Talking with rocks comes natural to me. When walking along a beach or creek a rock will speak to you if it wants your attention. At least that is how it feels whenever I get the urge to pick one up. Sometimes a particular rock will even make its way into my pocket. It is as if it has invited itself into my life through the mystery of rock attraction.Why Paint a Rock?
I've never been fond of painted rocks. Rocks, to me, are beautiful in their natural state. The same with painted sea shells. I can't make sense of spray painting a perfectly beautiful shell so that it shimmers gold or silver? So artificial!
However, I am experiencing an odd urge to paint a rock ever since I read Ilene Dube's article Teaching a Stone to Talk, featuring psychoanalyst/artist Rhoda Kassof-Isaac's fascinating painted rock faces. Rhoda has put hundreds of faces on rocks. I didn't know I could ever be inspired to consider painting a rock. But, I just might try painting a face on a rock... but only if a rock asks me to. It could possibly even deepen my conversation with rocks if I did. Who knows? Do you have a painted rock you consider to be an amulet? I'm collecting amulet stories and photos if you'd like to share yours.
Rhoda's painted rocks are exhibited at Gallery14.
painted heart on rock / Ron Levine / Getty Images
Love your painted rocks.
What are you painting with? What are you sealing them with?
I would like to introduce this to a moms with small children to encourage them to collect the rocks and try to make a simple painting on it.
You have done a beautiful job.
Thanks.
Marina