The Balanced Star Amulet

In an effort to create Balance in the physical world, I have created The Balanced Star Amulet:

Two woven stars interlocked: the six point star: a composite symbol of the elements: triangles with point up and down illustrating the alchemic glyphs of Fire Water Air and Earth; and the five point star of the Adam Kadmon: the first Man (hermaphrodite) or “Father Time”; Humanity in its primal, perhaps perfected state of existence.

Together these two images represent the balance of forces: Male (active) and Female (passive). This is not to say that “all men are active and all women are passive”, not at all. In the material world, we all contain these kinds of energies, qualities and potential. The terms are considered “classic” in the sense of how our cultures have perceived the world and provided descriptions of what has been observed.

Within the glyph, I have provided the blending of the two in hope to develop a “more realistic” manifestation of what is actually there.

In another sense it is the material world (six point star with all of its elements) and the five point star (what we deicide to do with it, the ability of proactive choice (the five point star). The amulet may be a reminder of how we affect the world, the power of intent, the purpose of our actions and their result. A reminder that our “purpose” in the world is what we decide it is rather than what is dictated by outside forces.

The symbol is intended to transcend the preconceived illusions of separate religious, sociological and philosophical differences and blend awareness of things into a single symbol. The symbols are woven together: just as the earth is a weaving together of awareness, perspective and ability.

The Balanced Star Amulet is intended to anyone to wear, everyone who wishes to embrace divergence of ideas and capability and bring balance to a troubled world.

The Ankh of Peace

As I was growing up, my brother created paintings incorporating symbols he found interesting. One of my favorite was a combination of the peace sign, the Maltese cross and the ankh. He worked in vivid black light poster paint (it was the sixties, after all…) and it hung on our wall for years. I recall looking at it as I drifted off to sleep. In spite of the brilliant colors, I found the image soothing and offered a sense of comfort.

Years later I created an amulet that represented the image and dubbed it the Craig, naming it after him. Recently I came across the old charm and decided to add a small change: the lower emanation extends lower than the classic Maltese cross, symbolizing an emanation of blessings to both the person who wears the amulet and to all one surrounds oneself with.

The Ankh of Peace, for me a logo of the sixties; but for the world it is a new image: a culmination of many lands, many cultures all focused on life, vitality, stability and peace.

Gye Nyame Set

Gye Nyame is a symbol meaning “I am afraid of none but God,” or: “Nyame biribi wo sor” suggests that good things come from above. Literal translation: This great panorama of creation dates back to time immemorial; no one lives who saw its beginning and no one will live to see its end, “Except God” (Gye Nyame). This unique and beautiful symbol is omnipresent in Ghana. It is the most popular in decoration: a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people; the symbol of the Omnipotence and Omnipresence of God.

In the development of the Gye Nyame Set, I made the earrings “flat” to frame the face with a flash or two; the main pendant holds the curves to accentuate the flow of the Gye Nyame Amulet; a deeply carved three dimensional amulet (both sides) with a bail through the top point allowing a chain or cord to pass through.

Wearing these amulets connect one to a tradition that is well over 5000 years old from the continent of humanities’ cradle.

The Tarot Garden in Metaplace

I have created a video illustrating the Tarot Garden: a virtual world in Metaplace: a social hub of various VR worlds where people create games, demonstrations, exhibits and other Virtual experiences. The Tarot Garden is a series of environments featuring the Tarot Casters. Each of the Tarot pieces has its own point of interest, description, associated tone and short video demonstrating it’s location on the Tree of Life.

The video is embedded in my website for your review. It demonstrates the functions of the Garden including animation, environmental sounds and videos teaching aspects of the Tarot.

Metaplace is free to join and browse the various worlds created by its users. After a brief introduction to the VR platform, you may see the Tarot Garden and experience its sights and sounds. Experience the first Tarot Virtual Reality at Metaplace!

The Pixie Flame Chain

After designing the Phoenix Head piece (now an amulet and brooch) I wanted to expand the motif to a necklace. I carved a series of six flames: each a tongue of fire, each holding loops at each end to be joined into a chain. The result was very interesting: after assembly the feel of the chain as it glides over the hand gives the allusion more of water than fire: smooth and silky.

After attaching it to the phoenix, I then developed the flame sprite from the chain, laying down the links and seeing what was being suggested. The flame sprite was one of my first “free form” pieces: instead of the normal process of sketching out drawings and mulling over design, I simply took up wax and carved her.

I also experimented with earrings and bracelets with the flame chain. Each time I worked with the links they suggested even more ideas. Years later I saw that the links could be modified into tiny sprites and thus the Pixie Flame Chain was born. I took the separate links and worked the design into tiny figures of the sprites, sizzling and extruding from fire. Again, no sketches were developed before carving: and I didn’t use “carving wax”; I used simple soft injection was – something that the “jewelry industry” frowns upon.

Most of my training I received in art was through my family: both of my Parents were educators in the Humanities: both trained musicians, scholars and in the case of my Mother: artist. One of the more pragmatic approaches I was taught was “what ever works: works”. Even though I follow the formula as taught in “old school” art (first you create a series of renderings and examine the concepts and then re-create drawings that work out details and over come obstacles), there are times when the wave of inspiration catches you and you ride it until you are done. It is often so with sculpting. One learns to “think with your hands” in the creation of art.

One finds this in all the arts, music is the same way: the basic melody or rhythm sets a foundation and the process of working the pattern with your hands will then yield new and interesting ways to develop design. I have found that switching media helps me to develop new ideas that would not occur to me otherwise.

One way to circumvent this obstacle is to develop several works in different media at the same time: imagery seems (at least for me) to require sound and touch to manifest completely: I listen to music and stories while I sculpt; I play the piano to think about shapes. I also use time to set aside one project and work on another, all the while the incubation process continues while I go for a walk or talk to a friend.

Art itself is a way of life: continually developing shapes, colors and sounds that amplify each project, developing hybrids of expression; forming experience into tactile objects, sounds from inspiration that in turn inspire.

The Phoenix Amulet

This is one of my first pieces. Originally designed to be the front portion of a circlet, this design highlights the Double Headed Phoenix: a creature that rises from the ashes of the previous incarnation; a two headed manifestation; much like Janus the God that sees into the past: learning from the lessons of experience; looking into the future. The God of the gates and passages; of beginnings both abstract and concrete.

These ideas are combined into a single piece to produce a hybrid of ideas: renewal, vision, knowledge from experience and the ability to begin again with vitality and the promise of success.

The Phoenix amulet is 2 ½” across and is available as a brooch or necklace. The brooch has a long pin between the win tips for a secure fastening while the necklace harnesses the flame chain: completing the motif of fire and renewal.

The somewhat massive piece is for those that are working on the steps required in starting a new life, beginning a new project or career or simply taking a new look to life and the possibilities it holds.

Ouroboros Penannular Brooch

One of my favorite activities is to create things never made before; this was one of them! I have already been producing the Ouroboros Ring for some time, however a fellow wanted to have something specially made that touches both his Celtic Heritage and his love for the Ouroboros: the Ouroboros Penannular Brooch!

The Worm Himself is a solid carving with the ability to be viewed from both sides, a fully detailed face and the traditional diamond scalded spine. Unlike the Ladies’ Penannular, this is a solid ring with a “free” pin. By his request I created the pin without a head and to replicate a sewing needle. The way it is worn is that the ring of the Ouroboros is placed on the cloak (or Great Kilt) and the needle pierces the material underneath after bunching it up though the ring thus securing the Brooch and cloak together.

This is a one-of-a-kind piece with no mold taken for reproduction, however if you wish to have something similar made (or anything of the kind) simply ask!

Blossom Star

I make a wide variety of Pentacles: a symbol that is found in every culture. The five pointed star has been seen in nature forming the core of the apple, blossoms, and minerals and in the random patterns of branches and trees. It has been adopted as a symbol of strength and purity: featured in the drawings by Leonardo da Vinci of the “first man” representing “life in balance” and even associated in renaissance paintings with Christ.

The individual points represent the four elements: fire, water, air, and earth with the point of spirit pointing up, again illustrating the balance of nature with the perception of spirit.

In celebration of the five pointed star, I have developed the symbol made of the branches of the apple tree. The branches are woven as a sign of eternity. The weaving of the branches is in the sequence of “creation, starting with the top point of “spirit” and proceeding to the point of “transformation (fire) then Wisdom (air), Consciousness (water) then grounding in the material world (earth) and resolving in Spirit. An apple blossom on the side: the promise of fulfillment. The apple is often a symbol of living knowledge, wisdom and abundance: though knowledge tend to foster options that tend to lead to trouble, it is up to the individual to choose to be “right minded” when choosing a path.

I offer the Blossom Star as “the Teacher’s Star”, perfect for those on the path of all faiths dedicated to truth, wisdom and virtue.

Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies

Some years ago (back in the Eighties) my Father: Dr. Robert B. McLaren was a Professor in the Humanities Department of California State University Fullerton. At the time, tensions between the east and west were extremely tense. In order to bring a better understanding between the three “faiths of Abraham” as my father put it, he assisted in the creation of and assumed the role as Vice President of the Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies. The goal was to develop line of communication between the religious leaders in Orange County, California.

The Academy sponsored meetings that gave a forum to clear misconceptions, air out differences and reach mutual understandings between the Faiths. Feeling the importance that the Ideals were to be grounded in some material form, my Father asked me to create some kind of Amulet that would symbolize their efforts. “It needs to be comprehensive: start with the letter A” he told me.

The result was the simple block letter, the two sides solid and in a form of the triangle, one of the most stable structures in architecture. The ribbon holds the letters “JCI” representing the tenuous lines of communication and a reminder of the effort required to keep those lines open to each other.

As the first Iraq War heated up, the Academy became a hot bet of controversy; however it kept the religious community in close touch and provided them with the necessary links to defuse many misunderstandings.

With the passing of its founders and a hose of other problems, the Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies eventually dissolved as an organization, however the friendships continued. It is my hope that the amulets are a reminder of how open communication and honesty is a step towards peace and prosperity.