Mary Baxter St.Clair – Wishing Well (Abraxsis) Mary Baxter Stclair

The composition presents a scene steeped in fantasy and naturalism. A young woman, seemingly poised between human and ethereal realms, occupies the central foreground. She is depicted with delicate features, fair hair cascading over her shoulders, and translucent wings suggesting a connection to the realm of fairies or spirits. Her gaze is directed downwards towards a body of water – a still pool reflecting the surrounding foliage.
The environment itself contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere. A dense forest forms the backdrop, rendered in muted greens and browns with shafts of light filtering through the canopy. This creates an impression of depth and mystery, hinting at a hidden world beyond immediate perception. The vegetation along the waters edge is lush and vibrant, featuring prominent irises and lily pads that add to the sense of fecundity and enchantment. Several butterflies are scattered throughout the scene, further reinforcing the feeling of lightness and otherworldly grace.
The pool itself acts as a focal point, its surface mirroring the sky and trees above. The woman’s outstretched hand appears ready to touch or interact with the water, suggesting an act of offering, divination, or perhaps simply communion with nature. This gesture invites contemplation about the relationship between humanity and the natural world, and the potential for accessing hidden knowledge or spiritual insight through interaction with it.
The lighting is crucial in establishing the painting’s mood. The diffused sunlight creates a soft, dreamlike quality, while also highlighting the womans figure and drawing attention to her connection with the surrounding environment. This interplay of light and shadow contributes to an overall sense of serenity and wonder.
Subtly, the work evokes themes of transformation and liminality – the state of being in between two worlds or states of existence. The woman’s ambiguous nature, combined with the mystical setting, suggests a journey into the subconscious or a search for something beyond the tangible realm. The presence of water, often symbolic of purification and renewal, reinforces this sense of transition and potential for change.