UNITY

Together as one
We unite
We collide
Collaborating many
Until we decide
Upon a direction
An open slide
Over the edge
And into the wide
Abyss of universe
Galaxy pride
Together as one
We ride

Juliette Llewellyn
03/03/05

THE MUSLIM WORLD ON YOUR DOORSTEP EXHIBITION: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WALES

The Triptych
lays subtly before us
ethereal white
barely there

The veil hides femininity but woman’s essence is still present. From each angle the female is viewed, the shape which is indicative of Muslim culture. To hide that much is alien to me as a western woman. To be free in expression is something I have taken for granted.

In fact clothes and my outward identity have helped me through many a difficult period in my life. I lost myself when I didn’t dress for 11 months, no longer did I have a connection with the world. Yet now I try to find some softness through clothes, sourcing organically produced fabrics, kinder to ourselves, our soul and planet.

So, maybe for me, the jilbab covers too much. Making for an androgynous figure. Although, I am told, the women feel secure in their dress, offering what is called hijab: modesty.

Our outward identity is a powerful force in this world
It is inside the layers that our faith burns brightly



Footnote:

Triptych: art consisting of a painting or carving on three panels (usually hinged together). In this instance it was 3 large scale photographs of a woman artist wearing the jilbab.

Jilbab: In modern day usage, jilbāb (Arabic جلباب) refers to a long, flowing, baggy overgarment worn by some Muslim women.

The modern jilbāb covers the entire body, except for hands, feet, face, and head. The head is then covered by a scarf or wrap. Some women will also cover the hands, feet, and face.

NEW YEAR

Just to be able to live more fully in the world would be the greatest achievement for me this year

To scatter freely upon the fields our thoughts of yesterday; to become apparent what we yearn for inside; to bloom like bright flowers, petals open in the sun; to stretch ourselves expansively in to the future, unfettered from the past.

Holding this thought we create the masterpiece of life for all to see. Colours glow vibrantly with all the energy we have to give them, even on grey days, finding a droplet of light to guide us home again. Each New Year is a blessing. Truthfully to be alive sensing our world is a delicate balance.

Time to think what would truly bring happiness. Is it really the things that we believe would? Or something deeper, more poignant and lasting. Something we can’t quite grasp to put in to words. Intangibility touches the very essence of our soul.