Home | Erika Masterson Fine Art Imagery. Dream Synergy; underwater photography; awards; Erika Masterson; A Message for my Daughter; Underwater portraits; Angels; prophetic art; fine art; unveiling beauty; beloved; beloved by God; spiritual; ethereal; surreal; encaustic; dreamy; portraits; beauty; Salt Springs; captain of my heart; shell crown; compass; sextant; Maritime; sea chart; lost at sea; Mystery of Waters; Erika Masterson; Sara’s Sojourn; photographic artist; beloved; beloved by God; fine art photography; vulnerability; Unveiling beauty; soul stirring; captivating; beauty is transcendent; ethereal beauty; Vintage; black and white; sepia; ethereal; crowning beauty; glory; dreams; Woods; forest; sheep; pasture; holy spirit; soulful; surreal; nature; organic; Inspirational; lovely; hopeful; innocence; passionate; dreamy; warm; time-warn; Imperfect; darkness; light; antique dresses; nostalgia; dream inspired; anointed; prophetic; soulful eyes; mirror of the soul; pure; angelic; art for God; baptism; child portraits; dreaming of the Holy Spirit; lantern; kudzu; light in darkness; feathers; wings; stumps; vines; looking for signs; dove; Enchanting; Tenderness; Strength; Life; Portraits of Children; Child Portraits; Child Portrait Specialist; Fine Art Photographer; Photographic Artist; Taxidermy; Parts of the Earth; A Message for my Daughter; Erika Masterson; Sara’s Sojourn; photographic artist; beloved; beloved by God; fine art photography; vulnerability; Unveiling beauty; soul stirring; captivating; beauty is transcendent; ethereal beauty; Vintage; black and white; sepia; ethereal; crowning beauty; glory; dreams; Woods; forest; sheep; pasture; holy spirit; soulful; surreal; nature; organic; Inspirational; lovely; hopeful; innocence; passionate; dreamy; warm; time-warn; Imperfect; darkness; light; antique dresses; nostalgia; dream inspired; anointed; prophetic; soulful eyes; mirror of the soul; pure; angelic; art for God; baptism; child portraits; dreaming of the Holy Spirit; lantern; kudzu; light in darkness; feathers; wings; stumps; vines; looking for signs; dove; Enchanting; Tenderness; Strength; Life; Portraits of Children; Child Portraits; Child Portrait Specialist; Fine Art Photographer; Photographic Artist; Taxidermy; Parts of the Earth; redemption; rain; lifeboat; ocean; old boat; distressed boat; 4x5 film; tri-x; view camera; Fern; Royal fern; Cinnamon fern; swamp fern; erika masterson; Erika Masterson; Dream Synergy; dreamy; surreal; ethereal; soulful; sepia; vintage; nature; organic; trees; roots; stumps; unveiling beauty; soulful beauty; beauty; double exposure; My family has lived by the water since I was 8 years old. My dad, who this series is dedicated to, was a sailor and a captain who longed for the solace of the sea. Prior to age 8, strangely, we lived in the desert of New Mexico. As a child we would frequent a friends cabin that was next to a creek. I loved the trickling sound of the icy water. Most of my adult life has consisted of over 30 vacations camping on a remote late in the mountains. In recent years water has become an important symbol in my life and have had several prophetic dreams where I float and pass through water. They have been a leading for me to many new and valuable adventures. Water has been a gift for my soul. In the water it is clear, I am alive, renewed and cleansed. As a portrait artist, underwater portraits were my next move. I am not sure what comes next. For now, I will listen to that voice, the one that has led me to the Mystery of Waters. Artist Statement I have always had a longing to be near trees and nature and have been fascinated with the symbolism of trees and plants. This series represents our similarities as human beings to nature. This must be why human beings feel so alive and at peace when we are in some form of nature. We were all born, produce fruit with our lives and then we wither and go back to where we came from. In these images, the trees are young and full of life and fruitful in the spiritual sense. For this series, I specifically chose certain trees and plants in my area of Central Florida. Every dress is made by hand, by myself and my 11yr old daughter Sara, who is also my model. The live plants all have a specific meaning as well as the birds placed in each image. As a whole, the symbolism of the plants and birds seems to coincide with our own human “Spirits” and the image in which we were created. My image titles describe our creator. I chose to stop with seven of these images due to the symbolism of the number seven meaning complete perfection. Dedication-Crepe Myrtle dress means complete surrender to God. The Robin symbolizes Rejuvenation. Humility-Moss and Fern dress means luck and protection. The finch is typically found on the ground eating near moss. Finch means charisma and charm. Majesty- Oak Tree dress, means Protection and healing. Blue Jay means resourcefulness and clarity. Restoration-Hibiscus Dress means delicate beauty. Hummingbirds love Hibiscus and they symbolize movement and skill. Tranquility-Lavender dress means love, protection and purification. The Starling bird loves to feed on lavender and teach lessons of group etiquette, social standing and family relations. Victorious-Palm Tree Dress means abundance of fruits. The dove symbolizes devotion and covenant loving-kindness. Wisdom-Banyan Tree dress means inner wisdom and courage. Thrush bird symbolizes a spirit guide.