The Four Elements: Earth, Water, Air and Fire are fundamental building blocks of life that exist in the physical world. These substances that compose the physical universe are visible in the lakes, streams and oceans, mountains, rocks and soil, the wind and atmosphere, the sun and energy. These elements represent the essence of our existence. The elemental framework is a common thread connecting diverse belief systems and the cosmos.
Most often when we think about artists who expressed the power of the elements the paintings of J. M. W. Turner will spring to mind. The manner in which he treated the disparate components of the visible world and often absorbed in the impalpable. Rather than limit his portrayal of nature in pure realist fashion Turner placed the focus on emotive responses, individual feelings and the overwhelming power of nature.
View Art From Our Exhibition
“The Healing Power of Elements: Earth, Water, Air and Fire” 2023
“The Healing Power of Elements” exhibition was on view September 4 – November 4, 2023. It featured 75 artists. The superior works of art on view revealed the many physical aspects of the four elements in addition to their emotive, symbolic, and healing qualities. This important exhibition continues our series of nature-related projects that raise awareness about our need to respect and protect the natural world. Shown above is a pastel painting by Poul S. Nielsen from the exhibition.
Artists, consciously or intuitively, may consider choosing a single element or a combination of them when creating their art. Depending on how they incorporate the elements in their works of art the impact can be powerful.
In addition to the physical forms the four elements provide symbolic references to various aspects of life, such as emotions, personality traits, and even spiritual aspects. They have vibrational qualities that are significant in our healing process.
Art that contains a restful lake or stream may connect us to immediate relaxation. A painting that depicts expansive areas of sky may suggest hope and freedom. An abstract painting with shapes and colors that suggest flames could motivate us and ignite feelings of passion, and so on…
The Four Elements Expressed in Art and Symbolic References
Earth: Earth is often associated with solidity, stability, and mother earth. Art that illuminates the texture, weight, and color of soil, stone, or wood — either in the abstract form of expression or the realistic style. Also welcome is art that calls our attention to climate change and global warming on earth.
Water: A symbol of purity and fluidity expressed in the abstract or waterscapes and marine life in realism. Art may also call attention to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our water supply and the living creatures therein.
Air: Expressions of movement, art that depicts the sky, evokes the sensation of wind, or displays images of objects such as leaves or feathers transported by the wind.
Fire: A symbol of change and transformation, fire-themed artworks can illustrate the strength and endurance of humans. Art with bright colors and dynamic forms of flames that evoke strong emotions and energy, as well as artworks that explore the light and shadow created by fire.
The Four Elements and Feng Shui
Feng Shui is an ancient art and science that originated more than 3,000 years ago in China. Translated to English, feng means “wind” and shui means “water.” In Chinese culture, wind and water are associated with good health and good Feng Shui is associated with good fortune. Feng Shui is also related closely to the Taoist vision and understanding of nature and the notion that the land is alive and filled with chi (Qi) or energy. Chi is known as “The Dragon’s Cosmic Breath”. That is something to consider when selecting art for your home or office.
A Few Inspirational Quotes About Earth, Water, Air and Fire
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” ~ Khalil Gibran
“With your fragrance in the air, I give my love to the wind.” ~ Rumi
“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans.” ~ Kahlil Gibran
“Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.” ~ Helen Keller
“Earth’s crammed with heaven… But only he who sees, takes off his shoes.” ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke
“The difference between a good life and a bad life is how well you walk through the fire.” ~ Carl Jung
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” ~ Jacques Cousteau
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” ~ Rachel Carson
View Art From “The Healing Power of Elements: Earth, Water, Air and Fire” 2023.
This exhibition featured extraordinary art by 75 artists from around the world.
So true! One of my favorite paintings is Sun Rising Through Vapour in which Turner painted the blurred boundary of skies and waters, the ocean foam, the reflection of clouds in the waves -the bubbling gathering of the Unveiled.