“More than hands” 2013, oil on canvas 6.7 x 10.2 inches (17 x 26 cm).
Do you ever notice the hands in paintings or sculptures? Do you find the hands in Van Dyke and El Greco paintings beautiful?
I have always been fascinated with the depiction of the human hand in art. Whether in sculpture or painting, I am magnetised by its form and kinesiology. I view the hand as an entire being on its own, almost separate from the rest of the human body. The fingers’ movements, the palm, and the wrist communicate more explicit and direct messages than the words we speak. And what the hand does is more important than its appearance. Whether it strokes you or strikes you, this is what defines its beauty.
But it was only after receiving Reiki therapy that I understood why I was so magnetised by the human hand. The method consists of being touched by the therapist’s palms in specific areas of your body, which correspond to different energy centres/wheels (or chakras, for some). The warmth emitted from the therapist’s palm remains on the body long after the hand has been removed from the area it touched. I will not go into the details of Reiki here. But I do want to talk about the hands of my Reiki therapist Martha Pefani.
I met Martha at a challenging time in my life where my creativity had reached bottom level. My inspiration was lost, and I would just freeze in front of the blank canvas. I had lost contact with my imagination and any desire to make art. I was not allowing myself to experience the enjoyment and freedom of creation. It felt like my hands were pierced by a thousand thorns and could no longer sculpt, draw or paint.
Martha patiently removed one by one, these symbolic thorns. The Reiki energy passing from her palms was the most effective healing method for me. It healed my fears, insecurities and stagnation.
The splendour of the human hand was finally revealed to me.
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