Making Your Own Deity Statues?

[amandabruner]

Making Your Own Statues

Hi.
For those of you who make your own statues of specific deities, how do you do them? Are they based on other statues representing that particular deity or do you make them according to how you personally see them, even if it doesn’t look anything like those other representations? I’m wondering because I’m playing around with the idea of making some deity-specific statues, but I’m all worried about whether they’ll be recognizable for who they’re supposed to be, even though I know that shouldn’t matter. Have you ever been afraid the Gods will, like, not be too happy if you depict them in a way that’s not, say, usual for them? For example, I was thinking that I always see Demeter as the fertile mother type, so I might make her pregnant if I made a statue of her. Maybe it’s a baggage-from-Christianity thing, where I was always afraid of having the wrong thoughts of God or whatever so he wouldn’t get mad, but I just wonder, sometimes. Oh, well, it’s not like I’ll get struck down by lightning or anything, and I know they’d probably be a lot happier with ones I make myself, though I did buy a very nice Paul Borda Lord/Lady pair that go together. Just figured I’d ask. Lol. Thanks.
Amanda

[Shanti]

I've made different ones that didn’t look like anything else. I used my heart and imagination. I was pleased and felt good with my creations. I liked the way they looked. No matter how you make it or how it looks if you are pleased with it and it makes you feel connected to the one it is designed for, how could they be angry. I don’t believe any gods would be upset with a creation you make. They care about your intentions not your style and taste. Your an individual for a reason. If you made a statue ugly on purpose to say this god is slime, sure they could get upset. To say 'so and so' I created this because I feel it is beautiful as I feel you to be, wouldn’t be a reason for anger. It could look like a tree!! If you find it appealing than it is good.

So enjoy your individuality and style and give your gods a gift from your heart.

[Ceffyl]

I've used clay to make Deity statues. One of the statues was based on a poster I have that really seemed to capture the core concepts. I used self-hardening clay to sculpt and formed an image of what I wanted. Or what I *thought* I wanted. (They sometimes have other ideas.)

Another friend of mine uses photocollages to create images for use in their temple. If you have a high quality printer, that might be another option.

Has anyone consecreated their created images? If so, care to share how you did it?

Ceffyl

[Ara_Anonyma]

To me, the act of creation is prayer unto itself, so the end result isn't as important. The gods with whom I have the best personal connection are the ones whose sculptures came out best. The models were only the images in my head. Being a perfectionist, I did redo some of the ones that turned out horrid, but that was my own preference. There was no sense that the gods were annoyed because my well-intentioned work fell victim to my lack of artistic talent. :lol: The work put into the devotional sculpture is the honor paid to them; the beauty is great if you can manage, but of secondary concern.

[Flar's Freyja]

I agree with Ara. My sculptures are representations of the Goddess in a "generic" sense - I create them to represent certain aspects and the essence of the Goddess. Every now and then I will create one that states a certain Goddess' name quite loudly, like my Pele and Flora sculptures. I use my intuitive skills when I sculpt and create specifically for the person the sculpture will be going to.

And of course, Venus of Willendorf is Venus of Willendorf - but I recently did my own interpretation in a slightly different pose.

One of these days I'll get my site updated......

[DragonsChest]

One of these days I'll get my site updated......


Yes! I'm looking forward to seeing your new look!

[Corianin]

The two I have now are plaster molds. But I have a design that I'd like to carve out of wood, sand down nice and smooth and maybe seal with a natural sealant so it is water resistant. And if I did make my own, the Goddess would be pregnant and large breasted sitting cross legged arms raised.... God would be horned with arms outstretched standing tall... Those are the images of power that I see when I close my eyes and think of God. I'm also a little afraid to attempt my own. Wood really isn't my medium and not sure they'd turn out good enough for even me to recognize them... Maybe something more "symbolic" and less realistic would suffice to focus my mental energies. In any case, I've got 2 small kids so no whittling wood for me any time soon. Maybe some day I'll make my own :)

[DragonsChest]

Corianin, whatever however you envision the Powers That Be, you will do honor to them by just putting your effort into the creation of their images. Create!!!!!

[Flar's Freyja]

I've used clay to make Deity statues. One of the statues was based on a poster I have that really seemed to capture the core concepts. I used self-hardening clay to sculpt and formed an image of what I wanted. Or what I *thought* I wanted. (They sometimes have other ideas.)


Has anyone consecreated their created images? If so, care to share how you did it?

Ceffyl

*giggles* Yes, they do have other ideas, don't they? It's like the clay knows what to do all by itself sometimes.

I've thought of including a consecration with my statues but feel it should be a personal thing. I'd also be interested in hearing how others do this.

Before I started creating my own, I actually used figurines that I found in dollar stores or thrift shops to represent certain deities since I couldn't afford to buy most of the ones on the market. I simply used the act of setting up an altar to them as a consecration in itself.

[Ceffyl]

To me, the act of creation is prayer unto itself, so the end result isn't as important. The gods with whom I have the best personal connection are the ones whose sculptures came out best. The models were only the images in my head. Being a perfectionist, I did redo some of the ones that turned out horrid, but that was my own preference. There was no sense that the gods were annoyed because my well-intentioned work fell victim to my lack of artistic talent. :lol: The work put into the devotional sculpture is the honor paid to them; the beauty is great if you can manage, but of secondary concern.
That's a great phrase that the act of creation is a prayer. Very true! Being a perfectionist has real challenges because the art never quite seems good enough, even when it might be.

Even after I created one of my sculptures, I had a strong urge to dedicate the statue to the particular deity, and make regular offerings in my temple. One of those things that just felt right to do in that case. Made me curious if anyone else did the same thing.

Blessings,

Ceffyl

[Ceffyl]

I agree with Ara. My sculptures are representations of the Goddess in a "generic" sense - I create them to represent certain aspects and the essence of the Goddess. Every now and then I will create one that states a certain Goddess' name quite loudly, like my Pele and Flora sculptures. I use my intuitive skills when I sculpt and create specifically for the person the sculpture will be going to.
Are you most your scultpures for yourself or are they done for others? (Quite lovely stuff, by the way!)

And of course, Venus of Willendorf is Venus of Willendorf - but I recently did my own interpretation in a slightly different pose.

One of these days I'll get my site updated......
Your sculptures on your site are lovely! Now I know what to give people for Yule. =)