The Council of the Winged Ones, Original Contemporary Folk Art

Over the past two years my art has been greatly inspired by Bird Totems. I have also focused a large amount of artwork around the Earth and Sky. The symbolism of the Winged Ones has enchanted me, for they are able to navigate the bridge between the Earth and Sky, representing their freedom of flight and being able to soar through life. They are able to wander through those things that are bigger than ourselves.

The Council of the Winged Ones, contemporary folk art by Jeanne Fry

For me personally, I know that as I move through periods of personal growth, bird totems are always present. They are here to inspire and broaden my perspectives on life and living. They remind me that all things are possible, and encourage me to stay connected to my higher self.

I brought this painting to life to represent the Winged Ones and their wisdom. They are represented as a council, bringing a call to order amongst themselves, to share their own wisdom on the paths that they follow. Their diversity as strong beings and teachers is of great importance as they come together in council. Their visions are shared for the greater good. 

Within the painting I brought together the Owl (wisdom and vision), the Crow (messages and manifestation), the Cardinal (strength of spirit, passion, inner voice), the Heron (transformation and grace), the Robin (periods of growth and opportunity), the Eagle (sacredness of Spirit and healing), the Bluejay (power and the right use of will), the Hummingbird ( happiness and enjoying the moment), and the Hawk ( power and vision).  The lessons and medicine that these Winged Ones bring is immense and symbolic for us two-leggeds. 

The Original Painting has sold. You can find Art Prints available of it in our Artfire Shop
Council of the Winged Ones Art Print 11x14 Available

It is also available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America online shop. They offer it as a print, matted and framed, on canvas, on metal, or as a greeting card.
Council of the Winged Ones Art Print on Fine Art America

Through the Elephants Eyes and the Elephant Totem Symbolic Meaning

Late on a Friday evening, while burning some Frangipani incense and drinking my usual Earl Grey tea, I took to the canvas with a different kind of inspiration. My senses were in a heightened state for the room was filled with the scent of cut roses, bundles of spearmint drying in the kitchen, and the rich soil on my garden gloves lying on the end table near the door. Blending that with the Frangipani and my tea, I realized I had an impromptu aromatherapy session going on.

 The creative inspiration that came forth was bringing visions of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows into my mind. Rich and Warm, vibrant and bold, the colors swirled in my belly. Immediately my mind wandered now to thoughts of an African landscape, the sun, and an elephant.

Through the Elephants Eyes, Contemporary Folk Art by Jeanne Fry

I knew that I had to paint the elephant. The elephant generally has poor eyesight and relies more on his sense of smell to guide him. How ironic that my sense of smell this evening led me to him.

I wanted the painting to reflect more of what the elephant totem could smell and feel, with the actual visuals being a little more subtle.

I wanted the richness of his surroundings to be dominant, with the color scheme making you immediately associate him in his own environment. 

Learning more about the elephant totems symbolism  gave me a much better understanding of his character, and a desire to carry some of its wisdom with me. Their size and strength is immediately apparent, but their softer compassionate side is often not thought of. They are deeply compassionate, tending to sick and injured ones as well as caring for those that are passing over. They carry great balance within themselves, bold and strong, gentle and loving. A wisdom we all need to carry with us. 

The other trait that I found of importance was the fact that the females will travel in packs. Their packs are comprised of all ages and led my an older wise one, all learning and caring for one another. It reminded me of that same special bond we can find in healthy women's circles and how completing that can be for a woman's spirit.

Through the Elephants Eyes, Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

My hope with this painting was to be able to stimulate the viewers senses, beyond the visual and the obvious.

The Original of this painting has sold, but it is available as an Art Print here
Through the Elephants Eyes Art Print

The Symbolism and Philosophy of the Heron Totem Gathering

Herons are part of the animal totem kingdom that hold a special place in my heart. I embrace them for their ability to hold such beautiful balance and grace, especially because they can do so within the various elements of Water, Earth and Air. This diversity in their skills is representative of the person who is talented at many things. 

The Philosophy of the Heron Totem Gathering, Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

They have an air of Independence, with a courage to follow their own heart, knowing where they want to go and how they want to get there. They do so with grace, easily adapting to circumstances. The Heron is a wonderful totem to have when one is going through transformations in life, as they can teach courage with grace on life's journey.

This weekend I finished a painting called "The Philosophy of the Heron Gathering". In the painting there are four  herons (for the 4 directions)  wading in the rich blue waters. Three of the herons are facing in the same direction. One of the herons has decided to go in the other direction. He is following his heart. 

"Be Confident....Be Unique....and do so with Grace"

The Philosophy of the Heron Totem Gathering by Jeanne Fry

This original painting has sold. It will soon be available as an Art Print in our Artfire Shop here
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ConsciousArtStudios

Sacred Trees the Connectedness of Life

Thoughtful moments were spent this week on the Connectedness of Life, in turn inspiring a new painting. As my passion as an artist always seems to navigate to nature, so was born "Sacred Trees".  As I painted the tree grove I thought about how everything we think, everything we do, affects not only ourselves but those around us.

Sacred Trees the Connectedness of Life, a Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

 How these actions extend themselves within our home, our work, our friends, our family, our community....how each choice ultimately affects our entire world. I contemplated on whether each person thought of their decisions in that way...not only how it would affect them, but how would it affect the higher good?

The Sacred Trees painting is a reminder, a reminder of how we are all connected.

SOLD

Earth Lizard, a Totem for Life's Journey and Meaning

The Lizard Totem is close to my heart, a wonderful guide and teacher, of Connecting with one's intuition, How we perceive the world and each other, and Detachment. My newest lizard painting is called "Earth Lizard". I wanted to portray the strong connection with the Earth.

Earth Lizard Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

 The lizard's skills of being "aware" make him skilled on his journey walking this land. He senses through vibration and has excellent hearing. He moves quickly through life, but at the same time knows when to stop and be still - to be unseen and blend with his environment. These perception skills teach us to pay attention to the things around us, and to learn to trust in our own intuition. He guides us to listen, not only to what is being said, but also to what is not being said...and to see beyond the obvious. 

Some lizards have the ability to detach or lose their tail when they are in a compromised position. This ability teaches us to let go of the things symbolically that we no longer need in order to move on.

The "Earth Lizard" painting brings forth the connection with the Earth and it's elements, soaking in the glow of the Sun and it's healing positive energy. While he is unique and individual in the designs he wears, he can still blend into his environment with ease when needed. 

When creating this painting, I added a new medium into my use of the acrylics, that brought a rich texture. This texture is symbolic of the the lizard's sensitivities and perceptions as he walks the Earth.

The Textures in The Earth Lizard Painting

To see more of the painting or to collect it, you can visit it in my Artfire Studio here

Earth Lizard Contemporary Folk Art Painting for Sale

Nubian Goat Totem Symbolism

The Nubian Goat is rich in symbolism.Goats were one one of the earliest domesticated animals because of their many attributes, sought for their milk, meat, and hide.Their milk has a higher butterfat content and is generally easily digested by humans. Their hides are used for leathers in crafting everything from rugs to clothing to bags.
They represent abundance and fertility to us, a continual sustenance to satisfy our needs.

Goat and Sunflower, a contemporary folk art painting by Jeanne Fry

Goats are strong and easily adapt to varying terrain. They are excellent climbers and carry a surety in their step. Before goats were bred and domesticated, they tended to live in mountainous regions. They can adapt to their surroundings and do so with a careful and thoughtful step, showing us that when life gives us challenges to proceed with an awareness and courage.
Their climbing ability to the tops of the geographical peaks was representative of being able to see the "big picture" and attaining a stronger connection to that which is larger than us.One could say that the goat is symbolic of balance and perspective.

Thank you for visiting my blog. You are welcome to explore my other blog posts here, many which focus on animal totem symbolism.
(This painting has been sold)