any tips?
Panthera: Yeah, don't take any wooden nickels. And look up Phoenix.
I: Ok.
Sunday, April 30th, 2006. Roodmass Eve. 3:00 PM.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with Source. All is well.
Witness: Frame You've made a complete turnaround from white to black. I'm not sure how to prepare you for the amazing return of the Panther painting you're destined to surround. Where should I go with you from here?
Frame: The section of the sky visible in the middle strip of the molding here, and a Garland celebrating the return of the almighty Panther. You still need to look up phoenix wings and perhaps repeat the wing design. On the innermost strip of my frame, give yourself one more week on the painting and then bring it on home to me.
I: Ok, do you think the painting will be a slap in the face to the people of Panther Burn Mississippi?
Frame: They've known what's coming to them for centuries. They've been waiting for Someone Like You to expose the truth. Nature will always be stronger than man. It's time you guys get back to your reality on Earth
I: I reckon so.
Monday, May 1st, 2006. Beltane.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with source. I celebrate Beltane.
Witness: Panther Happy Beltane with Jupiter going into retrograde. I'm reworking your wings of fire to make you like a phoenix. Rising from the flames those folks in Mississippi believe destroyed you. It's been a long time coming, Panthera, but. Your roar will be heard and Mississippians across the planet will realize they can't keep you and your kind down, and Mother Nature will have her Kingdom back.
Panthera: You know, you sound like a real geek.
I: So you've noticed.
Panthera: Yes, and I haven't been sleeping all these years.
I: Good, you've got your work cut out for you.
Panthera: I reckon so.
Tuesday. May 2nd, 2006. 10 AM.
Intention: Relax and focus ground and center. Connect with source. Stay on track.
Witness: Well, Panther, I guess you have now spread your wings and you are officially transformed into. Into what? A chimera? A Phoenix, What are you?
Panthera: You've said it yourself. Those afraid of going to hell follow religion. Those who have already been there, have spirituality.
I: So these are your spirit wings?
Panthera: And so you can see them.
I: Does that make you my power animal?
Panthera: As long as that doesn't make you want to hunt me down and kill me and cook me for dinner.
I: No, I think it's the Buddha you're supposed to kill. Or is that something I saw in the Martha Stewart movie? Anyway, I could see parallels here, rising from ashes of destruction to take on new powers? Sounds good to me.
Panthera: Then keep moving forward, sistah. You're getting warmer.
I: Thanks.
Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006. 10 AM.
Intention: Relax. Focus, ground and center.
Witness: Two wings of fire. So glad I came up with the idea the other wing would be open and the other direction makes me wonder what other sides of things I've not considered in the past. And metaphorically speaking, it's like a reflection of Yin and Yang. The whole circle, anyway. I had been thinking the other wing was hidden folded. Behind the visible wing. But having both wings visible definitely gives the Panther more power, eh?
Panthera: I couldn't have said it better myself. So glad to fly over this sad and painful section of Americana and smash these idiot’s silly ideas of destroying Nature. As far as I'm concerned, it was the beginning of the end.
I: The end? The end of what?
Panthera: The end of man dominating the planet, Nature will rise again.
I: Green means Go.
Wednesday, May 3rd. 2006
Witness.: You are coming into the final stages of completion. Not that I couldn't continue improving this painting until the cows come home. It's just time to move on. What's left to finish Panthera?
Panthera: My whiskers. Where are my whiskers?
I: Waiting to add those last. Something so gossamer can't be reworked time and again.
Panthera: And the stars?
I: Likewise, pal.
Panthera: Oh I see.
Friday, May 5th, 2006. 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
Intention: Relax and focus.
Witness: It's like a lost episode of When Worlds Collide. How could this Mountain Lion get so big and sprout wings?
Panthera: Nice try. You know I'm a Panther. Mountain lions are out West and those with ancestors who get burned alive have a Phoenix rising quality. You should know 5 million of your kind were burned at the stake across Europe for several centuries.
I: You know, I never saw the connection, but now that you mention it, I guess we have a lot in common. Ready to go home?
Panthera: Yes, … further.
I: Indeed.
Friday, May 5th, 2006. 4 pm
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with source.
Witness: What's missing, Panther?
Panthera: You need a pump or a well.
I: Uh-huh. Brilliant. What else is missing??
Panthera: One of the fire starters could have white hair.
I: That makes sense. Anything else?
Panthera: Start making your next canvas
I: You know I want to, but how do painters like Girodet make their work so incredibly detailed? Like you can see each strand of hair on his subject's head?
Panthera: Well, he was using oils. And the best brushes. And he probably worked on every painting for years.
I: Maybe, but I have a feeling he was an alchemist.
Panthera: Perhaps. So what does that make you?
I: A fan.
Sunday, May 7th, 2006. Lay upon the earth.
Intention: Relax ground and center. Connect with source. Progress is action.
Witness: Frame. I realize most people would think I'm crackers expecting wisdom from an empty frame, but so far I get the impression you have guidance for me, for the canvas you anticipate. You are, after all, a structure. Something I've needed in my life for a long time.
Frame: A structure which you've reinvented, that is.
I: So true, that old painting was well, from another time and place, not how I paint now.
Frame: But you had to pick up where you left off, You had to start somewhere and now you're closer to where you want to be.
I: Well, at this rate, I'll never be where I want to be painting like Da Vinci or Girodet.
Frame: But you should have another 50 years or so on the planet, All in good time. I look forward to surrounding the amazing return of the Panther.
I: Yes, the Phoenix. She is rising from the ashes of Panther Burn. We should all be so transcendent.
Frame: You are, if you allow it.
I: I reckon so.
Monday, May 8th. 2006. White Lotus Day.
Intention. Relax ground and center. Connect with M. M.U.S.E. will begin to grow into its home.
Witness: Panther Burn Revisited. You are done. You're going home. Of course. Your frame is now waiting to be finished. A slow project going once a week at best. But it's yours. What do you think?
Panthera: I think it's been ready. It's time for me to see the world.
I: Yes, I suppose so. You need to be photographed and then uploaded to my website and then go to a gallery.
Panthera: Well, I guess. How did the town of Panther Burn fare in the last big hurricane?
I: Hmm, good question, but I would imagine they had some karma balancing to do considering how they treated your ancestors.
Panthera: My thoughts exactly. But I would think someone from there might put down some real dough for this painting of me.
I: I'll look into it.