Creating of the Blessing Bowl

This weekend we created the Blessing Bowl. I had very specific intention when I started designing this bowl. After spending the last several weeks (or shall we say months), watching those around us suffering with anxiety and stress over the economy, their jobs, and the usual triggers of worry....I thought of what I could create to be uplifting. Uplifting beyond the work that we usually do that is meant to be empowering.

 

Blessing Bowl created from Gourd by John and Jeanne Fry

So the creating began with a focused cleaning,cutting, sanding, drilling,  and more cleaning  of the Gourd. When it was prepared for it's transformation, careful thought and intention was in place while the design work began. Thoughtful time was spent while hand painting each small design on Gratefulness and Positive thoughts.

Blessing Bowl by John and Jeanne Fry

The initial layers of paint of Burnt Umber and Raw Sienna were done to create an aged look, to symbolize our past - lessons learned, experiences had, stories from our elders, that have helped make us who we are today.

The vibrant colors in the design work contrast the aged look, representing the Present, our Vitality, the Moment.

As I painted through the night, my thoughts were that the bowl would be filled with Affirmations and the things we are Grateful for...a kind of storing place for those times when we feel down or discouraged. I imagined the bowl filled with pieces of happiness, so that when we need that occasional pick me up, we pull one of the meaningful little pieces of paper out to remind us of what we have in life.

My hope is that whoever becomes the keeper of the Blessing Bowl, they fill it full of slips of paper that represent the treasures they hold in their heart.

The above Blessing Bowl is no longer available, but you can view more of our gourd bowls in our Artfire Studio

You can find more of our work on our website at
http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Owl Totem and it's Symbolic Meaning

Owls have been intriguing humans for years.

This nocturnal bird wears a cloak that symbolizes the Mystery.

 It's amazing eyesight is representative of perception and new visions opening up to you...the ability to be aware of things that others may overlook and to see things in new ways.

Owl wings have a fringe that provides them with silent flight, which is a useful lesson for us, teaching us that sometimes it is best to be silent about our ventures in order to bring the greatest success.

They carry a wisdom of the darkness, of the nocturnal, of the unseen. While some fear this wisdom, truly it affords us a balance of light and dark, a balance of the obvious and the hidden.

Owl totem medicine is extensive and for those who are studying the owl, would benefit from learning about the different types of owls to realize their depth.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/AnimalTOTEMStones.html



The Popularity of Frida Kahlo and her importance to Me

The popularity of Frida Kahlo, Mexican Artist and Inspiration to many women, has grown leaps and bounds over the years. Her rich history, life as an artist, challenges with her health,zeal for life,  and passionate yet stormy marriage to Diego Rivera, all lent to our fascination with her and her importance in the art world.

Each of us that admires her, more than likely has something in common that they can relate with in her.

For me, what is it that lends to my affection for her?

As an artist with a disability, I admire her for her endurance..her endurance to continue to live a full and rich life in spite of the challenges, to create what was in her heart, and her ability to use her voice in so many ways.

I think of Frida often when I am painting or sculpting, especially in those moments when I am living with great pain and feel empty..and I am soon revived in Spirit.

To me, Frida lights the candle in a darkened room.

Frida Kahlo by Jeanne Fry

This weekend, I completed an art doll of Frida - a reminder to live a passionate life.

Frida Kahlo Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

 

My Frida Kahlo art doll is no longer available, but you can see more of my art dolls in my Artfire Studio

 

or on our website

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html



The Bear Clan

The Bear Clan

The spirit of the Bear is similar to humans in many ways. They are creatures of habit, their diet is similar to our own, and they have the ability to walk on two legs. But what is it exactly that makes us love them?

To me, the Bear represents Power and Strength, and at the same time when you study them you can find a gentleness to them. I think this is what our big attraction is to them...a powerful being, strong and stoic, with the ability to be caring and loving. You see this profoundly when you watch a mother bear with her young, her sense of dedication and responsibility.

We as humans are always striving to strike that balance of strength and tenderness.

The Bear Clan ~ Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Bear Clan ~ Mother and Young ~ Original Painting by Jeanne Fry



The original of my Bear Clan painting is not available, but prints and greeting cards of it are available in our Fine Art America Studio