She Stands in the Circle of Stones

Some years ago I came across a book called "Circle of Stones" by Judith Duerk. So touched by the writings it became one of my most treasured books. It reminded me to look at where I came from, to keep the wisdom from the elders alive in today's world, to strengthen the bonds of "sisterhood", and above all... to pass the love, support, and wisdom on.

"She Stands in the Circle of Stones" by Jeanne Fry

On a personal note, I have spent the past year weeding out unhealthy relationships in my life....the ones that were one-sided, neurotic, self-serving, and energy robbers. After doing so, I then began nurturing those relationships that I treasure, giving them the more focused and meaningful time and energy I now had.

While my circle is smaller...it is stronger, authentic, and healthy.

 

This journey is what inspired my latest piece "She Stands in the Circle of Stones".

(She Stands in the Circle of Stones is no longer available to collect) but you can see more in our Artfire Studio here http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ConsciousArtStudios

Bearfootin' in Downtown Hendersonville ~ Public Art

It's always an honor to create something lasting, something for a community, and something that will benefit an important organization. Recently I was involved in a public art project for downtown Hendersonville. Every year generous businesses sponsor a bear, team up with an artist to paint the bear with a decided theme, and put the bear out for display in the downtown. At the end of the season, in the Fall, the bears are auctioned off to benefit a community organization.

Sculpture of Bearfootin' Bear

This year I teamed up with Morris Broadband as my sponsor. With Morris Broadband being such a positive force in the community and an active supporter of the Arts, they chose the Arts Council of Henderson County as their organization to benefit from the auction.

I was very excited to receive the Mama Bear and Cub sculpture to paint, as I had just recently painted a similar painting of a bear and her baby.

The theme I chose to present on the sculpture was called "Together We Can", which I felt portrayed the community support and the arts, pulling in the aspects of Morris Broadband and the Arts Coyuncil of Henderson County.

"Together We Can...support one another.

Together We Can...support our community

Together We Can...support the Arts

Together We Can...make the world a more beautiful place"

Beginning of painting the Bearfootin' Bear

With that in mind I began painting the basis of the bears...shades of black, umber and honey brown on their noses, and details of the eyes.

Base coat on Bearfootin' Bear

Once the basis of the bears was painted I decided how to portray my theme. I chose to have the bear cub as an artist, learning how to express and paint, and so began the details of the cub. A large tree silhouette was painted on the mama bear's back. Each leaf was a different vibrant color, having been painted by the cub. In the cub's hand was a tree branch on which he had painted "Together We Can", and an open paint can sits in front of him. A paintbrush is held in his other paw.

Tree Silhouette on Bearfootin' Bear

"Together We Can" Bearfootin' Bear by Jeanne Fry

Once the bears were completed it was time to deliver them to a local body shop where they would receive their clear coat that would protect them from the elements while on public display.

"Together We Can" Bear by Jeanne Fry after the Clear Coat

Bearfootin' Bear ready for display in Downtown Hendersonville

After the official "Reveal" celebration, the bears are placed at various locations in the downtown. "Together We Can" is shown in front Flight Restaurant, which is near the Arts Council of Henderson County. Many thanks go out to American Doll for adopting the bear ( taking them in at night and bring them back out in the morning), Morris Broadband, The Arts Council of Henderson County, and Downtown Hendersonville for the wonderful opportunity to create "Together We Can".

Here was my recent visit to see them on display...

"Together We Can" by Jeanne Fry

Together We Can.....

Sun Spirit in the Ancient Healing Garden

The Sun Spirit brings a remembrance of an ancient time, when life was simpler, when we lived in more natural ways, when we were connected more strongly with nature. When she is present our days seem to be in a more positive light and we feel as if anything is possible. She watches over us in our days, warming us, helping us and everything around us heal and grow.

Sun Spirit in the Ancient Healing Garden by Jeanne Fry

She is a reminder when life gets hectic or we don't feel quite right, to get back to basics and honor the things nature brings to us.

Strong ~ Vibrant ~ Positive ~ Healing

This is the third painting in my series, "Healing in the Ancient Garden"

Earthy colors of yellow ochre, turquoise, burnt umber, burnt orange, and titanium white were used in the painting, which is 12 x 12 and sealed with a satin finish. The spirals are representative of the healing energy from the Sun Spirit.

SOLD



Crow Carrying Sun Medicine Symbolic Folk Art

"Crow Carrying Sun Medicine"  is the second painting in the trio "Healing in the Ancient Garden".

Crow Carrying Sun Medicine Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

This painting focuses on the Crow himself, who is depicted here as the messenger, the carrier, bringing the sun's medicine for those in the garden who may be missing it. Maybe they are small and not able to catch the sun on their own, maybe they are blocked by other growth around them, but never the less....Crow realizes what they need and assists in the delivery of the sun's medicine to them.

The symbiotic nature of this ancient garden is a reminder of how connected life is and how we all affect one another. In my readings, was inspired by Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan, "Life does not take over the globe by combat, but by networking."

This original painting was sold, but prints are available here in our Artfire Studio

Crow Carrying Sun Medicine Art Print in Artfire Shop 

It is also available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America shop here
Crow Carrying Sun Medicine Art Print on Fine Art America

Crow in the Ancient Healing Gardens Folk Art

In my newest painting, I wanted to reflect a time long ago when healing was a bit more natural and our connection with the Earth was stronger. In doing so, I used soft earthy colors as the palette, maize and ochre, burnt sienna and umber, turquoise and sage green and began layer upon layer. Umber spirals are placed throughout the painting to represent the healing process of the garden. Bits of titanium white can be seen amongst the layers, symbolic that a "cleansing" had occurred before the growth.

Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Sun is meant to appear old but strong, natural and indigenous, lending it's hand to the  growth below.

And within all of this, I needed a totem. As Crow has been coming to our home the past few days in a much more prevalent way, this was the chosen totem. In the painting, the Crow is symbolic not only as a messenger, but for "creating anew" which I feel gives the painting completion...

Cleansing, Growth, and Renewal

In the Ancient Healing Gardens with Crow

This original painting has been sold, but Art Prints of it are available in our Artfire Shop here

Crow in the Ancient Healing Garden Folk Art Prints for Sale 

It is also available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America shop here

Crow in the Ancient Healing Garden Art Print on Fine Art America

Bear Totem and it's Symbolic Meaning

The Bear is a powerful and healing totem to work with. I have always had a great affection for Bear and the attributes is symbolizes on so many levels. I find it to be an endearing and wise totem for both men and women.
The Bear does not truly hibernate but does go into a state of sleep, quietness, shutting down. It survives from the reserves it has stored up, which is a pertinent lesson in finding a balance with your energy and not "tapping" reserves empty on a daily basis. It reminds us to be mindful of our energy levels each day and to not over extend ourselves.
In today's world it is easy to push ourselves beyond what is healthy for not only our bodies but also our spirit. Bear strongly represents Nurturing.
 The symbolism of this shutting down period is also representative of the winter time, a special introspective time for us humans, and reminds you to give yourself permission to go at a slower pace and reflect...to work through life lessons at a reasonable pace and prepare for renewal. This is an excellent time for writing in one's journal or doing some inspirational reading.

Burlap and Canvas Bear Totem Painting by Jeanne Fry

I think we have a love of Bear because of their similarities to us...they eat a similar diet, they can stand on two legs and walk, but I think the thing that we can truly relate to is their sense of love and protection especially over their young. They will protect them fiercely and love them dearly, just as we humans do. For such a large totem that represents strength, their hearts are just as big.

Bears carry great confidence with them, a surety in their step, and are a good totem to work with if you are learning to step into your own power and find confidence in your decisions. And this with all things requires a balance as well...not to be "too" cocky with your stance that you ignore situations, but that you carefully ponder your course, make your choice, and go forward with strength and fortitude.

Bear Totem Medicine Wheel Painting by Jeanne Fry

Both of the above paintings were sold.
Art Prints of the "Bear Totem Medicine Wheel" are available in our Fine Art America shop here
Bear Totem Medicine Wheel Art Print

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