Author: Jill Broscious

The Conversation

At long last, the piece I have been working on for months has come together!  I am creating a new structure with this composition.  The two “voices” are in different time signatures.  The first is 6/8 time and the second is 4/4 time.  It is harmonious to me, but may not suit your ear! In any event, the motive behind this piece was to juxtapose two musical themes, each with its own personality, and create a conversation between them.  Are the themes in opposition, in harmony?  Regardless, the 4/4 voice has the last word…

Would love to hear your feedback!

Jill

Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything.  Happy New Year!  The holidays were busy, and then there was the protracted cold that didn’t want to go away….so, I haven’t done much art the past few months.  I have a new collage in progress.  The pieces were cut out months ago.  It is waiting [patiently?] to be glued together.  Maybe I’ll finish it in the next few weeks…  But first, I want to complete the latest song I’ve been working on for the past few months.  The ideas have emerged so slowly, but now there is momentum to bring them together and I’m basically just waiting for a proper ending to present itself!  As soon as it’s done, I’ll post here and on my piano page.

I made a few small collages (12″ x 12″) for Christmas presents.  They are reinterpretations of two earlier collages I did:  The Flower of Life and The Seal of Melchizedek.  I attach here for your viewing pleasure.  Will also post them on my Gallery page.

That’s my update since the last post.  Hopefully, with the holidays over I’ll become a bit more prolific and be a more regular blogger!

Best wishes to all in 2019!
Jill.

The Quest

A new song hot off the presses!  As always, I cringe a little at the imperfections in my playing, but hopefully these baubles won’t be too recognizable to others!  This piece is a bit more complex than previous compositions.  The fingering is more challenging, as well.  So, I feel it is an accomplishment in that regard.  I do regret, somewhat, the “tinniness” of the electronic piano sound, but the trade-off is the ability to record.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

Hello All!

I wanted to let you know, in case you are local and want something fun to do, I will be participating again in the Autumn Goddess Retreat Festival in Valley Forge this Saturday, September 29, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.  It will be at the Freedoms Foundation on Valley Forge Road, very close to the park.  My table will be inside the main building this year, which will be nice if the weather decides to be inclement. It was SO windy and cold last year! Admission is $5.00.  For details on activities, vendors, etc., here is the web site: Festival.

I will have holiday cards for sale. [details on these designs in June 6, 2018 Blog]:

A boxed set of 8 cards with envelopes (2 cards of each design in the same color palette) will be $20.00.  I’ll also have note cards available from last year at a reduced price:  2 for $5.00/5 for $10.00/or box of all 8 designs for $15.  In addition, I made some coasters using my mandala designs.  They will be available for $5.00 each or a set of 4 for $15.00.

Hope to see you there!

By the way – in the coming weeks I will update my “shop” page so that the holiday cards will be available for purchase online, as well. Stay tuned!

The Seal of Melchizedek

Melchizedek (pronounced “mel-KIZ-a-deck”) is mentioned in 3 places in the Bible:  Genesis 14, Psalm 110, and Hebrews 7 (a period of time ranging from approximately 2000 BC to 60 AD). He is considered the King of Righteousness, the Prince of Peace, a priest of the most high God forever. Hebrews 7 states: ³ Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.”

Some scholars interpret this to mean Melchizedek was not a human priest, but Christ consciousness Itself, God’s eternal essence, predating and post-dating the incarnation of Jesus.  It is also posited by some that Jesus was Melchizedek (or vice versa)!

I find this mystery fascinating and really love the symbol.  It is simple, but elegant and profound in its simplicity. The center circle represents God, and the interlocking squares create an 8-pointed star, a pattern that can repeat without end.  As the squares repeat, I feel like they create a tunnel that leads one’s eye directly and swiftly to the center – no detours! The 8 points are the numerological symbol of infinity.  This image appears in a variety of forms in the iconography of all three monotheistic religions.

Here is my version of the symbol.  It is 20″ x 20″ – in my favorite medium: collage.

Hope you enjoy!

Metatron

Flower of Life

The attached collages were inspired by two classic sacred geometric symbols:

Metatron/Metatron’s Cube:

The Flower of Life:

What I enjoy so much about Metatron, in addition to its symmetry, harmony, and balance, is its ability to exude a commanding presence of strength and power alongside a gentle peace and soothing calm. When I look at this symbol, I am able to believe that all is completely right with the world!

The Flower of Life is considered a creation circle and the foundation for a variety of sacred geometrical shapes and patterns.  The center of each circle is on the circumference of six surrounding circles of the same diameter. (This mini cluster of circles is called the “Seed of Life”).  The symbol is made up of 19 complete circles and 36 partial circular arcs, enclosed by a large circle.

It was harder to recreate this image than I expected!  To keep all the circles within circles symmetrical was a challenge, for sure.  My first attempt failed, but I was happy with the outcome of this one.

From tokenrock.com: “Metatron depicts the five platonic solids which may be derived from the Flower of Life. The five platonic solids are geometrical forms which are said to act as a template from which all life springs, according to spiritual belief. The Platonic solids are five structures that are crucial because they are the building blocks of organic life. These five structures are found in minerals, animated and organic life forms, sound, music, language, etc. Metatron’s cube is also considered a holy glyph, used to ward off evil spirits. The Kabbalah’s Tree of life is also thought to be derived from the flower of life.”

The size of these pieces is 20″ x 20″.  Unfortunately, they are too large to scan (for a perfect image), so I apologize for the slightly distorted photographs!

American Gravity

This piece was inspired by the immigration saga that began to unfold a few weeks ago.  Young children being separated from their parents with little hope of reunification…

Working on this song helped me grapple with deepening concern about the devolution of our culture.

I wasn’t sure what to name the piece, but landed on American Gravity,  since the force of gravity causes things to fall, and it also denotes great solemnity and seriousness.  I think both meanings apply here!

Hello!  Here is a very simple drawing I did a few weeks ago – again using color pencils.  For me, the bright colors and particular design exude excitement, vitality, and positive energy, as well as peace, order, and harmony.  I hope it does the same for you!

Stay tuned.  I have completed a new piece of music that I am in the process of recording and will post here in the coming week…

Hello!  My latest project was to create two sets of Christmas/Holiday cards to sell at various venues this year.  I had to create them this early in order to be considered for the Wellington Square Book Store, which makes their Christmas buying decisions now! [The cards also will be available for purchase on my shop page a little closer to the holiday season.]

The inspiration for these designs was a traditional “Celtic step pattern” I found in one of my Irish books. The central image, a square, incorporates three basic shapes arranged in four different ways. I made eight collages using the same three shapes for each design.

If you compare the top image in blue to the one below it in green/red, you will see that the pattern is identical.  Any difference in appearance is the result of the papers chosen.  [Note: the side ribbons are not based on Celtic design, but were added so that the image would fit a standard size card.]

I love all things Irish, and Celtic design has always spoken to me the same way geometric design does.  There is symmetry, harmony, balance, and simple beauty.  I remain fascinated by the infinite variety of ways these basic shapes can be expressed.

Happy Summer!

Jill.

Modern Lullaby

Hello All,

A few weeks ago I became captivated by another tune.  As much as I want to continue writing the new book (with one chapter complete and the second in progress), I made the decision to work with whatever creative inspiration comes my way, so the last few weeks have been dedicated to giving “birth” to this new piece.  My arthritic hands have made mastering this quite challenging, but finally this morning I was able to make a decent enough recording to feel confident in sharing this latest adventure with you!

The title that came to mind is “Modern Lullaby.”  It has a lilting sweetness, but with a twist: Some “white water rapids” serve as counterpoint to its melodic simplicity.

Hope you enjoy!