Reflections on The Green Sheaf and Pamela Colman Smith

Learning about Pamela Colman Smith’s background, it is really interesting to see how the plethora of activities she engaged in influenced her art. I wonder how much her time in Jamaica influenced her art, and if there are any Caribbean references in her art in The Green Sheaf. In regards to mysticism and dreams, perhaps the individualistic experience of dreaming can be connected to Smith’s independence in producing The Green Sheaf herself. Both are individual journeys, although they could each come together collectively (dream sharing, etc.; working with other magazine contributors and editors). Also, the fact that she was so conscious of her artistic choices sort of contrasts with the idea of mysticism being an “altered state.” While mysticism can often be portrayed as involving cloudiness and a veil of sorts, Smith was very clear in her objective and vision. The fact that Smith had synesthesia is very fitting and almost poetic in relation to how her artistic focus is mysticism. The properties of synesthesia, the crossing over of senses and creating new pathways, is as mentioned in class, Smith’s gateway to the spiritual. It would make her especially connected to and engaged with mysticism.