Original artwork description:

Dancing with Magpies. Roberto Bolle

The Magpie is the source of much myth and legend, but I have focused just on a couple of aspects, which are responding to my vision of this bird most.

They are sociable birds and are often seen 'chattering' noisily in small groups. In Slavonic countries the magpie symbolises a chatterbox and is associated with rumours. When asking for the source of a hot news, "Where from did you hear about it ?", you may often hear an answer " A magpie brought on its tail".
Magpies are often referred to as "thieving magpies" due to their fancy for shiny objects, such as jewellery and shiny coins, hence the association with a person who collects or hoards things, especially indiscriminately.

The "Breakthrough" symbolises getting out of the circle of rumours and gossips, out of "vanity fair" with its doubtful shining glamour, to live life according to your own real values, no-matter-what-they-say; its an allegory of dignity, standing up for yourself, freedom and self-respect.

And there is a hidden symbol in this picture: another meaning of English "a magpie" is "the second target ring with circles". Break through it, break out of it not to remain being a target!

Materials used:

oil

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