Monday, March 28, 2011

Spirit of Place

Red Fox Totem by DoAn
As I prepare to move from Central NY to Vermont, I cannot help but reflect on the importance of place in relation to my art.  I have enjoyed my time in Central NY, it has allowed me to discover a love for fiber, a talent for needle-felting and interest in spinning. Living in Central NY has confirmed that living a quieter, less urban life, one with fewer distractions and easier access to nature and living more simply is right for me.  So now, for the third time in my life, I find myself heading to Vermont.  It seems I cannot stay away...maybe the third time is a charm?  Who knows? The only thing I know is not to count on any certainty!

A few weeks ago, before I packed up my paints and paper and canvas, I completed a painting of a fox.  I had been exploring my relationship to animal totems, not based on any particular tradition, but solely through my own experiences in meditation and vision work.  The Fox is a prominent animal in my life, it often appears to me at times of great change, usually in relation to a change in location.  This time has been no exception.  During the time I was considering to move to Vermont I frequently saw a fox running in the fields behind my house or along the road as I drove.   The Fox, serves as a guide for Spirit of Place.  I know, when I see a fox, it means I am in the right place, at the right time, or, as in this case, as I contemplated moving, it reassured me that my decision was the right one.

So to honor the Fox and deepen my connection, I worked on some sketches. I explored the Fox in a less representational way, something more symbolic. The image here was the end result.  When I worked on the painting, I used paint made from the gemstone Serpentine.  I chose the paint as a way to further my meditation as I painted. Serpentine is used to help ground one's energy, clearing away blocks from chakras.  It helps in meditation and draws healing energy to problematic areas, often easing mental or emotional imbalances.   It seemed the right kind of stone to work with at the time. And working on the painting helped give me a sense of control over my situation once more.

I will connect with the Fox again after I arrive in Vermont...as a way of settling into my new space and to honor my good friend, the Fox, who has stayed with me through these many many many moves.

DoAn

Prints and Greeting Cards of Red Fox Totem are available by visiting my Gallery page.

Help in the creation of art, please consider donating! Just click on the link below:
Donate now!DoAn Art is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the purposes of DoAn Art must be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.  
 
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All artwork, photos and text © Copyright 2005-2011 DoAn Art (Antony Galbraith) unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Antony Galbraith.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Here Comes the Sun

"Raven Steals the Sun" watercolor & ink
As the wheel of the year turns to spring, we see the day lengthen and sun fills the sky.  Here is a story about the arrival of the sun compiled from many of the cultures in the northern latitudes:

Long ago, at the beginning of the world, Eagle was the guardian of the Sun, Moon and Stars, of fresh water and of fire. Eagle hated humans so much that he kept these things hidden so humans had to live in darkness, without fire, fresh water or light. Raven did not like stumbling about in the darkness, so he came up with a plan. Eagle had a daughter and Raven being a handsome snow-white bird, pleased Eagle's daughter so that she invited him to her father's home. She hoped Raven would ask to marry her. While at Eagle's house, Raven found the Sun, Moon and stars, and fresh water inside a box. He waited for his chance to slip the box beneath his feathers when no one was looking. Then he took a brand of fire and flew out of the house. As soon as Raven got outside he placed the Sun in the sky. When the Sun set, he hung the Moon up in the sky and spread the stars around. He flew back over the land and dropped the water he had stolen, forming streams and lakes in the world. Raven continued to fly, holding the brand of fire in his beak. The smoke from the fire turned his white feathers black. Finally, when the firebrand began to burn his beak he had to drop it. The fire struck the rocks below and hid itself within them. That is why, when two stones are struck together, sparks of fire will fly out. Raven's feathers never became white again after they were blackened by the smoke. That is why Raven is now a black bird. 
The painting pictured here is currently available as prints. The original painting is being made into a box, not quite big enough to fit the sun, and I will post it here once it is constructed.
Art Prints
Click here to view print  & greeting card options

Like myths about Raven? Listen to this story Raven and the Winding River on BirdNote.

Happy Spring!

DoAn

Help in the creation of art, please consider donating! 
Just click on the link below:
Donate now!  
DoAn Art is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the purposes of DoAn Art must be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
 
 
Subscribe in a reader
All artwork, photos and text © Copyright 2005-2011 DoAn Art (Antony Galbraith) unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Antony Galbraith.

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