Gerhard Dreams

Cerebus Dreams (Following Cerebus #11, 2007)
Art by Gerhard (with Dave Sim) 
The limited-edition signed print 'Gerhard Dreams' is on sale now!
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GERHARD:
(from World Without Cerebus)

The piece is based on an M.C. Escher perspective trick and I incorporated a couple of other Escher elements. And, of course, the Little Nemo falling out of bed element. I had laid this out in its entirety --- fully pencilled --- before I turned it over to Dave, who then pencilled and inked the Cerebus figures on the original. He also inked a few of the elements on the chess board. Dave added the pork-pie hat, wings and stinger to the pig standing on the earth, which of course was my "Earth Pig" Rebus Puzzle. Other than a couple of elements from the storyline such as the checkered bird and the albatross statue rising phoenix-like from the flames, the rest of the images (apart from just trying to be creepy, dreamy) were based on dream symbols (described in Dream Moods) as follows:

Snake: Signifies hidden fears and worries that are threatening you. Maybe alerting you to something in your waking life that you are not aware of or has not yet surfaced. May also refer to a person around you who is callous, ruthless, and can't be trusted. A sly or cunning person in your waking life. It may also represent something or someone who has slipped out of your hands.

Spider: Indicates that you are feeling like an outsider in some situations or perhaps you want to keep your distance and stay away from an alluring and tempting situation. A spider refers to a powerful force protecting you against your self destructive behaviour. Spiders are also a symbol of creativity due to the intricate webs they spin. They may also indicate a feeling of being entangled or trapped in a sticky or clingy relationship. It represents some ensnaring and controlling force. You feel that someone or some situation is sucking the life right out of you. To see a spider climbing up the wall denotes that your desires will be soon be realized. Perhaps you are feeling trapped by some relationship.

Wasps: Signifies evil, anger and negative feelings.

Lock: Signifies your inability to get what you want. You are being kept out of some activity or situation. Perhaps an aspect of yourself is locked up inside and needs to be expressed.

Skull: Symbolizes danger, evil or death or alternatively, a skull represents the intellect or secrets of the mind. You are keeping certain things hidden.

Hands: If you dream that your hands are detached or see disembodied hands then it indicates that you are not getting your point of view across. You are not being understood. Feelings of loneliness.

Moon: Represents some hidden, mysterious aspect of yourself. Also, the moon signifies your changing moods. A full moon signifies completion and wholeness. "Hung the Moon" - if you refer to someone as having "hung the moon," you think they are extremely wonderful or amazing or good.

Noose: Represents your lack of independence. You feel restricted and restrained from being able to express yourself.

Knife: There may be something in your life that you need to cut out and get rid of. Perhaps you need to cut ties or sever some relationship. (Note that the knife is cutting the rope that is “hanging the moon.”)

Fire (or Burning): May suggest you need to take time off and relax. Perhaps you are feeling burned out. Can signify purification, transformation or enlightenment. May suggest that something old is passing and something new is entering your life.

Palm Trees: Represents tranquillity, high aspirations also paradise and leisure. Perhaps you need to take time for a vacation and relaxation.

Church (or Chapel): May mean that you are questioning your life path and where it is leading. You are reevaluating what you want to do.

Bridge: Signifies an important decision or critical junction in your life. Represents a transitional period.

Castle: Signifies reward, honour, recognition. Alternatively, indicates your desire to escape from life's daily problems.

Chess: Indicates that you need to carefully think through the situation before making a decision. May also comment on how you have met your match.

Waterfall: Symbolic of letting go. You are releasing all of those pent up emotions and negative feelings. Also suggests that you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed. You are experiencing difficulty coping with your feelings.

Cactus: Suggests that you are feeling invaded, that your space is being crowded into and that you are feeling suffocated. You need to defend yourself in some way. Also implies that you have found yourself in a sticky situation.

Message in a Bottle: Help!

Angels: Symbolizes goodness, protection and consolation or it signifies an unusual disturbance in your soul.

Hourglass: Denotes that time is running out for you or represents a situation that is being turned upside down.

Diamonds: Signifies wholeness of the self. You may be finding clarity in matters that have been clouding you.

Feather: May represent confusion, hastiness and loss of dignity.

Leaf: To see leaves in your dream signifies happiness and improvement in various aspects of your life. The leaves may also be a metaphor to "leave" you alone.

Key: Symbolizes opportunities, access, control, secrets, freedom, knowledge or responsibilities. You may be locking away your own inner feelings and emotions, or you are unlocking the answer to some problem.

Tongue: Represents the things you say and express. You may have either said too much or you may need to express yourself more.

Unlit Candle: Denotes feelings of rejection or disappointment. You are not utilizing your fullest potential.

Elf: Refers to some imbalance or disharmony in your life. Suggests that you need to be more carefree, worry free and lighthearted.

Climbing: Climbing up something signifies that you are trying to overcome, or you have overcome, a great struggle. It also suggests that your goals are within reach.

Curtains: Open curtains indicate that you are ready to reveal something about yourself.

Window: If the window of the house is dark it indicates a loss to your perception or vitality. To see a tinted window in your dream represents your need for privacy. You are keeping some aspects of yourself hidden. To see a shut window signifies desertion and abandonment.

Camel: Denotes that you need to be more conservative, that you are carrying too many responsibilities, burdens and problems on your shoulders as in the phrase "the straw that broke the camel's back." You tend to hold on and cling to your emotions instead of expressing and releasing them. Learn to forgive and forget. Alternatively, the camel represents your stamina.