Quail Totem Symbolic Meaning

The Quail Totem is a wonderful Animal Teacher, bringing lessons that focus on Self Care, Grounding, and the importance of doing so. 

With the Quail being a bird that is widely hunted, he has much he can teach us humans about living and surviving symbolically in this big ol' world. Awareness is needed in order to not only see Opportunities, but to see where dangers and pitfalls lie. It is the calm, grounded soul that can be fully aware of their surroundings. If were are to make wise decisions in the face of adversity or crisis, those decisions must come from our balanced self. It is from this place that we know when to move forward and when to hang back, when to be open and when to protect ourselves. 

In order to be at our best in balance, we  must become a master in self care, nurturing the body mind and spirit. Eating well, sleeping well, having "me" time, and surrounding ourselves with healthy relationships...all can help us breathe deeply and calmly. Above all, Quail reminds us to listen to our inner voice, for there lies many answers that can be useful on this journey.

The Spiritual Journey - Gourd Art Vessel

This week as I was creating a new Gourd Art Vessel, my mind was drifting. I was painting a geometric design on the front of the Gourd, in soft soothing colors of dusty periwinkle and cream. As I painted the shapes I noticed they began facing different directions. Along the side of the Gourd I had adorned the lacing with a strand of oval wood beads. While the wood beads hung in a straight line, the geometric shapes had a more diverse path. 

It made me think of our Spiritual Journeys, and how each one is our own. There is no right way or wrong way....when they are focused on the Higher Good for all. It is a journey of twists and turns, learning and growing, compassion and love. 

And along the way, reminding ourselves to enjoy each and every Moment.

Sweet Dreams from the Ancestors - Gourd Art

Fear.

Fear seems to continue to be commanding life as we know it, and affecting so many tender spirits. After a while it changes who you are, how you think and make decisions, and how you relate to others. There are so many violent and bullying acts, oppression, and intolerance, and Fear always seems to be involved. It's a tough world out there, but it is also a very beautiful one. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to break it down to ....taking One Day at a Time.

Those days of struggle are what inspired my newest gourd art creations, "Sweet Dreams". 

I wanted to create a reminder, a new focus, a little piece of mind....an artwork that would remind you at the end of the day that everything is going to be okay. That you are loved. That you are cared for. And that tomorrow is a New Day.

She bids "Sweet Dreams", bringing wishes of a healing respite while you sleep and building your strength for the new day.

Not Everything is Black and White - Original Symbolic Tree of Life Painting

Each one of us are here to walk our Path in Life, and the road is different  for each person. We have a lot of conditions and expectations put on us: by society, our communities, our politicians, our families, our friends, and even ourselves. What others think we "should of " or "could of" done isn't always possible, for they're not aware of all the steps that led up to this space on our path called Now. 

Wouldn't Life be easy if there were an instruction booklet that was passed out on our arrival. It's all a Learning Curve, and we try to do the best we can with what we've got. 

Some think that the Directions are so simple, as if the map has been written out in black and white, "This is the way you are supposed to go". While we are all heading to the same destination, we all have to find our Own path. Some may have a straight flat road to journey, while others may have to navigate rocky terrain. We're going to get lost, we're going to make mistakes, and sometimes we may have to back track to get on the right road. 

We're Humans, and while our journey might be messy and difficult at times, we also have those times when it is joyful and sweet. Not Everything is Black and White.

When I created this painting I wanted to symbolically portray colors of our human existence amidst the starkness of the literal black and white. I used the Tree of Life to bring our emotional colors out in its leaves. Within the center of the Tree the shadow of a Face can be found. Abstract direction is given with the black and white, while as you get closer to the Tree you will find shades of greys and beige and alternate movement - our own personal navigation on the path. 

Crow and Bear Protection Totem and it's Symbolism

Animal Totems have always been very important in my life, even since childhood. I look to Nature when I need to feel Peace, and I look to my Animal Totems when I need a different perspective on things. Resonating with the Earth gives me the Grounding that I need to make decisions in a calm and balanced way. 

I study the animal kingdom daily, their ways of survival, communicating, and cycles. When the totems come to me, either physically or through vision, their message and wisdom always can be applied to my own current circumstances. 

Last week as I sat in my studio I had two beautiful yet oddly shaped gourds sitting on my work table, waiting to be transformed. They had been their for a few weeks, waiting for the inspiration to materialize. Then late one evening while I was quietly writing in my notebooks, I knew. I would sculpt a Totem, one for Protection....for the home, and it would honor the Crow and Bear. 

The base of the Gourd would represent the human, our spirit. Above would be the Crow - as the Watchmen, alerting us with his messages and voice as he watches over our realm. Under would be the Bear - the protector, who nurtures with tender love but at the same time will guard their family fiercely.  

I sculpted in entirety that night, the Crow and Bear, wanting their energy to stay in a continuum.

I kept the natural shape of the gourd, which had a looped end on the top, perfect for the creation of the Crow. By the next day I began the painting, giving the Crow and Bear their richness.

 A Tribal Face was painted in the center to represent the human, detailed with the Sun and Moon, symbolic for the protective qualities to be present Night and Day, while walking in both worlds.

 A Star scene was painted withing the Bear's fur, as he carries wisdom from the Star Beings. 

Crow tracks were painted up one side of the Totem, and Bear Tracks up the other side of the Totem. One of his feathers painted drifting down, as a gift.

 The Crow's tail feathers extend down the back of the Totem, resting above a branch from the Tree of Life. 

The Crow and Bear Totem was created to bring it's protective essence to the home, to place near the front door to always remind one they are watched over.

SOLD

Please contact us if you would like to commission a similar piece.

The Wishing Tree Symbolism of Hope and Dreams

The "Wishing Tree" is always here for you. It stands tall and strong with a glow of purity and wisdom. Swirls of healing colors climb through its trunk, welcoming its visitors, inviting one to sit and make a wish. Each white leaf represents a guardian who is there to help. Offshoots of leaf stars peak through the tree, these for the wishing of "big" dreams.

When one desires to make a wish they choose a leaf and that guardian helps bring it to fruition. The only thing that the Wishing Tree asks in return is that you sit and tell it a story...your story. The Tree loves to listen and will keep the strictest confidence. 

The "Wishing Tree" is always here for you. It's right in the middle of your dreams.

Bears Mother Tree - a Safe Haven in an Everchanging World

The Earth is continually changing. As we humans spread out more and more we continue to ravage this precious land, and more times than not don't give back to her. Each living thing does its best to acclimate to those changes. Each animal finds their homes becoming smaller and smaller. They are having to learn how to live among us, and in doing so they lose pieces of their own animal spirit.

"Bears Mother Tree" was created to represent the sacred home to the Bear, a place where they could come and "be". This place is where the Bear can always come home and be safe...to remember who they are...to keep their spirit authentic...to not become "watered" down by the humans...to just be the Bear.

The symbolism in the painting brings the "Mother Tree" to life. The tree is painted in pale turquoise representing the richness of the Earth.The grey bark is for the wisdom she has gained in the changes of time. Two bears are visiting, one resting on her branch, while the younger one is climbing to find haven. Small tan leaves are opening at her branch tips, for birth and growth. Four medicine wheels are hanging in the branches, each with a Tree of Life inside. The tree of life is painted in white for the purity of our existence. Each medicine wheel has four feathers hanging from them for the balance of the Four Directions. Bear prints are painted amongst the limbs, symbolism for the bears walk of life. 

Living here in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, I have a great respect for the Bear. For the past year or so I continue to hear more and more stories on the news about the bear population coming closer and closer into our towns. During the interviews people are complaining about these visitations, upset with such petty things as bird feeders being knocked down, or their trash cans being pilfered. The Bear's home is becoming smaller and smaller, and their food sources more scarce.

This was the inspiration for my painting "Bears Mother Tree". In my heart, my hope is that they could have such a place, a sacred place, untouched, where they can always walk with Bear Heart.

Luna's Moonflowers - Ode to the Night

As the twilight approaches and the veil is getting thin, the anticipation heightens... for soon our dance will begin.

This is the magic time, embraced by a blanket of stars. It is another world, a different world, a world filled with possibilities. While others are sleeping soundly, we allow our Mystic Spirit to connect with Luna who glows so stoically in the sky.

She urges us to trust in our "knowing", and to feel confident in doing so. These sweet hours allow for uninterrupted thinking. They are the bridge between our conscious and sub-conscious. 

 As the moonflower only blooms at night, so does a certain part of our Spirit. Finding the balance between both worlds allows us to step confidently in our Self.

This is a Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry. Done in acrylics on canvas, the woman offers a bouquet of Moonflowers to Luna, in thanks for the respite and knowledge she provides. 

This original painting is sold.

We All See the Same Moon - Seeing Similarities and not Differences

When I raised my children there were many ideals that I thought were important to pass on to them. One of the most important ones, was to see beyond our differences. As I myself was born with a birth defect that left me with a physical handicap growing up, I knew first hand the types of discrimination, misconceptions,  bullying and ridicule that exist in the world. My wish was that my children would grow up to see beyond color, disability, race, sexual orientation, and social class. I had many things I wanted to teach my children. Some were successful and some were not...but this very important ideal was learned quickly. I was always proud of them, noticing that when they were put in a situation where people's differences came into play....they saw the human...the things that make us the same, and the differences were overlooked.

I've been saddened the past few years (since our hard fall in the economy), that we humans are becoming more and more divided. Bullying, hate crimes, road rage, and an intolerance for others and their beliefs seems to be on a continual rise. I associate some of this with the economy decline, as I feel that so many have been living their lives in a day to day state of fear....and fear leads to these negative behaviors. I also feel that we are losing the art of communication. While it may mistakenly seem as if we are more connected because of technology, our young ones are losing the practice of effective and compassionate conversation. These two things combined isolate us in a sense, within ourselves...making it easier to fall into the trap of feeling as if no one understands us. Then, our differences become more prevalent. 

I painted "We All See the Same Moon", as a reminder of our similarities.

"We All See the Same Moon" Original Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

I tried to bring my thoughts to the canvas within a celestial scene. Four moon gazers are standing together looking upon the moon. Each of the figures are different, yet the same. They all have their own distinct styles, yet fit together in common bond. They are able to look beyond their differences and unite as one under the moon in peace.

This original painting has been sold, but it is available in my Fine Art America shop here:
"We All See the Same Moon" Art Print by Jeanne Fry

Conscious Art Studios Virtual Tour and Online Art Show

Welcome to all of our Friends near and far. We wanted to take the opportunity to give those of you that haven't had the chance to see us at an art show, a better idea of what we do on our weekends at shows...how we set up...our displays...how we interact....and a chance to view some of our newest artworks that I have not been seen by anyone yet.

I will be logged into my blogger account at 8pm Eastern Standard Time. Should you like to comment, say hello, or ask any questions about our art and its symbolism... I will be here to answer your questions. (Just use the comment feature at the bottom of this blog posting)

Have a little tour and see what our Conscious Art Studios art booth is like.

Our friends and collectors are always asking us what inspires us.....

Simply, it is Nature

Labryinth Classical 7 Circuit Design

The Beauty of our Landscapes

And Animal Totems...

We enjoy bringing the elements of our world and the beauty that surrounds us into our artwork. Color and Symbolism play a big part in this. The majority of our art seems to revolve around animal totems, I suppose because we can learn so much from them.

Within our art booth we bring a blanket of color, nature, and peaceful music to the senses.

This week I was inspired by not only nature, but the upcoming holidays as well. 

Having found several different types of feathers on my walks through our woods, I decided to create a few small paintings paying an honor to some of my favorite bird totems and bringing a gratefulness to them for their wisdom.

Feather Paintings by Jeanne Fry

Bald Eagle Feather Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Bald Feather Eagle Painting in our Artfire Shop

Bluejay Feather Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Bluejay Feather Painting in our Artfire Shop

Cardinal Feather Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

SOLD

Night Hawk Feather Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Night Hawk Feather Painting in Artfire Shop

As is it getting close to 8pm...I will be continuing to add more work as we chat :)

Owl Feather Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

SOLD

The upcoming Day of the Dead holiday, Dia de Muertos, inspires me every year to create some pieces. I love ritual and symbolism, and the honoring of those that came before us. This holiday speaks to all of those things for me.

Day of the Dead ...Honoring

 

Flor de Muerto Art Doll by Jeanne Fry in the Artfire Shop 

 Day of the Dead Original Painting Greeting Card in Artfire Shop

 Painted Paper Mache Sugar Skull for Day of the Dead in the Artfire Shop

Now this next piece is not associated with the Day of the Dead, but does resonate with the time of year when we all become enchanted with tales of Edgar Allan Poe. This is a mixed media piece inspired by one of his stories titled "The System of Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether". If you haven't read the story, I urge you to do so. It's one of my favorites. The painting is my rendition of some of the characters i the story. 

 Mixed Media Painting Inspired by Poe's Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether in the Artfire Shop 

Thanks everyone for stopping in. I have a bunch more new pieces to add, and will keep adding them over the next few days. You can always check into the our Artfire Shop and browse around. 

 Conscious Art Studios Artfire Shop

Goodnight my friends :)

Finding a Direction..a Bear and his Compass

The Black Bear sits attentively in the foreground, contemplating which direction to proceed in. Seems he has been in this space before. The roads all seem familiar. Sometimes familiar can be comforting, but sometimes we need to remember that if it didn't take you towards your dream the first time it's probably not the right way to go now.  Careful thought is being given to the choices that lie before him. He knows not to proceed without using his balanced wisdom, so he chooses to wait and watch.

Finding a Direction, a Mixed Media Painting by Jeanne Fry

 When his heart feels the "knowing" and his feet feel firm and steady, he will make the right choice...and his dream will become his reality.

The Original Painting has sold.

Black Bear Totem the Spirit of the Appalachia

When I think of the Appalachia, the Smokey Mountains, and the Blue Ridge there are certain immediate things that rush to mind. While I most certainly have a love of these woodlands and am a mountain girl at heart, I also think of all the beautiful creatures that live among us.

Black Bear Spirit of the Appalachia by Jeanne Fry

 If the Appalachia could have its own animal totem, I think it would be the Black Bear. In my mind, the two are synonymous. These mountains speak to me of going inward, reasoning, personal growth, and strength. They seem to awaken parts of you that you had forgotten, and parts that you didn't even know existed. It is here that many find their own personal power and a clarity in their choices.

And it is with these things that the Black Bear wisdom assists us...in becoming who we truly are.

SOLD

Hedgehog Totem Meaning

When meeting a Hedgehog many will immediately feel caution because of his "spiked" appearance. Of course you are supposed to feel guarded, as this was Mother Nature's way of providing him protection. When they feel threatened they will curl up into a ball, tricking their predator into thinking they would not be a good meal. Hedgehog teaches us that it is not always wise to let our vulnerabilities show to those we are unsure of.

Hedgehog Totem Original Painting ATC Card by Jeanne Fry

These little wonders of nature are called "Hedgehogs" because they forage and hunt through low lying brush, undergrowth, bushes and hedges. They are resourceful and meticulous in their daily living, which is another good lesson. The Hedgehog reminds us to take our time and we will see opportunities that are available. 

Most species are nocturnal, similar to the opossum. This is symbolic of being connected to the dream time and one's own intuition. The hedgehog can remind one to trust their gut feelings and protect themselves when need be. It is the "knowing" that helps one along their path, suggesting doors of opportunity and to be patient in the lessons.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you are enchanted with this little Hedgehog painting, it is done on an ATC (Artist Trading Card), that is available in our Artfire Shop here

Hedgehog Totem Artist Trading Card Painting

Independence Day Art Sale at Conscious Art Studios

We're wishing everyone a happy 4th of July week ! Here in the South many of our festivities are being dampened or canceled by some incredible rains. Since we are staying indoors, we created a special sale that will run from today July 3rd through Sunday July 7th. 

First, you can collect our unique Art Pendants at 25% off their regular price by using coupon code "FireworksSale" at checkout for the discount. 

The glass art pendants are normally $20, now making them $15. 

You can follow the link to our Art Pendants here

Art Pendants in our Artfire Shop

Crow in the Ancient Healing Garden Glass Art Pendant on Ribbon Necklace

The Path of Life Glass Art Pendant and Earring Set

The art pendant bolo necklaces are normally $15, and by using the coupon will be $11.25. The bolo pendant easily slides on the leather cord to adjust your length.

Art Pendant Bolo Necklace

Then, in another part of the studio, I have created the "25 Dollar Painting Sale". It is a section all it's own and the paintings that are included there are already marked down to the sale price with no special coupons to use. All different sizes, some paintings are on canvas and some on watercolor paper, and all paintings that need a forever home.

You can follow the link  to the Painting Sale in our Artfire Studio here

25 Dollar Painting Sale in Artfire Shop 

Love Hangs On, Original on Canvas 7 x 14

A collection of paintings included in the 25 Dollar Painting Sale

 

Have a beautiful holiday weekend and in your relaxing moments, grab a glass of iced tea and take a browse through the shop :)

Conscious Art Studios Artfire Shop

Painted Horse Symbolism Contemporary Folk Art

I meet with this horse once a year. He is a beautiful horse, gentle and kind, with eyes that are filled with compassion. He has an old soul that you know is filled with wisdom, and when spending time with him your own spirit is set as ease. 

Painted Horse, Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

He speaks to you through his gaze. During our last visit, as I stroked his back, I had a better vision of this life. I was able to put my fears aside, with a complete understanding that we are all protected as we walk our path. We need not worry about the destination at this moment, only where we are traveling today. If we do so with a perfect love and perfect trust, our journey becomes easier and our lessons more profound. And although so often we can feel alone within our path, truly we never are. For all of us our walking our path at the same time, they coincide, paths cross, we meet in the middle, we help and guide one another. People and Guides are placed strategically along our path. Sometimes they stay with us for a life time, and sometimes only for a particular curve in the journey. Irregardless, our lives are the richer for it.

As my visit ends each time with the horse, I honor him for the wisdom and gently stroke his face. 

We will meet again.

The Original Painting is listed in our Etsy shop here:
Painted Horse Original Painting on Etsy 

There are also Art Prints available of it in our Fine Art America online shop here
Painted Horse Art Print