“Man is made or unmade

by himself; in the armory of 
thought he forges the weapons
by which he destroys himself; 
he also fashions the tools with
which he builds for himself 
heavenly mansions of joy and 
strength and peace.”

-James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

The inspiration for this painting was creatively built upon a rock 
of wisdom and light to convey ‘Growth Mindset’, the power of thoughts and to capture the Divine Nature of Man. The representation and gesture of the figure was fashioned by Rodin's famous sculpture “The Thinker.” Conceptually, I drew inspiration from my past series “We all have a Journey and Story to Tell” In addition, I took inspired notions from James Allen’s book What a Man Thinketh.
On the top of the figure’s Crown Chakra is the protea flower, known as the King of flowers, because the petals grow in the shape of a crown. This flora along with magnolias, roses, succulents, laurel leaves, and eucalyptus, create a mind garden that portrays a crown of nobility, suggesting that we all have Divine potential and the spiritual progression begins in one's thoughts, deeds, and actions. Individually, flowers hold separate and beautiful meanings such purity (magnolia) or victory (laurel leaves). In this particular piece, they can also be seen as representations of virtues that bloom from our character such as charity (the pure love for Christ and mankind), humility, patience, and long suffering. Mixed within the botanical flowers are musical instruments and gears to suggest productive thinking, intentionally “tuning in,” and playing your part in the vast orchestra of life.  Lindsey was inspired by the notion that we each have within us a “compound gear,” which is a powerful overdrive gear that allows a truck or tracker to thrust itself out of difficult situations, especially when stuck. In her experience and observation, through Divine guidance, the power of prayer or meditation, she finds we can enable something like this “gear” from within and from above to help us push past and break through moments where one may feel stuck, need clarity, wisdom, and understanding. 
Alongside the gears is a compass, clock, and sundial. Together they become a symbol of the trinity or Godhead, each one representing Divine Timing, Divine Guidance, and Divine Comfort. They work together harmoniously to assist in the growth of one's Mind, Body, and Spirit. Protruding from the top of the head, you’ll see a lion statue, a symbol of guardianship, prosperity, and success. There is a vintage suitcase filled with wonders of the world, suggesting the desire to travel, explore, and enjoy the earth. The composition is created from the Golden Mean formula which allows the eye to wander, guiding the viewer to great heights. A mountain and a waterfall are placed on top of a stack of books as a source of wisdom - a symbol of our own story and journey that we must take in this life.  The waterfall can be seen as a powerful cleansing element, encouraging us to go with the flow, be present, and to ponder in order to receive revelation from on high, and, lastly, a symbol of “Living Water” John 7:37-38 to cleanse, nurture, and heal. The elk call in this painting reminds us to use our voice with confidence and conviction. The eagle with its massive wings spread wide is the ultimate symbol of freedom, wisdom, and foresight. The eagle teaches us to strive, seek, and rise above to love our country and all mankind. The peacock represents the desire to shine and is a symbol of eternal life. 
Within the composition there are three forms of transportation, again referencing the power of three: to boat (Riva), to drive (Shelby Mustang), and to fly (737), which I hope inspires the viewer to dream big and never stop exploring.