Cathy Spivey Mendola
"Dancing in the Rain"
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| (Photos by Patrick Fraser) |
My umbrella is loosely based on an Indian ceremonial umbrella. Ceremonial canopies and umbrellas are created in the Orissa region of India using an applique method referred to as chandua. Red, green, blue, ochre and black are the traditional colors. Various motifs are used for the designs. I chose a variation of a peacock feather for mine.
Peacocks have been associated with Greek mythology, Hindu mythology, Buddhism and Christianity. They have been known to symbolize nobility, Holiness, guidance and protection.
I chose to make my umbrella festive, ceremonial & a little bit protective.
Horrible news rains down on us daily, along with all the pitfalls that life can sometimes bring us. This umbrella is a reminder that I don’t have to let all the unpleasant stuff that comes my way create a storm of negative emotions.
The interior is embroidered with quotes to help remind me that I can dance in the rain, weather the storms and laugh through the pain rather than submit to despair. There will always be dreadful news as well as road bumps in life. To be able to rise above the bad is certainly a cause for celebration!